Art lets you see the world differently. And once you do, there’s no going back. 

Step inside the world of Ruby Hill resident Amy D. Leung, and you’ll discover more than just brushes, pencils, and palettes—you’ll find passion, purpose, and possibility swirling across every canvas. A professional artist turned beloved instructor, Amy has created a space where students of all ages ignite their creativity, refine their technique, and express their innermost thoughts through amazing works of art.

Amy’s heart for the arts began at the young age of 5. “I just loved art,” she recalls. That love never faded. After high school, Amy pursued her dreams at a prestigious arts college in New York. Afterward, she traveled around the globe with her husband—from Korea and Hong Kong to Taiwan and finally back to the U.S., where she settled in California. It was here that she planted roots and began sharing her artistic gifts with the next generation, founding her art school in 2013.

Amy offers weekly one-on-one and group Zoom classes where students learn a variety of mediums—from colored pencils to charcoal to oil painting. She emails reference photos ahead of time, and together, student and teacher dive into the process. She paints first and demonstrates each step. Then, the students follow along until their own masterpiece is complete.

And masterpieces they are.

Take Oseshi, an 11th grader who has studied with Amy since middle school. “I’ve been doing art since I can remember,” she shares. “It’s a great way to escape from the stress of school, especially as a junior.” She began with colored pencils and now paints in oils, exploring landscapes, animals, and florals. 

“The artist I am today wouldn’t be possible without Ms. Leung,” she adds. “I started submitting paintings to art contests and I wouldn’t be able to do that without her encouragement.” 

One of her standout pieces? A striking portrait of a local Rajasthani man she encountered during a trip to India. “I wanted to bring his story to life through his eyes,” she says. Although it took months to complete, she loved working on it.

Another rising star is Fiona Yuan, a 9th grader who’s been taking weekend classes with Amy since 6th grade—just like her older sister did a decade ago. “Art is one of my passions,” Fiona beams. “It’s a way to express myself. My Saturday morning classes get me up and going—it’s something I really look forward to.” Fiona excels in both colored pencil and oil painting. One of her favorite pieces features two vivid cardinals, where the colors practically leap off the page. “Still life is fun. I love focusing on small details like flowers and table settings.”

Then there’s Sruti Polavarapu, who discovered her love for art two years ago. “I started with colored pencil and I love seeing images come to life,” she says. “You can really see the depth and dimension—it’s magical.” She plans on continuing art in college as a hobby. She proudly recalls one of her favorite pieces—a pineapple. “The shape was hard, but I loved how it turned out!”

While many students are still mapping out their futures, one thing is clear—art will always be a part of their lives. Oseshi is interested in combining computer science with digital art, exploring fields like UX/UI design. Fiona, too, plans to continue painting on the side. “It’s relaxing and peaceful,” she says. “I zone out and just focus on the art.”

Amy couldn't be prouder. “Watching my students grow, not just as artists but as individuals—it’s the most rewarding part,” she shares. From one humble studio in Ruby Hill to inspiring young artists, Amy D. Leung is proving that with the right mentor, anyone can learn to paint like a pro.

Ready to explore your artistic side? Amy’s classes are open year-round to students of all skill levels. You just might surprise yourself with what you can create.

For more information, check out Amy’s website, www.adlartstudio.com.