Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Drawing Anthony Galati

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Drawing, Anthony Galati, to share insights into his connection to art and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Anthony reflects on drawing as a lifelong practice and a powerful, cathartic creative outlet, as well as how his eclectic, art-filled studio supports exploration and focus. He emphasizes perseverance through frustration, consistent practice, and finding personally meaningful subjects to draw, highlighting creativity and resilience as essential foundations for artistic growth.

What drew you to learning about drawing?

I've been drawing for as long as I can remember. I believe that art can be a very important and cathartic part of anyone's life. I've had several students that have said that our drawing and painting lessons are the only time that they can just let all of the stress empty out of their heads. Sometimes nothing else really helps you to deal with the struggles of life the way that being creative can.

How would you describe your teaching studio?

My teaching studio at any given time is filled with paintings, drawings, many different kinds of drawing supplies, dozens of brushes and paints, oil mediums, a Yamaha keyboard, and more likely than not, a cat.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about drawing, what would it be? 

Just keep going! When it seems difficult and you're frustrated, don't give up. Those are often the times that you are learning the most. So even though those times may not be fun, expect that they will happen at some point because that is when you have the biggest opportunity to grow.

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

For drawing, a kneaded eraser. I hardly use anything else for erasing. When you need something with a fine point that's firmer than that though, a mechanical eraser is great.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential drawing students?

The more time you spend on the skill that you want to grow, the faster you will advance. So find something that's exciting for you to draw and work on it as much as you can. When you get stuck on something that you can't figure out, a teacher can speed up the process for you to get past it, as well as tell you about useful, time saving techniques that you otherwise might never learn on your own.

Go after the things that matter to you! Keep drawing even when you question if you should or not and you will continue to get better.

If you are interested in learning more about Anthony or would like to book a lesson with him, please visit his Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!