![S. S. Solis Fine Art](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--XWKLFNwn--/c_fill,f_webp,h_400,q_auto,w_400/v1/lessons/user-media/prod/approved/provider/5b36837bbf4c3d4765528cdf/profile/W0qTYhrCb/Sarah%20Solis%20Mattson.jpg)
About
I'm an artist and I teach art at the college level. I specialize in painting and drawing of the figure, landscape, and still life motiffs using watercolor, oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, and many other two-dimensional medias. I have extensive knowledge in the alchemy of artist materials and supports. I make some of my own paints, pastels, inks and more. I also work with Encaustic (traditional hot wax painting). If you seek private instruction in any drawing and painting media with an artist having the educational background and experience of teaching others, with knowledge about process, artist materials, techniques, and is willing to share their knowledge with students, then you've discovered you're next art teacher.
Lessons are at my studio in Fair Oaks and/or we can enjoy Plein'Air (out in nature) using the easy access to our beautiful American River Parkway from my studio location. My best availability is over the summer months, but I can also be available spring and fall semesters with students who are flexible with my teaching schedule. I offer lessons for small groups of 2-3 students maximum, you can share the lesson fee with a freind.
I also offer "critique" sessions for more advanced artists who just need advice on how to "finish" exisiting paintings and drawings. This can be done for individuals or a group of artists where I go to your club or studio meeting place. This can be a one-time session or scheduled regularly, all depending on the artist need, perhaps in preparation for an upcoming exhibit or other event.
I love sharing my knowledge and passion about art. My students say how much they appreciate what I know and show them...I reveal methods and techniques that help you gain skills, and with practice you will become a better artist.
I've uploaded some of my artwork for you to view, and please feel free to contact me about your special artisitc needs and goals.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Experience level
Painting type
Painting medium
Number of students
Student age(s)
Photos and videos
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--lHyWFGhd--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/lessons/user-media/prod/approved/provider/5b36837bbf4c3d4765528cdf/portfolio/fRXC2ApAx/20Min.I.Observational-Study.2021-Summer.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--vz111sQE--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/lessons/user-media/prod/approved/provider/5b36837bbf4c3d4765528cdf/portfolio/xKIMq-ARW/20180828_153304.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--902ACNCo--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/lessons/user-media/prod/approved/provider/5b36837bbf4c3d4765528cdf/portfolio/zThsVAoKe/Dock%20at%20Fort%20Bragg.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--902ACNCo--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/lessons/user-media/prod/approved/provider/5b36837bbf4c3d4765528cdf/portfolio/zThsVAoKe/Dock%20at%20Fort%20Bragg.jpg)
Reviews
Tim S.
Tim S.
Ed K.
Jarrett O.
Leny S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1) First, I determine the student's goals; what do you want to learn in drawing and/or painting?
2) Next, I set a lesson plan based on these goals and provide hands-on technique building with demonstrations if needed, in the media of the student's choice.
3) I can also offer tutorials, demonstrations, and basic exercises in line, value, perspective and composition for beginners who need the basics.
4) I recommend visual assignments in the technique the student wants to learn.
5) We meet regularly to review progress, critique, and revise lesson plans to help the student grow as an artist....and with practice, practice, practice, students will gain skills and become a better artist!
6) If the student is intermediate level or higher, then our lessons can spread out bi-weekly or monthly just to make sure the student's goals are on track.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned my MFA specializing in drawing and painting from CSU, Long Beach...then moving to the Sacramento region, I am a full-time artist and professor of studio art at American River College. You could enroll in one of my painting, figure/portrait, drawing, artist materials, design or color theory classes, but that is a semester-long committment in a class with 25+ students; through Lessons.com you get individualized, one-on-one, visual art training in the media of your choice, on YOUR timeline.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, the quote is my hourly rate. I offer a short, 15 minute first meeting gratis, so I can learn more about YOU and your goals, skills, and to set a lesson plan selected just for you. Plus, you get the opportunity to visit my art studio and see where we work. Once we start, I recommend 1-2-hour sessions minimum. But this is flexible depending on the students needs and experience level. I offer a discount if lessons exceed 2-hours per session, OR, if we decide to meet more than once a week.
My policy on timleness: Within 10 minutes of the agreed session length, then the lesson rate applies. If lesson length goes beyond 10 minutes, but is not another full hour, then an additional fee based on 15 minute segments is applied to the cost of lessons for that session. Sorry there is no time credit or refund if you arrive late of our agreed lesson time, my schedule runs tight.
Payment is accepted by Venmo, Bitcoin, Cash, or ask me for other options.
My goal for you is to help YOU become a better artist!
How did you get started teaching?
I have a passion for sharing what I know with people who want to learn...it's a natural quality I have always had. I truly enjoy seeing students skills improve.
What types of students have you worked with?
I am a college professor, my students are adults. Their age range is out of high-school, 18+ years to retirees. Folks who now in their life, are ready to pursue a passion to learn how to paint and draw. I've had many retirees tell me they studied painting and drawing in their youth, but that pursuit was put on the back burner while they worked a 9-5 career and raised a family. Now in retirement, they are ready to make art-making the focus in life. Addtionally, I've had high and junior-high school students enroll in my semester-long classes; so I have that experience as well.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find an art instructor who is knowledgable and passionate about the media you want to learn and are willing to share all their techniques and processes with you. Can you learn from them? That is the question you have to ask yourself! If you hesitate because of the hourly rate for one-on-one instruction, then my recommendation is to enroll in semester-long courses. Let me know if you have unique questions. I am open to giving you a tour of my studio and briefly discussing your artistic goals and potential lesson plan gratis.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to learn, specifically?
What media do I want to work in?
What subject matter is most interesting to me?
How many hours a week will I commit to this goal?
Do I need basic skill instruction seperate from the media I want to learn? For example understanding line, perspective, value, color, and composition?