About
Helping you make art connections between what you are seeing, feeling, and thinking is one of the great human experiences and it is the foundation of how I teach art. I don't just teach techniques, I show how those techniques are connected to your psyche, like how spatial depth creates a satisfying feeling of psychological depth, or how adding light to an artworld is sharing the light you feel for things.
I have been painting daily since I was 11 years old (born 1956 in California) studied Fine Art at USC, and then in Holland. I have had solo shows in NY, Athens-Greece, Rome-Italy, Santa Monica, and in L.A. I have taught art workshops in France, Italy, Greece, Brooklyn, and in Southern California. Most of my time is spent painting in my lovely studio in Idyllwild, California. Currently, I am in the final round of 2020 The Guggenheim Fellowship Award, results in April.
I teach you what I do. The reward is seeing a student's face light up with understanding and their enjoyment when it feels right and they know they are are the right track. In a truthful way, it is not about the student's level but about them learning a new and meaningful connection. That fuels us both.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We discuss your artistic hopes and you show me, via email or a live meeting, what you have drawn or painted, even the bad ones (which helps me help you). I help you strengthen your strengths, and gently to improve one weakness at a time.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started USC Fine Art college studies at 17 years old, furthered my fine art education in Holland, taught my own workshops, was a professor of life drawing, composition, and painting at Otis College of Art and Design. And now teaching privately and one yearly workshop in France with the internationally acclaimed Provence Art Experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I work privately in my studio or nearby for $100 for a two-hour session, and I can supply you with whatever supplies you don't have.
I also work long distance via FB messenger and email. $75 an hour. You send me what you are working on, we discuss it, I do some photoshop corrections, give you homework, etc.
How did you get started teaching?
I started early as an art student, assisting professors, and helping other artists friends. Everywhere I have lived people have reached out to me for art advice.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with complete beginners to critiques of professional artists.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently was visiting a student in Palm Desert and we took our colored paper and pastels to the nearby foothills. The lessons were what if you only had 5 minutes to draw; 15 minutes; or 2 hours. That way if she only had so much time she could still make progress and use her time wisely. It worked.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Good teachers are kind and understanding and their role is to give you gentle nudges that can open a wonderful world of art to you. Be yourself, share your doubts and joys about making art. I think expressing yourself helps the teacher a lot. And, you should look at the artist's works, if you don't like their work chances are you will not like them very much as a teacher. If you like their art, there is a very good chance you will like learning from them.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time a week can you spend making art on your own? This helps the teacher calibrate your assignments. Is the art study personal growth, for an art profession, or for a portfolio for college admissions? There are no stupid questions and it's about art so ask away with anything to do with art.