 While attending the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes (Academy of Fine Arts), Izquierdo was instructed by Rufino Tamayo, Manuel Rodríguez Lozano,and German Gedovius.She was also highly influenced by Diego Rivera, who served the director of the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes (Academy of Fine Arts) in 1929, and later became pivotal in helping launch Izquierdo's career.Recognized as one of Rivera's favorite students, the praise she received by Rivera lead to her undergoing frequent hostility from her peers.