About Ruthi

Ruthi Drori Mitelman is a Houston-based contemporary abstract mixed media painter, multidisciplinary artist, and art teacher whose creative practice is rooted in a lifelong career in art education, design, and creative making. After decades of working across creative disciplines, her paintings represent the evolution of an ongoing exploration of color, healing, and visual language.

Artist. Educator. Maker.

For over twenty years, Ruthi taught middle and high school studio art before shifting her focus to teaching small group workshops for adult artists and one on one lessons for teens interested in more rigorous and specialized art training. She is widely recognized throughout the Houston area for mentoring emerging artists and preparing competitive portfolios for students applying to art schools - with an exceptional record of admissions success.

Alongside her teaching career, Ruthi built and operated a successful handcrafted jewelry business on Etsy for more than a decade, creating one-of-a-kind, avant-garde pieces collected by customers around the world. Her original paintings have also been collected through her website, with previous bodies of work selling out to private collectors.

Today, her practice is devoted to both education and the creation of emotionally charged, color-filled abstract paintings - where decades of experience as an educator, designer, and maker converge. Her work reflects a deep understanding of color and composition, embracing layered surfaces, experimentation, and an intuitive process that continues to evolve with each new body of work.

Teaching Philosophy

Ruthi believes that creativity is not a talent you're born with - it's a practice you build. Her classes and workshops are designed to be stress-free, exploratory, and genuinely fun, whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning to a practice you've set aside. Every session is structured to give you real skills, real results, and the confidence to keep making.

What to Expect

In a RuthiMakes class or workshop, you'll work in a welcoming, well-equipped  studio in Rice Village, with all materials provided. Ruthi keeps groups intimate so every student gets personal attention and guidance. Expect to leave with new skills and an art piece you're proud of, while probably already thinking about the next one you'll create!

Come Make Something

Whether you're booking a class or looking for portfolio mentorship, Ruthi would love to work with you! Browse upcoming classes →