About Ron the Art Coach
Happy Artist..... Happy Life
.jpg/:/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:605)
The Artist Ron Pettie (February 18, 1936 ~ October 2, 2026)
It is with a heavy and saddened heart that we are announcing the passing of Ron Pettie. He was a dedicated and experienced artist; using proven approaches to teach fine art painting strategies, making sure that every student found a path to success.
Ron had been painting since he was a child. He trained under the renaissance system of working. As a student, Ron studied under Mario Arruda and Margot Lennartz. He also studied at the Chouinard Art Institute and Otis College of Art and Design. Full Bio Link HERE
Ron the Art Coach's artistic skills and teachings have been passed down to his daughter, Andrea Pettie, who will keep his legacy and teachings alive. She provides her students with the same gentle encouragement and support they need to bloom and achieve their own artistic goals.
A Life Filled with Love, Learning, & Art
Ron Pettie's Legacy Continues
Andrea Pettie
Ron's artistic skills and teachings have been passed down to his daughter, Andrea Pettie. Along with many years of guidance and mentorship under her father, she earned an Associates of Arts degree and a certificate in Computer Graphics and Design. Andrea also studied under the great Margot Lennartz.
Andrea has now taken over the classes at the Pasadena Art Studio and the L.A. Arboretum. "Keeping the legacy and teachings of my father 'Ron the Art Coach' alive has become an important mission." Demonstrating the same passionate teachings, Andrea provides students with the same guidance and support needed to achieve their artistic goals.
Currently, Andrea paints Acrylic pet portraits and generously donates the proceeds to The Ontario Rescue (www.TORescue.org).
The Pasadena Art Studio
The Pasadena Art Studio provides a unique small group gathering for artists of all levels. We teach Acrylic and Oil H2O. We have Sunday themed classes to practice and hone different skills and Tuesday Open painting classes.
See the schedule of Studio Art classes HERE
LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden - Painting Classes
For over 10 years Ron the Art Coach taught Fine Art Painting classes at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. He gave his time, class proceeds and art supplies generously, driven simply by a desire to connect people with nature through painting. Over those years, Ron's students had the privilege of learning from him and growing as artists.
Ron's daughter, Andrea Pettie, will be volunteering her time to continue Ron's legacy at the Arboretum. The classes on Saturday's include Basic and Mid-Advanced Fine Art Painting.
If you are interested in these classes, you may sign up for them on the Arboretum's website under their Calendar of Events. Ron's painting classes are listed under Saturdays: Arboretum Painting Classes.
In an interview, published in 2017 by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, talks about Ron Pettie's painting classes at the Arboretum titled "L.A. County Arboretum class inspires the painter in everyone". See article HERE.
Colonnade Art Gallery & Studio (2010 - 2020)
Located off of Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, The Colonnade Art Gallery & Studio (later rebranded the Arbor Academy of Art) was owned and operated by Ron Pettie. In late 2020, the Colonnade (Arbor Academy) was the unfortunate casualty of the COVID outbreak. No longer able to provide on-site art painting classes, he had to close its doors permanently.
During it's 10 year operation, Ron created this artistic space providing Pasadena art classes that were run by artists for artists and their admirers. Along with Ron's painting classes, other art classes were offered in various subjects and mediums, including discounted art supplies and monthly themed gallery showings open to the community.
The Pasadena Star Newspaper recognized Ron Pettie and the Colonnade Art Gallery & Studio by publishing an article written by Michelle J. Mills, SGVN in the August 4-5 2012 issue titled 'Urban Landscapes' close to home.
Kathabela Wilson, a local poet, writer and artist was an active member of the Colonnade Art Gallery and frequented the gallery's monthly showings. She published an article about Ron Pettie and the Colonnade Art Gallery in the ColoradoBoulevard.net website.