~ SEMINAR TESTIMONIALS ~
Prof Phil visits old friend and mentor, Ernst Fuchs, at the Chapel in Klagenfurt, Austria where he adorned the walls and designed the space. Summer, 2005
www.ernstfuchsmuseum.at/
''What choice is there if you are a chosen one, born to be a visionary painter on an esoteric path?
Among infinite chances to meet or not meet a person, is it by chance that we meet one bearing a special message -- step by step, forming a spiritual world of visual contemplation, of theological and philosophical Reasoning?
Phil and I met years ago just at the beginning of his path -- at the entrance to the reality of the imagination.
It was at Castle Wartholz where I gave lectures on the techniques of the Old Masters and, ever since, he has followed his way through the wilderness of contemporary art. His talents have revealed the message he has been chosen to give to his students first and to all who have set out to explore an esoteric interpretation of the universe. ''
- Ernst Fuchs -
Austrian painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, architect, stage designer, composer, poet, singer and one of the founders of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism (1930 - 2015)
Painting by De Es
Today art is art and truth is something else.
For artists who are aware of the deep mysterious relationship of ART with TRUTH, this is a painful observation.
For me and many others , Brother Phil is an inspirational powerhouse,
who offers through his paintings, lectures, writings and art-teaching an antidotal perspective.
He does it with such natural competency, heartwarming love and exuberant compassion, that the divine meaning of art itself seems to come to life directly through his wondrous personality.
- De Es Schwertberger, Artist, Author and Sculptor
Vienna, Austria, 0ct.27.2008
Painting by Alex Grey
Phil Jacobson is an artist and mystic of rare intelligence…ever reminding us that creativity and spirituality are One.
- Alex Grey, Artist and Author
Self-portrait. c. 2005, by Madeline Von Foerster
Mischtechnik on panel (egg tempera & oil)
Professor Philip Rubinov Jacobson has given me perhaps the most important gift of my artistic life. Six years of art school did not provide me with the tools that three weeks in his seminar offer. Not only is the Misch method exponentially faster, easier, and more enjoyable than the alla prima technique I used previously, but my paintings are also far more luminous and beautiful than before. They have a light and depth that I never could have attained the old way. I deeply appreciate having these time-tested methods and formulas, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition perfected by some of the Old Masters I revere most, and also knowing my paintings are now themselves more resilient to aging. "I have been consistently impressed by how Professor Phil conducts his class -- all students receive equal time and attention, regardless of their level. Abstract or photo-realist, professional or first-time painters will all receive instruction that is sensitive to their interests and needs. Moreover, the sojourn in Reichenau is a blissful artistic retreat, one which I would repeat for that reason alone! Imagine waking daily to a view of the Alps, ending each night in the steam room, with museums and hiking on the weekends... It is simply a perfect working vacation. I hope to return many times.
- Madeline von Foerster
- Artist and Illustrator
USA & Germany
Attended two Austrian seminars in 2005 and 2010, Reichenau
http://www.madelinevonfoerster.com
c. Kim Meghan Evans
The Alchemists
To me, a Great teacher/mentor is someone who believes in your creative spirit/soul’s calling, they hear and see it, with intuitive ears and eyes, listen to your creative passions and concerns/fears, while guiding and supporting you to grow. Most times gently, and sometimes with a shove…(they know you can fly.)
Great teachers commit to nurturing and supporting you in your journey as creative beings and assisting you in finding your expression of voice and vision…yours, no one else’s. They understand that you hold a personal, creative wealth of your own to be guided into being…and it can – if you accept the challenge & gifts of guidance – be preciously brought to the fore, like gems in an archeological dig. A Great teacher will hand you the shovel and brush to do the precious work of mining your own expression and creative wealth.
A Great teacher/mentor said to me, “when you come to learn with me, leave your bags by the door.”…
It doesn’t matter whether you enter the room of knowledge with a ton of past experience or none at all, a Great teacher will open new doors graciously to you. Offering from their pool of experience – with skill and patience – masterly techniques and the philosophies and crafts of masters, inspiration, fun and a space to meet precious life-long new friends, artists and acquaintances.
A Great teacher also opens another magical door, sometimes less tangible: These gifts to you from a Great teacher, are an expanded commitment to your evolving journey as a creative soul, and it is encompassed in their innate ability to facilitate, inspire, to bring an element of magic to the creative environment, to listen deeply, and to share that which they are passionate about, with you, if you are open to receiving it… all with a Great flame of Spirit, respect, compassion, humor, wisdom, knowledge, technique & psyche.
A Great teacher/mentor can make you feel as though you are their only apprentice in a room full of students, and each precious student feels the same. And when you have left the learning room, they are often on your shoulder as you work. If you listen, you continue to hear them and feel the blessings of the gifts your mentor shared and gave you. A Great teacher (like a Great friend) continues to transmit their giving, support, love, belief, joys in your success & your journey long after you go home, and even in the gap of distance & time.
