Riley C.

I've been a practicing artist for over a decade, working in oil, watercolor, drawing, and mixed media. I run my own atelier in Bilbao where I offer classes for all levels. My approach is hands-on and material-focused. I work with complete beginners and people with existing practices who want structured feedback and new challenges.

Drawing has been the foundation of my practice since I began studying art formally in 2014. I trained at the Bellevue College as well as the University of Washington under working artists, and close observation and mark-making are central to everything I teach. I incorporate drawing into nearly every class I run, regardless of the subject.

I have been working in and studying graphic design since 2014, including professional employment and freelance work.I regularly use digital tools (as well as physical media)-- namely the Adobe suite-- in my workflow.

Oil is my primary medium and my speciality. I paint portraits and figurative work on commission in oil, for clients locally and internationally. I know the material deeply, including best practices for safety, studio setup, and working cleanly, which I pass directly on to students. I share expert knowledge from the faculty I studied under - contemporary masters.I am completely partial to oils as I find them so flexible and versatile when trying to achieve different effects. I will be oil painting for my whole life.

Watercolor is one of my commission mediums alongside oil. I work in it regularly and teach it as an accessible entry point for students who are newer to painting, as well as a serious medium in its own right. In fact, watercolor was my entry point into painting, and as a medium I find it highly rewarding to experiment with and as a challenge. This is where I geek out about pigments, paper, and brushes!!