About
I’m a passionately-driven artist/instructor who was classically trained in the fundamentals of drawing as a backbone of all visual arts. I was an art Instructor for 15 years at the Houston School of Art & Design. I worked with the founder of the school Charlie Brown to develop many talents across the region and beyond. After the school closed as a result of Charlie’s passing, I was invited by the Hobby Lobby craft store and offered a classroom to create a formidable art class. That’s where I currently guide students through the principles and elements of art in ways that make lasting impression and help unlock their individual talents. I have created a method and approach to art instruction that’s guaranteed to improve the skills of students of all artistic skill level.
I enjoy helping each student uncover their hidden skills and improve their abilities of perception. In doing so, I accelerate their confidence and the result often speaks for itself.
In my 15 years of teaching, I have guided hundreds of students (kids and adults) to higher levels of expression by focusing on using the fundamentals to accelerate what they’re best at.
I have a student who started working with as a promising 9 yr old to becoming today a gifted 19 year old with full scholarship at one of the top 5 Art Schools in the country.
I’m also currently working with a 90 yr old retired Opthalmologist who has never drawn in his life, but is creating masterful works of art since the last three years he’s worked with me. Similar stories abound in my commitment to students over the years.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I try to determine the goals of the student and why they want to take classes. Many want to improve their skills for leisure and not necessarily make money doing art.
Second, I determine their skill and experience level to help me plan an approach that’ll match their pace of development.
Third, I introduce them to the principles and elements of art in a new way that makes them grasp the relationship of these to all visual art and design.
Finally, I have them start a drawing that’ll reveal to them the secrets of proportion, balance and spatial concepts as bedrocks of art. I do this in a fun and relaxed approach.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have Bachelor Degree in Art with major in Painting.
I have over 15 years in Art Instruction and over 20 years as a freelance Studio artist; and currently own an Art Studio/Gallery in the Heights area of Houston.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes I do. I charge an average fee of $35 per class and I ensure low teacher class ratio so the students can get more attention.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in 2002 when I met the founder of an art school who saw my works and immediately invited me to come teach at his eminent Institution.
Houston School of Art and Design was founded in 1997 by accomplished Illustrator Charlie Brown and for over 20 years remained a beacon of fine art. The school offered the highest quality one-on-one art instruction to students and artists of all ages, creed, backgrounds and experiences.
Over 15 years at the school, I worked with hundreds of students of varying ages and helped develop special talents whom I still mentor today.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from beginner level to professional artist types. Also students who come from multiple professional backgrounds like Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, Educators, college students, young professionals and many more. The ages of my students range from 7 years to 90.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In 2015, the Houston School of Art and Design closed as a result of the founder Mr Charlie Brown passing away. I moved on to art studio work; but many of my students insisted that I continue to work with them.
One of the interested and committed student is a successful real Estate developer in Houston and he offered to help me start my own school because he believed that my style of instruction was what actually helped the school run for years. He offered me a large space in one of his properties near the same location with the Art school and help with equipping my new school. I was so touched by his kindness that I almost abandoned the art gallery project I was creating then.
However, I agreed to start a special class with him and his friends which has gone on consistently for 3 years now and have provided me the honor of friendship with some very accomplished and great students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise students to avoid teachers who would to impose their artistic inclinations upon you. Art is free and a unique individual expression. Look for a patient instructor who will nurture your talents at the pace you’re comfortable with and who will guide you to be your best.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what your flaws and strengths are and ask how the instructor can help you improve both.