To Fra PP - Philip Rubinov Jacobson,
one of the Great teacher/mentor/alchemists, and dear friend, who – as an added bonus to all the magic I mentioned above from attending and assisting at the wonder-full OMNV Seminars ( in 2001 Austria & Florence, and 2002 Austria), – also taught me a whole new vocabulary of Philism’s – echo’s that resonate off the walls of my studio & working process, making themselves heard at really odd moments. (Chanting)…schtumpha…schpuka…mifna...split-mifna..
Forever Grateful, Thank you Phil.
With love and respect. Kim.
KIM EVANS, Artist, Illustrator and Teacher
http://www.kimevans.com/
http://www.kimmevans.blogspot.com.au/
Attended Seminars 2001 Austria & Florence,
and 2002 in Austria
Portait of Joanna Newsom, c.2006, Benjamin Vierling
oil and egg tempera on panel
Like an alchemist, Professor Phil unlocks the secrets of the egg as a catalyst for evoking creative Gold. Effects of unrivaled luminosity can be achieved with the synthesis of the tempera and oil mediums, and Jacobson's heartfelt introduction to the methodology is certain to inspire the novice and the experienced artist alike. The painting seminars facilitate total immersion in the wellspring of the Muse, allowing for uninhibited exploration of the creative process. The rich tapestry of art history provides the backdrop for this odyssey through inspiration and technique, the destination being nothing less than the wildest visions of the participants.
As a teacher, Professor Phil demonstrates patience and empathy with the working process of each and every student. He possesses the incredibly rare ability to provide objective technical criticisms, whilst yet retaining deep respect for subjective interpretation. Correct procedure is meticulously demonstrated and explained, and the importance of learning specific techniques is applied to the unique artistic ambitions of the individual. In this way, the misch method is as relevant to the traditionalist who seeks to emulate the figurative nuances of the great renaissance Masters, as it is to the abstract painter who endeavors to render purely conceptual forms.
The misch technique has proven invaluable to me with crafting my own work. Both literally as a method of construction, and as an aesthetic legacy bridging my ambitions to those of the Old Masters, who first traversed the reflective mirror of Geist with pigment and medium. My creative process continues to evolve with my understanding of the technique, and I am tremendously grateful to Professor Phil for opening the gates to this ongoing journey!
Benjamin A. Vierling, Artist
USA, May, 2014
Attended the Austrian seminars in 2005, Reichenau
"Wheel of Fortune" c. 2014 by Melodia Roche
Mischtechnik/egg tempera and oil
I am so grateful to have studied with my painting professors and mentors, Philip Rubinov Jacobson and Mantra Cora! I joyously recommend attending a seminar to any painter of any skill level, especially those interested in learning about the traditional approaches to the old master’s mische techniques, and to those seeking any form of guidance along their path as an artist. The experiences I have had studying with my gracious and supportive teachers (2 seminars to date) have been invaluable and everyday I have spent with them has encouraged my mind to take leaps and bounds forward in my comprehension of painting and pursuing a lifestyle of art. Through dedicating their lives to art and to teaching, Phil and Mantra have created an unmatched experience for their art community, working attentively with each painter, to truly cultivate each artist’s own unique artistic language. They have the knowledge, experience and compassion necessary to widely open the hearts and minds of any artist seeking to develop their personal genre. Old Masters New Visions seminars are a mobile art sanctuary!, and a wonderful opportunity to take part in a loving community of like-minded devotees.
~ Melodia Roche, Artist, Ward, Colorado, October, 2014
Attended the 2013 Austrian Seminar and the 2014 Bali Painting
In addition to her demonstrations, Mantra shared her knowledge on Max Ernst through a Power Point presentation. It was wonderful to witness some of the other students light up at the freedom of expression possible in this less traditional way of using fluid acrylic paint. Mantra was definitely the "go-to person" for abstract grounds. She also had an amazing smile that came out through her eyes.
- Dominique Hurley's Art & Inspiration Blog, Canada
Artist at the “Eye of the Spirit” Painting Retreat in Bali
Attended Session 2 - for 1 week
May, 2014
Paraphrased from the Blog: “Eye of the Spirit” Painting Week in Bali - For the Love of Beauty and the Beauty of Love
Be Seeing You, c. 2014 by Beth Lerman
tempera grassa and oil on canvas
★★★★★ I have studied with Phil and Mantra twice now--I did a three-week seminar with them in Austria in 2013 and just returned from their 2014 two-week seminar in Boulder, CO. I could not recommend them more highly for intermediate to professional painters, but I would caution the absolute beginner. Phil is an expert at working with people of all different painting backgrounds and styles to achieve the effects they want to accomplish in their work--he has worked with visionary artists, surrealists, artists who wish to emulate old masters' styles, as well as abstract painters. While you don't need to be an accomplished artist to grow tremendously from these seminars, it does help if you have some basic experience using paints and if you have a goal in mind for what you hope to achieve at seminar. Phil and Mantra can assist you with actualizing your visions, but they are decidedly not prescriptive in their approach; if you provide the vision/goal--regardless of how basic or lofty--they will help you to make it a reality.
