Art Professor -25 years of experience. MFA from the NY Academy of Art

Diana B.

Animation

I teach Gesture and Quick Sketch, Character Design, and Figurative Concepts at the graduate level, with a strong emphasis on traditional, hand-drawn animation foundations. My specialties include Movement, Anatomy, and Character Design—core skills essential for building expressive, believable characters in animation. I also offer Animation Portfolio Development for students applying to top art and animation programs. Several of my students have been accepted into the highly competitive CalArts Character Animation Program (with an acceptance rate of about 6%), and many others have gone on to build successful careers in the game and animation industries. Whether you are preparing a portfolio, strengthening fundamental drawing skills, or pursuing a deeper understanding of movement and character, I provide clear instruction, professional insight, and individualized guidance to help you reach your goals.

Drawing

I am a Drawing Professor at the Academy of Art University, specializing in Beginning Drawing, Figure Drawing, Anatomy, Clothed Figure Drawing, and Analysis of Form. My teaching is rooted in the classical traditions of the French Academy and the Florence Academy of Art, with a strong emphasis on building a solid artistic foundation. By integrating the Bargue Method, the Italian Renaissance approach to light and value, and the German planar-structure analysis, I help students achieve exceptional results. Many of my students have earned awards, scholarships—including full scholarships—and have gained admission to top art schools such as RISD, CalArts (Animation), ArtCenter, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Pratt, and Parsons. My instruction is systematic, clear, and tailored to each student’s individual needs. I provide step-by-step guidance, honest and specific feedback, and a supportive environment that builds both skill and confidence. Students often describe me as patient, encouraging, and compassionate. I am honored to have received the “Best Faculty” award from the Academy of Art University, and I bring that same level of commitment to every student I work with. I look forward to helping you grow as an artist.

Painting

I teach Painting and Color Theory at the Academy of Art University, specializing in both classical foundations and contemporary approaches to color. My instruction is grounded in the Hensche Method of Color Harmony, and I have conducted advanced research in Color Theory, including the Josef Albers system, the Munsell Color System, and the teachings of Johannes Itten. As a working artist, I have exhibited my paintings at the de Young Museum, and I bring that professional experience directly into my teaching. My curriculum emphasizes Composition, Color Harmony, Light and Form, and refined Edge Control—core principles that help students create compelling, confident work. Painting is my passion, and I am committed to nurturing both the technical skills and the individual voice of every student. I offer clear guidance, a supportive learning environment, and a deep understanding of both the art world and the classical techniques—along with the “lost” methods of the Old Masters—that elevate an artist’s craft. Several of my students have been accepted into highly competitive programs, including the Fine Arts program at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). I look forward to helping you strengthen your skills, expand your creative vision, and develop a strong artistic foundation.