Formato Fine Arts

Art Lessons with Lily Formato

I offer personalized three-hour art lessons both in person at Formato Fine Arts, 100 W Main Street in Wytheville, Virginia, and virtually via Zoom, making instruction accessible whether you are local or learning from afar.

I am a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I developed a strong and diversified foundation in drawing, painting, rendering, art history, and a wide range of traditional and contemporary art techniques. My education emphasized both technical skill and conceptual thinking, allowing me to tailor lessons to each student’s interests and creative goals.

Before relocating to Chicago, I worked as a freelance art instructor for three years, teaching students across different ages and experience levels. This experience shaped my ability to meet students where they are, whether they are building foundational skills, refining technique, preparing a portfolio, or returning to art after time away.

In addition to my visual arts background, I am a graduate of the Second City Grad Revue improv program. This training strongly informs my teaching style, emphasizing clear communication, active listening, adaptability, and responsiveness to what each student wants to accomplish.

After booking, students are asked to email me with the medium they would like to focus on or to share what materials and resources they currently have available. This allows me to thoughtfully plan the lesson in advance and ensure the session is productive, focused, and tailored specifically to their needs.

Lessons may include skill-building exercises, guided projects, critiques, portfolio development, or exploratory creative practice. My goal is not only to teach technique, but to help students build confidence, clarity, and momentum in their artistic work.