About
I offer classes with one or two students at a time. My classes are not group classes. The versatility of my classes, as well as their quality, makes my instruction stand out. Classes are customized to each student's needs, goals, rhythm of learning, interests, etc. They are regularly analyzed to make sure those needs are always being met. I absolutely guarantee that my student will learn what he/she want to learn. Students receive a solid base of knowledge and experience. They will understand what they are doing and why, which gives them confidence and avoids overwhelm. I do not teach them to paint like I do. Every student has a style and I respect that.
I also teach Encaustics, which is a 5000-year old technique of painting with hot wax. This is a fascinating medium whose versatility is astounding. I offer a variety of workshops, which can be seen at www.fidelabstractoils.com/workshops.
My classes are small, thus ensuring total personalized attention. The atmosphere is friendly and warm.
I absolutely love teaching painting/art and seeing the growth and progress of my students. I guarantee that they will learn what they wish to learn and provide them with a solid base of knowledge and experience.
I have been an art instructor for about 25 years. In the past year and a half I have at least acquired 23 (so far) positive/favorable reviews of my classes and teaching.
I am a working artist, juried member of the Sonoran Arts League, Arizona Artist Guild and Arizona Art Alliance. I have received a variety of awards, the latest being in January of 2018 by the Arizona Artists Guild.
My facebook page is belafidelfineart. Instagram:fidelbela
LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belafidelfineart/
I enjoy everything about art and teaching is very important to me. I like to impart what I know, see the joy of discovery and progress on students' faces. My teaching is never by rote and in the process I also bring examples of the Masters and the Classics. By doing this, the student also learns to analyze and better see these important works. This knowledge is then transferred to their overall appreciation of Art. I pride myself in offering a rounded up education in Art, not just in painting. Information is always imparted at a time that I deem right for the level the student is at, so there is no overwhelm and the information then makes sense.
Specialties
Experience level
Painting type
Painting medium
Number of students
Student age(s)
Photos and videos
Reviews
deborah B.
Tania F.
Sarah W.
Mary K.
Jan e.
Dean M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Initially, we talk on the phone for about 10 minutes so I can assess where they are and where they want to get, their goals, interests, etc.. This enables me to customize the classes. I also then answer any questions they may have. I send them a supply list and we schedule a first class.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been painting since 1965 and have taken numerous workshops and classes. I studied six years with an excellent instructor in Scottsdale but have had teachers in Brazil, Los Angeles and Arizona. Above all, I have put in more than the 10,000 hours and gained wide and deep experience in painting in most styles, from representational to surrealist to contemporary and abstract.
I 2020 I took a 2.5 month course that revolutionized the way I work and teach. I am constantly learning new techniques and methods of teaching, and that always benefits my students. I do not hold anything back.Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I recommend 3-hour classes once a week (more, if student is interested). My classes are small, with a maximum of 3 students. Often, depending on scheduling, I have only one student. Either way, every student gets a totally personalized attention, geared towards their interests and goals as well as ways of learning, rhythm of absorption, etc.
. At of April 2023, my fee is $27/hr.How did you get started teaching?
I love teaching and slowly started to build a
cadre" of students. Promoting my classes and word of mouth has built the dozens of students in oils, acrylics and encaustics and mixed media that I have taught so far.
What types of students have you worked with?
A wide variety, from beginners to intermediate, from representational to abstract, from "tight" to "loose". I am very flexible and I have the resources to support and guide a variety of needs.
. I am open to the student's desire to explore, venture into unknown territories, dare and challenge him/herself.Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One student had had to stop painting due to financial reasons. She opened a store and then had not ime to paint. After 5 years she took one of my classes and at the end of the workshop she said, "you have saved my life, I will go back to painting now".
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to the instructor, get a feel for their experience. Ask if the class is as large or small as you would prefer. For some people location is also important. Above all, it's about the chemistry. The student has to feel comfortable with the instructor.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my interests?
What is my final goal?
How do I learn? Is this instructor able to support me in the way that I absorb information?