About
Sharing my passion, knowledge, and skills in both Art and Architecture is tremendously fulfilling.
I started classical oil painting and dry pastel private lessons when I was 9 years old. By the age of 13, I was a commissioned portrait artist.
Now, what makes me different from most Art or Architecture tutors? Perhaps that I do not have scripted "lesson plans" out of some book. Rather, each lesson is created to explore the potential within the individual student. I am extremely attentive and observant, and look to engage students throughout the process of creation.
Overall, it is most important that the time spent with me forms confidence and skills that each student can take with them for their lifetime.
I have always known I was an Artist. Being able to communicate those skills and transform the way a student sees, brings me great joy.
I continued private lessons twice a week till I was 17. At that time, I went to to UC Berkeley to get simaltaneous degrees: one in Fine Art and the other in Architecture. Before attending UCLA for my Master's in Architecture, I became internationally recognized as an Installation Artist and was featured with two collegues in such places as the BBC, CNN, and NPR's Morning Edition to name a few.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Communication before a lesson is scheduled is key!
If I am asked to work with someone's family member (typically a youth), I prefer to schedule a Meet-And-Greet to insure the chemistry is mutually amicable.
I am very interested in learning about how the student thinks and sees. This guides me to form applicable lessons geared towards their goals and learning processes.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started oil painting and dry pastel in private lessons when I was 9 years old.
I have both a degree in Fine Art and one in Architecture from UC Berkeley. I received my Master's of Architecture from UCLA.
I have been in the Architecture field since 1998. I have been a Tutor both in Art and in Architecture for many years now.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rate is $75/hr. This does not cover materials. I will supply a materials list if interested in oil painting before the first lesson. Otherwise, I typically purchase the needed materials for each lesson, and expect to be reimbursed for them at the end of the lesson.
My minimum lesson time segment is 1.5hrs, although 2hrs is preferable, especially if working in oil paint or dry pastel.
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching comes naturally to me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a variety of students ranging in ages 9 to 85. Some were desiring oil painting lessons for college portfolios, some help on architecture portfolios. Others were already in college and needed assistance. Some were in business and needed to develop a new skill set.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, an oil painting one of my students did while taking lessons with me, received over 20,000 Likes on Facebook!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice would be to make sure the chemistry is good between the two of you! Also, you should definitely feel you are being listened to and understood. If the tutor asks for clarification, that is a good thing, as it means they want to insure they fully understand your objectives. In fact, be wary if they do not seem interested in getting to know some specifics about your goals or intentions.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about:
1) the time commitment needed. Do they have a chunk of time they can dedicate, and if yes, how frequently.
2) the required focus (which I am happy to help students with)
3) the initial start-up cost in materials for something like oil painting (I do know how to keep some initial costs down due to my experience)
4) the continued materials costs (which varies depending on the medium)
5) their goals/what they would like to achieve