A bit about myself: I have been a professional artist and instructor for over 20 years – teaching at numerous schools in and around Chicagoland such as Northwestern University, Old Town Art School & River East Art School. However, I’ve also taught people of all ages, in all types of art lesson classes. It’s an activity anyone can enjoy and benefit from. My formal education includes Bachelor degrees in Architectural Design, Construction Technology, and a Masters degree in Arts Education. However, I have always been strong advocate of self-education and independent study as well. In fact, my own additional work in fields such as graphic design, TV production, music writing & productions, etc. can all be attributed to independent study and/or self-education. I feel one should never stop in your quest for knowledge and ability in the subject your interested in. However, to discover what you are truly capable of, you must be willing to make mistakes. A painter enduring a bit of “struggle” and a good amount of mistakes, is actually doing exactly what they should be doing.