Professional experience
Sign painter and window letterer, 25 years
Alvarez Signs, Bloomfield, 1993 to 2018
Self-reported
All professionals
Art lessons in Verona
Luis Alvarez
Art lessons: Pencil sketching and simple watercolor scenes
Sign painter turned art teacher who shows you how to sketch what is right outside your window
- 4.9 from 18 reviews
- Lives in Verona
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
Credentials
Training or degree
Drawing and Painting certificate
Art Students League of New York, 1991
Self-reported
About me
For twenty five years I painted signs and storefront windows across Essex County, the old fashioned way, with brushes and a steady hand. A lot of the shops on Bloomfield Avenue still have my lettering on the glass. When the work slowed down, I started teaching the drawing basics I had learned on the job.
I keep it practical. We draw what is in front of you, the view from your porch, a coffee cup, your own hand. I show you how to see shapes instead of things, which is the trick that makes drawing click for most people. Once the pencil feels comfortable, we add a little watercolor. My oldest student is ninety one and fills a sketchbook every month.
I was born in Paterson and have lived in Verona for twenty years. Most weekends you will find me sketching the boathouse at Verona Park, or arguing about baseball with my brother over the phone.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 10
Look out the window or around the room and choose something to draw.
- 2
Minute 10 to 25
Practice seeing big shapes and light and dark with a soft pencil.
- 3
Minute 25 to 45
Draw your chosen subject together, step by step, on good paper.
- 4
Minute 45 to 55
Add a light watercolor wash and talk about what you notice.
- 5
Minute 55 to 60
Date your sketchbook page and plan what to draw next time.
What to have ready
Nothing to buy before the first visit
- A table or porch seat with light
- A view you enjoy
- Reading glasses if needed
Where Luis goes
- VeronaLives here
- Caldwell
- Millburn
- Montclair
- Roseland
- South Orange
- West Orange
Where in the home
Dining tablePorch
Usual week
Mon
Off
Tue
1pm
to 5pmWed
Off
Thu
9am
to 1pmFri
Off
Sat
1pm
to 5pmSun
9am
to 1pm
What families say
“I live in Ohio and this gave me real peace of mind. Mom loves it.”
Linda T.
“Patient with my dad, who can be a lot. Worth every penny.”
Michael E.
“Good energy without being too much. Mom liked that.”
Michael N.
“My mother says it is the best part of her Tuesday.”
Linda E.
“We have a little gallery on the fridge.”
Luis C.
“Mom actually set the table early for this.”
Denise T.
“My mother paints on her own now between visits.”
Maria G.
“My mother talked about it all through dinner.”
Denise K.
“Dad told his brother about it on the phone. That is a five star review from him.”
Beth E.
“Second month now. Still the highlight of Dad's week.”
Susan G.
“Dad says he cannot draw. He can now.”
Steve C.
“Warm, punctual, and actually fun.”
Paul B.
“My mom calls ahead to make sure the visit is still on. She loves it.”
Ellen W.
“Mom wore earrings for it. Enough said.”
Linda D.
“A real bright spot in our week. Highly recommend.”
Michael R.
“Easy to book and an absolute delight.”
Linda T.
“Kind, punctual and so much fun. Dad is already asking about next week.”
James K.
“Patient and encouraging. My mother painted her first landscape!”
Pat W.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$65 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.