My background in the fine arts is rooted in both rigorous academic training and real-world studio practice. I hold a double Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Oil Painting and Sculpture from Montana State University, alongside a minor in Art History. In addition to my fine arts degrees, I run a fine art business specializing in laser marquetry—a craft that bridges advanced woodworking techniques with traditional oil painting principles. This combination of academic instruction, art history...
My background in the fine arts is rooted in both rigorous academic training and real-world studio practice. I hold a double Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Oil Painting and Sculpture from Montana State University, alongside a minor in Art History. In addition to my fine arts degrees, I run a fine art business specializing in laser marquetry—a craft that bridges advanced woodworking techniques with traditional oil painting principles. This combination of academic instruction, art history context, and technical fabrication gives me a comprehensive understanding of fine art mediums, color theory, light behavior, and structural composition.
Over the past several years, my teaching experience has spanned small-group instruction, studio workshops, and individual one-on-one mentorship for high school students, college undergraduates, and adult independent learners. In these settings, my goal is to strip away the intimidation factor often surrounding oil painting. I focus on breaking down complex artistic concepts into practical, structured fundamentals. Rather than pushing students toward expensive, pre-packaged paint kits, I guide them through the mechanics of pigment selection, light wavelengths, and color mixing. My students learn how to curate a lean, budget-friendly 10-tube palette to mix any tone they need with clarity and intent.
When working with students, I adapt my tutoring style to suit their specific goals, whether they are complete beginners learning palette management or intermediate painters troubleshooting muddy mixes and studio setup. My lessons combine clear technical explanations with step-by-step, hands-on application. By drawing parallels to hands-on craftsmanship—focusing on intentional material choices and technique—I empower students to take full control of their creative process. I look forward to helping students build lasting technical confidence and elevate their artwork.
