Chavi Teller

I am an oil painter who fell into the medium almost by accident. While I’ve always loved arts and crafts, painting at this level never crossed my mind until I became aware of local classes in late 2021 and decided to give it a shot. At the time, I was recovering from a life threatening battle with COVID-19 needing life support ECMO to save my life, and picking up a paintbrush became my ultimate quiet space. Today, as a busy mum of five, my painting time is my sanctuary—once I get to the canvas, I get so completely immersed that it’s hard for anyone to pull me away.
Under the wonderful guidance of Rikki Klein at the Art Academy in Hendon, I’ve found a creative confidence that has spilled over into the rest of my life. My process is patient and intuitive. If I hit a creative block or feel frustrated with a piece, I will completely put it aside and start something entirely different with new colors and themes. I let those sidelined canvases wait until a sudden moment of clarity or inspiration strikes—a feeling of "now I know what to do"—at which point I return to it with fresh eyes, sometimes completely redoing sections until I hit that perfect sweet spot. Using a bright, vibrant palette inspired by nature, I love creating pieces fil...

Art Academy (Hendon, London) | Studio Practice; Oil Painting Technique, mentored by Rikki Klein (Sept 2021 – Present)
Note: Proudly self-taught contemporary artist. Developed core technical skills, emotional expression, and creative style through dedicated studio mentorship and practice.

February 2024: Art for Healing Initiative, Permanent Public Donation, Intensive Care Unit (ITU North), Barnet Hospital, London
February 2025: Art Academy Group Exhibition, Directed by Rikki Klein, Hendon, London
September 2025 – Present | Commercial Print Licensing, Select acrylic works published and distributed as art greeting cards.