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Art Classes for kids 9-12

Drawing Skills

Engaging Art Lessons for Young Artists

Learning to draw is a lifelong asset. It gives children a powerful way to express emotions, beat boredom creatively, share ideas, and build joy, confidence, and self‑esteem. However, around age ten, many kids become self‑critical and stop drawing because they believe they “can’t do it.” Our program meets them at this turning point and shows them they absolutely can.

In our classes, students build skills step by step, improving their observation and using different drawing and painting media. As they progress, they gain the confidence to take on more complex projects.

3D Drawing Foundations

First, kids explore 12 core visual concepts—foreshortening, contour and cross‑contour lines, basic perspective, scale/size relationships, and more—to help their drawings read in 3D. 

Realistic Drawing Skills

Next, guided observation lessons inspired by Dr. Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain teach children “how to see” shape, angle, and proportion. These realistic drawing exercises are introduced in intervals alongside 3D work to reinforce learning. (See before/after progress gallery.)

Explore Art Media

Finally, as skills grow, students experiment with additional media: charcoal, soft pastels, oil pastels, watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint. This gradual expansion builds confidence, color awareness, and creative problem‑solving. (See what else can be learned.)

Before
After

What you get?

START ANYTIME.
Yes, you can enroll at any time, as long as there’s space available in the class. Additionally, we prorate your first month tuition  based on your start date. Likewise, if you join in the middle of a quarter, we’ll prorate the quarterly admin fee accordingly.

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS
Also, all our teachers have a college degree in an art-related field.

SMALL CLASS SIZE
Specifically, we limit each class to a maximum of 8 students.

GALLERY DAY EVENT
Above all, every April, we celebrate our students’ progress with an art show we call “Gallery Day”. This event is open to all our enrolled students and their families & friends!

What if I miss a class?

We understand that occasionally things come up—unexpected events, travel, or illness—and you may need to miss a class. Not a problem! As long as you are enrolled, you can make up a missed classes by attending another class listed in our schedule at any of our locations.

However, keep in mind that there is absolutely no prorating or refund for missed classes. In addition, missed  classes cannot be used as class credit for the next session, other classes, or camps.

google

Excellent teachers and great classes. My 5 year old got to make new friends and enjoy a week of summer art camp with Ms Adria. We got to set up a nice shelf at home to display all the art she created at camp.

google

We have been attending art classes since my daughter was 5 years old. We have been to a few others, but have stayed at Art + Academy because it is the best. The teachers are very very focused on improvement but are also gentle and encouraging. We have been here for close to 2 years now and have attended a summer camp. We just love our teacher Marcia Breternitz! She is SO kind and very good at her craft.

google

We were very pleased with the camp. Alee enjoyed it immensely. I appreciated the notes at the end of the day detailing what they had learned and the progress she made in a week in her drawings was noticeable. Well worth the fee! We would definitely take another camp! It was terrific! Thank-yoU!

google

I’ve been taking art classes at Art + for six years. Every instructor has been great and can help anyone, from beginners to experienced artists (we have all levels in my adult class). It’s been great to see my artistic skills improve, as well as try new media. I really love that classes can be made up on a different day/location if you have to miss a class, which is great for those who are worried about their budget (and who isn’t?).

google

My son has attended Art+ Academy (North) for several years. He loves the classes and is always excited to start a new art project. He is in Mrs Marlene’s class and loves working with her! He tends to get frustrated by not getting things “perfect” and the supportive atmosphere has helped him embrace imperfection and working hard to develop a new skill.

google

My daughter attended summer camp and had a blast. The teachers love what they do and it shows. Everyday they did a different art project. I’m so glad we found this camp!

google

Our daughter attends Art+Academy. For three years under the tuition of Ms Erin, we share that our expectations have been exceeded. Erin was pivotal to our daughter’s admittance into a middle school fine arts program here in Austin. She earned our daughter’s trust. The respect and genuine friendship Erin exhibits towards her students gives them the space and time to develop confidence from within. Erin is an exceptional art teacher. Catch her if you can! PAINTING:: By Julia 10yrs old painted 2021 During this lesson Erin highlighted artist Kandinsky. He studied the relationship of music to art and how it affects emotion in your color and brushstroke. Erin played jazz music while the students painted 🙂

google

ART+ Academy has brought me farther than I imagined in my drawing and I was just starting acrylic painting when the lockdown came. I missed my weekly classes with feedback and ideas on my project from my teacher, Luz Marie, and fellow classmates. However, ART + saved the day by quickly adapting in-person classes to online classes. Now I can still get my weekly instruction and stay motivated and inspired. Thank ART + for going to the extra mile

google

My child has been attending Art+ Academy for a year and also attended a summer camp session. He loves the classes and can’t wait to go each week (He’s 8, so that’s saying a lot). The kids learn so many art techniques and styles. The classes are serious art classes, but they accommodate all levels and allow the kids to express themselves as individual artists. Looking forward to year 2 there.

