Beachwood is home to passionate patrons of the arts; the proof is the longevity of the city's arts council. But the city is home to a number of professional and amateur artists.

Take Alex Klayman.  He's been drawing and painting nearly 10 years, and his work lines the walls of his home. Still, Klayman calls himself an amateur.

"I don't have an education in art, I'm self-taught. I'm still learning," he said.

He's learned to get rich colors by mixing oils and layering pastels. But the most important lesson is to take his time.

"When I first started, it took two, three days, sometimes half a day to finish a piece," he says.  "Now I do it slower, and hopefully better."

To see Klayman's pieces, browse his online gallery.