Andre de Sousa Rios

New to Lessonface
Drawing, Painting, Pastels
Lesson Fees
$60.00 / 60 Minutes

About

I am a professional pastel artist and educator specializing in hyper-realistic and realist drawing techniques, currently based in the Netherlands, where I run my own art studio and teach private lessons and workshops both in person and online. Over the course of my career, I have developed a strong technical foundation and refined visual language, with my work featured in The International Artist Magazine and recognized through exhibitions and awards. I regularly lead hands-on workshops, including collaborations with partners such as Royal Talens, supporting learners of all skill levels in mastering pastel media and strengthening their artistic voice. My teaching approach combines technical precision with individualized guidance, allowing me to effectively support both beginners building foundational skills and advanced artists seeking to elevate their realism and professional practice.

Teaching Style

My teaching style is structured, supportive, and results-driven. I break down complex hyper-realistic techniques into clear, manageable steps, ensuring students fully understand materials, layering methods, color accuracy, and fine detail work. Each lesson combines demonstration and guided practice, with personalized feedback adapted to the student’s level and goals. I emphasize strong technical foundations while encouraging artistic sensitivity and individual expression. My aim is not only to help students replicate realism, but to equip them with the skills and confidence to create it independently.

Credentials & Affiliations

André Rios – Artist & Art Instructor

  • Professional Artist & Teacher (Netherlands) – Portuguese visual artist based in Apeldoorn, specializing in realistic and hyperrealistic pastel drawing techniques, offering private lessons and workshops for students of all levels.

  • Teaching & Workshops

    • Instructor at Royal Talens Experience Centre (Apeldoorn, NL) – teaching workshops focused on realistic drawing and pastel techniques.

    • Instructor at Everycolor Art Store (Ammerstol, NL) – conducting hands-on workshops in realism and hyperrealism.

    • Provides private studio and online lessons, helping students develop drawing fundamentals, observation skills, and professional techniques in pastel art.

  • Education

    • Product Design, Universidade Lusíada – Porto (2008–2011)

    • Fine Arts – Painting, University of Fine Arts – Lisbon (2007–2008)

    • Communication Design, ESAD – School of Arts and Design – Matosinhos (2005–2006)

  • Awards & Recognition

    • International Artist Magazine – Cover Artist & 6-page demonstration (Edition 166, 2025)

    • International Artist Prize – 2nd Prize Winner (Edition 164)

    • Wildlife Artist of the Year (UK) – Finalist (2024)

    • Luxembourg Art Prize – Artistic Achievement Recognition (2020, 2021, 2023)

  • Exhibitions

    • CODA Museum, Apeldoorn, Netherlands – collective exhibition

    • Galerie Montulet, Den Haag – In|Square series

    • Santa Joana Museum, Aveiro – finalist exhibition

    • Multiple solo and group exhibitions in Portugal and the Netherlands.

  • Artistic Focus

    • Creator of the In|Square series, exploring realism and digital fragmentation concepts.

    • Current work focuses on minimalist hyperrealistic drawings using soft pastels, emphasizing observation, light, and material detail.