Our Instructors
Learn from experienced artists dedicated to classical and representational fine art
Tessa Tallakson
Classical Oil Painting
Tessa Tallakson is an Alabama-born painter based in a strong tradition of observational painting. She earned her BFA in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and has continued her studies through workshops in still life, cityscape, and plein air painting. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships, including the Chalk Hill Artists Residency, the Hudson River Painting Fellowship, and several prizes from PAFA. Tallakson has exhibited widely in solo and group shows across Alabama, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, and Connecticut, and her work is included in the Jackson Hospital Healing Arts Collection.
Andrea Perantoni
Youth Instructor
San Antonio oil painter and art educator with a BFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Teaches young artists in the Coppini Academy Youth Education Program for children ages 5–18.
Faith Ortuño
Youth Instructor
San Antonio artist and art educator with a BFA in Painting.
Mary Elle
Watercolor
Mary Elle is a watercolor artist known for her expressive, realistic paintings that capture both beauty and emotion. With a creative background rooted in music, she brings a strong sense of storytelling into her work—particularly in her portraits. After discovering watercolor later in life, she found a medium that allows her to fully immerse herself in the creative process. Her work focuses on portraiture, florals, and still life, with the goal of creating pieces that resonate emotionally and bring a sense of joy to the viewer.
Roberta Buckles
Beginner & Intermediate Oil & Acrylic Painting
Roberta teaches beginner and intermediate courses in oil and acrylic painting. Her classes focus on fundamentals including brushwork, composition, and color theory, guiding students from their first strokes through more advanced techniques.
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