Los Angeles · Private Art Instruction
Private instruction with a working fine artist whose paintings are held in the permanent collections of the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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The Ocean of Mercator's Projection, 1984, 60 x 72 inches · acrylic / polymerBackground
Education
MFA, Yale University School of Art
Credential
California Life Teaching Credential
Movement
Co-Founder,
Abstract Illusionism
Gallery
Co-Founder,
Razor Gallery, SoHo (1974)
Portfolio
A fifty-year practice
in art and teaching.
I have been a working fine artist for more than fifty years. My paintings explore three-dimensional illusionistic space — images that seem to extend from or recede into the canvas — and are part of a movement, Abstract Illusionism, that I co-founded with a group of artists including Frank Stella and Ronald Davis in the early 1970s.
Teaching has been a parallel pursuit throughout. I taught at Fullerton Community College, at New Canaan High School in Connecticut where I co-developed an interdisciplinary AP Humanities curriculum, and through my own practice at Gallagher Art School. I hold a California Life Teaching Credential and an MFA from Yale.
I live and work in Los Angeles, on Mulholland Drive. I teach a small number of students privately — children, teenagers, and adults — and I bring to each session the same standards I hold in my own studio: genuine attention, high expectation, and a belief that every student has a visual language worth developing.
Private Instruction
Sessions are tailored entirely to the individual student — their age, experience, interests, and goals. I work with beginners finding their footing and with advanced students preparing serious work. All instruction takes place one-on-one.
01
Young Artists
For children and teenagers with a genuine curiosity about making art. Instruction focuses on developing an eye, building foundational skills, and learning to make decisions with confidence — not following formulas.
02
Advanced Students
For students with prior experience who want to deepen their practice. We work with painting, drawing, color theory, and compositional thinking at a level that takes the student seriously.
03
Adult Practice
For adults returning to or beginning a studio practice. Whether your interest is technical mastery, personal expression, or understanding art more deeply, sessions are designed around you.
From Students & Families
"Michael's influence extends beyond technical development; he cultivates careful observation, intentional thinking, and a deeper engagement with the artistic process. He is consistently warm, patient, and attentive — and creates an environment where students feel supported in taking creative risks."
Parent of a current student, Los Angeles
"Michael has a remarkable ability to bring out the creative potential in each student. His professionalism, skill, and genuine connection make every session both inspiring and educational."
Parent of a student, Los Angeles
"My child is learning and flourishing. Michael possesses a distinctive understanding of both art and how to teach it — enabling real growth while keeping genuine joy at the center of every session."
Parent of a student, Los Angeles
Get in touch
I accept a limited number of students. If you are interested in private instruction — for yourself or your child — please introduce yourself below. I will respond personally.