INQUIRE ABOUT PRIVATE LESSON

PRIVATE LESSONS

Individual instruction in drawing and painting, shaped around the student.

Whether you are beginning with a pencil or returning to painting after years away, each lesson is adapted to your experience, interests, and goals.

Instruction is grounded in close observation and the fundamentals of proportion, structure, light, value, color, and composition — with time to develop both technical skill and a personal way of seeing.

____________ WHAT WE STUDY ____________

PRIVATE LESSONS

Drawing and painting instruction tailored to the individual.

Private instruction can be focused on drawing, painting, or both, with the subject and level of study shaped around each student.

DRAWING

Graphite · Charcoal

Portrait · Figure · Still Life
Perspective · Proportion
Light · Value · Composition

PAINTING

Oil · Acrylic · Watercolor

Portrait · Figure · Still Life
Light · Value · Color
Composition

FOUNDATIONS

The principles behind both

Observation · Proportion
Perspective · Structure
Light · Value · Color
Composition

Portrait, figure, and still life may be explored through either drawing or painting, depending on the student's interests and goals.

WHAT WE STUDY

Drawing / Painting / Foundations

LESSON FORMATS

PRIVATE LESSONS
One-on-one instruction in a quiet studio setting.

60 · 90 · 120 MINUTES

SMALL-GROUP STUDIO SESSIONS
For two to four students who would like to study together.

PRIVATE LESSONS

What We Study
Drawing / Painting / Foundations

Subjects
Portrait / Figure / Still Life

Lesson Formats
Private / Small Group

PRIVATE LESSONS

Drawing and painting instruction tailored to the individual.

Close-up of a person using a white colored pencil to draw or shade on a textured beige-colored surface, with hands holding the surface and pencil. The background is blurred.

Drawing instruction at RIVA develops observation, proportion, spatial understanding, value, and visual analysis through sustained studio practice. Depending on their goals, students may work with graphite, charcoal, figure drawing, portraiture, still life, perspective, and other observational approaches.Lessons are tailored to each student, from beginner to advanced.

A person painting a realistic white rose with green leaves on a canvas, with a palette of various paint colors and brushes, in an art studio surrounded by other artworks.

Painting instruction may explore color, light, composition, observation, and technique through portrait, figure, still life, and other studio subjects. Instruction emphasizes restraint, intentional mark-making. Lessons are tailored to every level, from beginner to advanced. Each painting is approached as a considered process, not a quick result.

INQUIRE ABOUT PRIVATE LESSONS

  • No. Lessons are offered from beginner to advanced, and instruction is tailored to each student's level and goals.

  • Adults, teens, and emerging artists. Lessons can be individual or semi-private, with two to four students learning together.

  • Sessions are 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Longer sessions suit painting, where time at the easel allows deeper work.

  • Instruction is grounded in observation, proportion, perspective, value, light, color, composition, and painting technique. Subjects include still life, portrait, and figure. Painting students work in oil, acrylic, or watercolor.

  • A recommended supply list is sent after you book, so you can choose your preferred drawing or painting materials. Materials are provided for the first lesson.

  • RIVA is a private studio in Rochester, Michigan. The address and parking details are sent in your confirmation email.

  • Lessons are scheduled by appointment, weekly or on a rotating schedule that suits you.

  • Please give at least 24 hours notice to reschedule a lesson. Lessons canceled with less notice are charged in full and will not be rescheduled.