If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I am a professional artist/educator with experience teaching both beginners and advanced art students looking to expand their abilities.
I enjoy getting to share my knowledge of and passion for art and technique. It's the most rewarding experience to see my students progress; to expand and realize their own artistic potentials.
Overview
Hired 26 times
Serves Los Angeles, CA
Background checked
1 employee
9 years in business
Business hours
Sun9:00 am - 8:00 pmMon9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2019
Services offered
Drawing style
Level of experience
Work location
I travel to my customers
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
29 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Jean B.
Dec 29, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Dean. My son had little drawing experience when he first started classes with Dean, but the transformation has been incredible. In just a short time, Dean has helped him build a solid foundation in basic drawing techniques, and it's been amazing to watch his progress. From learning how to draw basic shapes to mastering the details of faces, eyes, and building structures—my son has come so far under Dean’s guidance.I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done to help my son develop his talent and confidence in art.
We feel so lucky to have had such a fantastic teacher! If you're looking for an art teacher who genuinely cares and knows how to bring out the best in his students, I can’t recommend Dean enough."
Details: 14 - 17 years old • Beginner • Sketching • Technical • What the teacher recommends • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drawing Lessons
Leslie D.
Jan 4, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Dean has been the most incredible art instructor I could have hoped for for my children. Living in somewhat of a “cultural desert,” I looked to online opportunities to nurture my sons’ interest in art. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Zoom format, but Dean has exceeded every expectation.
We started with Dean almost three years ago, and both of my sons have blossomed and grown exponentially in that time. Dean is fastidious about time and ensures that every moment of the lesson is productive, not to mention that he is impeccably reliable. Dean has managed to strike the perfect balance between exposing the boys to foundational drawing skills by providing references that are both historically and culturally relevant, as well as subjects that are highly engaging for their age and interests. It’s also clear that Dean is exceptionally talented and intelligent; I love that the boys have regular exposure to an inspiring and high-quality human being. Overall, Dean is simply a fantastic educator who articulates skill through his verbal instruction and artistic demonstration. We are very lucky that he responded to our inquiry three years ago. He’s THE BEST!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No experience • What the teacher recommends • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Drawing Lessons
Meredith P.
Jan 6, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
If I could highlight all categories I would! Best Art teacher! I've recently gone over my art work, from three years ago, and compared it to my current art projects, and I am amazed how far I've come. I had no intentions of starting a new hobby, but after seeing how well two of our kids (and our nephew) progressed with dean, I decided to give it a try. And I am thrilled with my own progress!! Dean is helpful with any questions I have and is extremely patient with his students. I have learned so much over the past couple years and have used my new knowledge for other crafts that I make. I am excited for the new things we learn every week. 5 Stars!!
Details: 10 - 13 years old • Intermediate • Sketching • Portrait • Cartoon / Caricature • Technical • Figure • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Drawing Lessons
Lisa W.
Mar 18, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I requested a drawing instructor via Thumbtack and Dean was the first to respond - he is a talented artist with a gift for teaching. I have been taking lessons for approximately six months and have learned so much! This is my first professional art class and Dean is very patient and attentive. He breaks down drawing concepts at a pace that has been so helpful to me as a novice drawer. I am so pleased with my progress and would highly recommend his services to others looking for a drawing instructor!
Lisa
Details: 45 - 64 years old • Beginner • Sketching • Portrait • Technical • 60 minutes • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting) • I travel to the drawing instructor
Drawing Lessons
Cory T.
Sep 19, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Dean was so helpful in my introduction to drawing! I started at stick figure level and was able to progress quite quickly. He has a progressive lesson plan that reinforces and builds on various techniques. Dean provides great feedback to help improve your skills, and he's also a nice guy to chat with! I wholeheartedly recommend.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No experience • Portrait • Sketching • 60 minutes • I travel to the drawing instructor • The drawing instructor travels to me • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting)
Drawing Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Dean Liao
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typical lessons will feature a combination of prepared lectures, demo, and personalized instruction.
We will begin by outlining and discussing some student goals and developing an outline using my syllabus to find the best way to achieve those goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied under former MICA professor Karl Connolly for four years.
I have attended and assisted many art workshops with high caliber contemporary artists such as Emilio Villalba, Zin Lim, Casey Baugh, and Aaron Westerberg.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After assisting many workshops and growing more comfortable with the educational process, I grew interested in presenting my own point of view.
I began teaching friends and gradually began to expand my audience from there.