As a committed but still intermediate-level artist, I have found that their guidance, paired with long hours in the studio, have made both of my seminars times of incredible artistic growth. I have gained tremendous understanding about the proper use and function of materials, how to achieve various effects, and how to make the best use of color, to say nothing of the basic information about the Flemish and Italian mische techniques. If you're ready to "level up", find a way to attend!
- Beth Lerman, Artist, Chicago, IL, August, 2014
Attended the 2013 Austrian seminar and the 2014 USA seminar,
Adler School of Professional Psychology
Past: Fordham University, Lincoln Center
Assistant to Madeline von Foerster
Divya Tara' Melaluca, Artist
Australia, New South Wales - Victoria
Artist at the “Eye of the Spirit”
Painting Retreat in Bali
May 2014, Australia, New South Wales - Victoria
2014 “Eye of the Spirit” Painting Retreat in Bali. Session I and II - 5 weeks
On Mantra Cora -
Mantra planted so many seeds for me in the seminar, that I was able to explore my personal visual language wildly and courageously. She opened this newly expanded vocabulary of art enabling me to 'see' . Mantra created many unpredictable gateways for me in my art, and her insights and guidance were so strong that I truly feel a rebirth has taken place.
On Prof. Phil -
It is so rare to find an art teacher like Phil. He really cares about each student. By observing me, he very quickly was able to grasp what I needed to learn to develop artistically, and guided me throughout the course with different 'doses' of insights injected into demonstrations and conversations. Having completed 5 weeks of study in Bali, I feel so full and have an understanding of the technical roots in painting as well as the endless possibilities. I now feel confident to practice and experiment because of how much I learned and how freely I was guided. I feel like I have unlocked many things through the seminar experience and have constructed many bridges into new creative realms.
It is a great pleasure to be friends with Philip.
He is a great Artist, Writer and a Man of Action. Philip has dedicated a massive amount of energy into a movement that is very close to my heart.
The global Fantastic & Visionary Art movement would be more than a man short without Philip's energy.
Phil has published books on our movement, featuring many great artists, he's produced an impressive body of work and he has exposed people to the magic of Visionary art with his personable, hands on seminars. Phil is also one of the artists featured in our book "Metamorphosis" and it is my pleasure to Recommend this passionate man to the art world (and the world at large).
Jon Beinart - Director & Editor, beinArt Publishing -
'The Brahma Series: Manvantara' by Ashley Christudason
This having been my first painting course ever attended, I felt very 'at home' with all the new knowledge taught by Phil & Mantra. Their patience and fun-attitude towards teaching allowed me to gain insight into everything from the mische-technique right down to cleaning brushes the right way. They were both very approachable and spent time individually with every student to make sure each one was comfortable & learning as he/she should.
Not only were Phil & Mantra able to teach us about art, but also shared their philosophies on spirit & life and what it means to unify these composites onto the canvas. This allowed for a more integral approach to understanding the nature & role of the artist.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course and look forward to the next time these 2 wonderful souls are teaching in Bali...I would recommend it for ANYONE & EVERYONE !
Ashley Christudason,
Artist at the “Eye of the Spirit” Painting Retreat in Bali
Singapore, May, 2014
Cold City, c. 2011 by Andreas Streun
tempera and oil on masonite board
A great experience
Four weeks of painting in August 2007 in Reichenau, Austria was a great experience.Learning how to alternate white tempera with oil glazes was a breakthrough for me: decoupling light and color in this way allows building up a painting deliberately and to correct at any stage. As a result, the light is well modeled, and the colors come out with unprecedented brightness. All my old paintings appear gray and dull in comparison.Apart from painting, I had a very good time with interesting and enjoyable people from many countries. Prof.Phil, of course, was the hub and the heart of the group: always open for all individual needs, very competent and flexible to tutor each student individually, and interested in any communication about art, philosophy, science and life in general. I love remembering those weeks!
- Dr. Andreas Streun, Artist and Research Physicist,
Switzerland, November 15, 2007
Attended several Austrian seminars, Reichenau
Over the years, in different countries, I have taken around 9 Mischtechnik Painting Seminars with Prof Philip Rubinov Jacobson. Phil has incredible painting experience and knowledge of the technique. He is a great artist and teacher. And he attracts great artists as well as beginners to his seminars. I have made life time friends with the people I have met at his seminars. I highly recommend Prof Phil's seminars. And his wife and co-teacher, Mantra Cora is both a great artist and added addition to the learning experience. I'm going to their painting seminar in Tuscan, Arizona at the end of May.
Irene Vincent, Artist & Author
USA, April 30, 2017
Attended 11 seminars in the USA, Italy. Bavaria and Austria