Renee Ortiz Studios

I first like to get to know my student, and find out their goals for learning art.  After assesing where they want to go and where they are currently, we discuss medium, supplies, and then set up a lesson time. I often start lessons with relevant inspiration from historic as well as contemporary artists, and then proceed to give direction and encouragement as we work through a painting together.  We critique a work together, problem solve and set new goals for our next meeting.

I am a Segerstrom resident artist.  I studied at Otis, Pasadena Art Center and LCAD and recently earned my MFA at SCAD.  I am a member of California Art Club and LPAPA.  

I base my fees on a sliding scale depending on student's needs and levels.  

I have always enjoyed helping others and sharing what I know.  After beginning my art studies at Otis, I continued my education at Loyola Marymount University for my degree in education.  With many years dedicated to being an art instructor, I decided to return to academia in pursuit of my Masters.  I recently earned an MFA in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design and am now officially a professor.

I work with all types!  I love the ones who tell me they can't draw a straight line- I take this as a personal challenge!  I have worked with professional artists wanting to explore a new medium as well as beginning artists, just figuring it all out.  I work with 5 year olds to 85 year olds!   

I have enjoyed participating in the First Saturday Art Walk in Santa Ana.  It is good to be back in person, sharing and discussing art in my gallery.  Please stop by!  I would love to meet you!

Do your research.  Have short and long term goals in mind.  Know your why- fun and relaxation or maybe more career based?  

I have always found it interesting when people say that they are not talented or refer to art as being a gift.  Art is work and practice like anything else.  Nobody sits down to a grand piano expecting to play a flawless concerto if they have never taken piano lessons.  They understand the years of study and practice that go into this.  But for some reason people expect to be able to paint right out of the gate.  When they struggle, they give up and say they simply have no talent.  Know that this is a commitment.  It won't always be easy.  My goal is to keep it fun so that the growth process is a lot less painful.  

Again- what are your goals and your purpose in this?  There is nothing wrong with doing this for pure enjoyment.  Somebody studying to prepare a portfolio for art school would have a different approach.  

What mediums are you drawn to?

Who are some artists that you admire?

We have different ideas of landscape, for instance.  You might really love the work of somebody painting in oils, but you are thinking watercolor would be fun...  Having some examples of styles that you want to learn about is so helpful to my preparing a course of study for you.