What Cordovan Stands For

We, at Cordovan Art School, see the happiness everyday that comes from creative people doing what they were born to do.   Everyone who enters our doors will be greeted with a smile, and we hope that they leave with a smile when their class is over–that is our “smile-smile” policy.  We try to create an environment that is positive, uplifting, and enjoyable so that our students can relax while they paint, draw, and learn the fundamentals of art and design.  And, along the way, we hope that our students and our teachers gain a deeper appreciation for the arts and each other.

Only the very best teachers work at Cordovan.  Over the years, our students have been amazed at what they have accomplished after learning and practicing the fundamental principles and time-tested techniques.

We believe that there is no shortcut to success.  Growth and personal satisfaction come when put our time and talents to work—by learning, doing, and then repeating the process over and over again.  The students are proud of themselves, and we are too!

We encourage anyone who enjoys art to come and grow their talents with us!

Message from the Founder

First off, I want to welcome you to Cordovan Art School. Creativity in all forms have always been a source of joy and excitement for me–whether it be Music, Dance, Theatre, or Visual Arts.

I started painting at age 5 when my mother enrolled me in a watercolor class.  Week after week, I would look forward to going to class to paint a new picture.  Without exception, at the end of the each class I was so proud of what I had accomplished.   In those early years, there was something about the creative process that was very rewarding for me.

When I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, so I began working toward that goal by taking art classes and drawing any chance I could.  My junior year in college, I married my wife, Jamee.   It was during our courtship that I started wondering how I was going to explain to her parents that I was going to be an “artist”.  How would they react to this news?  As I reflect back on those thoughts, I wonder what would cause me to think that there is anything wrong with wanting to be an artist.  For years I believed that success was packaged in the form of  becoming doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant.  I somehow had been led to believe that my left brain was more valuable than my right brain.  In High School and college I got good grades and remained at the top of my class.  I could have become a doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant.  But, at the end of the day, it just wasn’t me.

I began my art career by opening an art school in Temecula, California.  I was also doing free-lance illustration work at that time.  Both were creative endeavors that I enjoyed.  However, my art career took an unexpected detour when I began a side business in real estate. What started as a hobby in real estate quickly turned into a full-time business, so I moved my family to Texas.  I tell you this part of the story because, in a way, my hobby in commercial real estate was just another “empty canvas”; I used my creative thinking skills that I learned as an artist to put big real estate deals together.  It was during this time that I started realizing that my right brained thinking, served me in many ways, and I was glad that I had developed my creative side.   One of the blessings of developing our right-brains is the ability to adapt…think…solve problems.

In 2009, I opened the doors of a new endeavor, the Cordovan Art School.  I could not stay away from the paints, the music, and the association with other talented artists and students. The arts continue to inspire me.   Even though I have been painting professionally for many years now, the thrill of creating something from a blank piece of paper never grows old.

The name Cordovan comes from my favorite color nui pastel that I used in my college figure drawing classes. (similar to the color brown that Leonardo DaVinci used in his drawing of his self-portrait). I went through so many nui pastels and newsprint pads that I lost track.  It was difficult for me to learn to draw, and it took a lot of time and practice.  Today, when I look at my early drawings I have to laugh and wonder how I was ever that bad of an artist.  It took a lot of trying and failing.  But, every step along the way, it was fun and exciting. 

At Cordovan Art School our teachers teach the principles of art and design.  Our students and teachers have a lot of fun working side by side and learning together.  Come, exercise your right brain, and be amazed at the creativity that lies within you!