License
Registered Architect
New Jersey State Board of Architects, 1990
Self-reported
All professionals
Art lessons in Millburn
Tomas Silva
Art lessons and Therapy dog visits: Architectural sketching and watercolor
Retired architect who teaches drawing and watercolor, often with his friendly beagle Pepper along
- 5.0 from 4 reviews
- Lives in Millburn
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
Credentials
Training or degree
Bachelor of Architecture
New Jersey Institute of Technology, 1986
Self-reported
Certification
Therapy Dog Team
Alliance of Therapy Dogs, 2023
Self-reported
About me
I worked as an architect for thirty-four years, mostly on schools and libraries across North Jersey. Every building started as a pencil sketch on yellow tracing paper, and that is still my favorite part of the process. Since retiring I teach drawing and watercolor to people who always wanted to try.
We begin with simple perspective. A box, a window, the front of your own house from across the street. Once lines feel steady, we add washes of watercolor to bring the picture to life. I bring a lap board with a clip, soft pencils that are easy to hold, and a travel paint set. Students who like structure tend to love it, and students who do not like it learn to loosen up anyway.
Pepper, my eight year old beagle, is a registered therapy dog. She can come along to a session if you would like, or I can book a visit just for her.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 10
We look out a window or at a photo of your home and pick a simple view to draw.
- 2
Minute 10 to 25
A short lesson in one-point perspective using a ruler and a few quick practice boxes.
- 3
Minute 25 to 45
We sketch your chosen view together, keeping the lines light and loose.
- 4
Minute 45 to 55
I show you how to lay in a sky and a few simple watercolor washes over the drawing.
- 5
Minute 55 to 60
Pepper says hello if she came along, and I leave you with a page of practice exercises.
What to have ready
Nothing to buy before the first visit
- A table by a window
- A photo of your home
- A glass of water for brushes
- Some paper towels
Where Tomas goes
- MillburnLives here
- Livingston
- Maplewood
- Short Hills
- South Orange
- Verona
- West Orange
Where in the home
Dining tablePorch
Usual week
Mon
9am
to 1pmTue
Off
Wed
9am
to 1pmThu
Off
Fri
9am
to 1pmSat
Off
Sun
Off
What families say
“Messages back fast and remembers the little things.”
Luis S.
“Mom saves a treat for the dog all week.”
Joanne G.
“Mom lights up the minute the dog comes in.”
Rachel F.
“My mom calls ahead to make sure the visit is still on. She loves it.”
Patrick N.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$110 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.