About Ron the Art Coach

Ron Pettie was born in western Washington state, and his earliest years were spent among the natural wonders of the northwestern forests. These influences are often felt in his landscape paintings, even when he paints scenes from the southwestern deserts which form the backdrop of his long-time home in southern California, where he now lives with his best friend Martin and his senior-rescue dog, Sorra. He also enjoys the warm support of his daughter, Andrea, and his son-in-law, Raymond.

Ron's interest in art began in childhood. His first efforts were burnt by medical authorities as a precaution when he contracted polio at the age of twelve. As a teen and adult, Ron continued to experiment with other medio, including acrylics and oils. The much safer water soluble oil (oil H20) has now become his favored medium. Ron summarizes his view on art this way: "In my paintings, I hope to share with you my delight in and amazement of our world, attempting to capture that fleeting moment when a subject is at its best. With time, people, trees, and buildings will disappear, but the paintings can endure." Ron wishes to pass on the secrets and painting skills that he learned from his master artist teachers that are no longer here.

After a career as a school psychologist, ron returned to his first love and began art classes with the distinguished plein air artist Margot Lennartz. Her influence can be seen in Ron's attention to color and composition. In addition to the classes with Margot, Ron also studied at the Chouinard School of Art and at the Otis College of Art and Design, where his teachers included Richard Shelton and Diana Vitale. Ron's works can be found in private homes and offices in southern California and Arizona. 

Besides participating in numerous art exhibitions in the San Gabriel Valley, Ron also served as owner/director of the non-profit Arbor Academy of Art in Pasadena, where he taught and facilitated oil and acrylic techniques to students. The arbor Academy of Art closed its doors dur to the pandemic, but Ron continues to volunteer his services as Art Coach at the Los Angeles County Arboretum where he has taught beginning and advanced painting classes for over 10 years. Ron's current