Professional artist giving online/in-person drawing or painting lessons for children or adults

Find out more about Alex

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I started to teach 12 years ago while I was in University. First I started with some of my fellow classmates. Some of them struggled with hand drawing and it was mandatory to know how to draw in University, so I helped them. I also taught 3d computer graphics to others. After I graduated even though I had my own projects, I continued to teach in my spare time, because it was an extra income and I also loved it. There were many students applying for Universities like Art and Architecture, so I decided to help them.

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  Some of the artists I look up to are Salvador Dali or Rembrandt. But as an artist myself, I try to learn from many artists. You can learn something new from everyone..

• What are the qualities and skills required to succeed in this area?

  If you want to succeed as an artist you have to create. You have to look deep into your soul and bring some ideas to life. You always have to create and express yourself, no matter what. Take action, keep doing it !

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  I think it's in our nature as humans to create. It's like a thirst that doesn't go away. Just feed it,don't be afraid and take action. Once you've created a painting it feels amazing.
  But always try to push things. Even if you're tired one day, you can still paint for 10 minutes or half an hour. You don't have to work hours and hours. A little bit everyday and by the end of the month you finished the painting.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  I am an artist and a tutor / teacher.
  As an artist it's very rewarding to see your paintings take life. Once a painting is complete and you hang it on the wall it gives such a strong and positive energy to the whole room. It's like your baby. You gave life to it. It makes me want to create more.
  
  As a drawing/painting teacher it is very rewarding to see happy students that maybe were struggling with drawing and now they do better in their University because they feel more confident in their drawing skills. Drawing or painting also works like therapy. Sometimes I have students who take these classes because drawing/painting is a form of therapy. They are more happy with their lives. It helps them cope with the daily stress. I also have kids who are addicted to phones and tables, and after a couple of drawing / painting sessions they develop a love for art and they cease to be so addicted to tables cus now they have a new hobby. All this is rewarding.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  As an artist, I am proud of my oil paintings that I managed to create so far. Sometimes it is hard to stay by yourself indoors and paint. I am glad I manage to control myself and put my energy as much as I can into my work. These paintings will live forever.
  As a teacher / tutor, I am proud that I could help several students to get into Architecture and Art schools. And for other students drawing worked like therapy and really helped them. But probably I am most happy with the people that always had a talent for drawing and art and they never did it because they had other jobs. And it's a pity to see lost talent. But now, after a few classes they're coming back, and just because they create something feels very rewarding and makes them really happy. I like to see that.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  Yes, several times. With older people that have a job, have a family, and they had the desire to draw or paint for many years and never did it. Once they start the classes they progress a lot, and they are so persistent, they draw everything I tell them, they follow all my advice and they become good artists able to express themselves through a drawing or a painting. They have a thirst to learn.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  I think it's a combination of things. First of all you have to be friendly and have a genuine desire to help the students. Once the students feel this they work better with you. Also you have to understand people are different, and teach them different subjects, mold on their needs and personality. And most importantly , just to have fun. Art has to be fun. :)