google

I’ve been attending art classes for about 5 years now. I’ve grown a ton in my skills and confidence. The teachers are all super supportive. The teaching is personalized to individuals based on your own interests. And the studio, in general, is also super flexible and adaptable to my busy schedule. I highly recommend!

google

Fantastic teachers, right on task with age appropriate activities and always enriching the creativity. Going back this summer.

google

During the 6 years I’ve been a student at Art Plus Academy, I’ve had the privilege of learning from three different instructors. Each teacher has a personal area of expertise, but can teach many other different forms and styles of art. In my class, each student has his/her own artistic interests and projects on which to work. Our teacher, Rose, cycles around the classroom constantly going to each student offering tips, help, suggestions, encouragement, and mini lessons which all students are invited to observe. Rose understands how necessary art is to my well-being, and the academy has provided space with a superb instructor and other students who inspire me, give constructive comments when needed, and often applaud my finished work. I have developed a very elementary talent for drawing and painting into a credible ability to create art in this incomparable studio.

google

My daughter joined a one week summer program here and had a lot of fun. She’s typically pretty nervous around big groups so the small class size was perfect for her. My wife and I really enjoyed the fact that the school invited parents to come view all of their hard work on the last day of class. My daughter is already asking to join another class so I know she had a great time. I would highly recommend Art Academy!

google

I am thrilled with the experience my daughter has had at Art+Academy under the guidance of teacher Marlene Llanes. Despite signing up towards the end of the school year, it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made. After just one class, she was brimming with inspiration and enthusiasm for drawing. She’d come home eager to recreate what she’d learned from Ms.Marlene, and I noticed a remarkable improvement in her drawing skills after just a few sessions. Now, she spends hours engrossed in her artwork, a stark contrast from the brief 10-15 minutes she used to spend. I appreciate the small class sizes at Art+Academy; it ensures that each student receives personalized attention from their teacher.The environment isn’t overcrowded, allowing everyone to have their own space to explore their creativity comfortably. Knowing that Art+Academy offers summer camps has us excited for the upcoming break. We can’t wait to see what other creative adventures await!

google

Art Academy SW has been a fantastic experience for our daughter. Her skills and confidence have increased especially in regards to shading, dimension, use of color and different media. Class sizes are small allowing for kids to remain focused and have some individual direction while working on projects. Mr. Matt is an outstanding and engaging instructor!

google

My decision to take art classes at the Art Plus Academy was the best experience I could have hoped for. I am a children’s book author/illustrator and wanted to improve my skills, as I am self taught. I learned so much so quickly. The teachers are wonderful, and I loved my classmates. I looked forward to each weekly class and intend on signing up for ongoing classes. What a fun experience. I highly recommend this to anyone beginning or advanced. Really, really fun!

google

Amazing art classes. My daughter loves her class and her progress is impressive. Teachers are so professional and nice with the kids.

google

My children and myself have taken and continue to take classes at Art Plus Academy. I found that the art classes helped me access skills I did not know I had. My 7 year old son has been taking art classes here for the past 2 years. This is his favorite activity and he enjoys exposing his art on “Gallery Day” periodically organized by Art Plus. During Gallery Day the students do not only have a chance to present their own art to the public but they also have a chance to review other students’ art – a valuable experience. I highly recommend Art Plus Academy for children and for adults.

google

My daughter has been attending classes here for the past three years. She loves it! They have taught her so many techniques not available to her in the standard art class at school. She has grown as an artist and has developed confidence in her work. All of the teachers are knowledgeable and encouraging. It has been a wonderful experience for her and us!

google

My 4 year old granddaughter loves the art class and looks forward to it every week.

Tuition & Fees

Your tuition provides four(4) consecutive weekly art classes. If you start in the middle of the month, we’ll simply prorate your tuition based on your registration date.

For Kids and Teen Classes, a quarterly admin fee applies in September, December, and March. We will also prorate the admin fee in you enroll in the middle of the quarter.

Materials

We provide all materials for kids and teen classes; you only need to bring your student.

Students will explore a wide range of materials, including watercolor, tempera, pastels, charcoal, ink, and more.  

google Rating
5.0
google

We have had such a lovely experience here. Our daughter has jumped leaps and bounds with the amazing instruction she is getting!

Lacey Appleton August 6, 2024
google

Took the adult art class with Jo – she was a great instructor. Always cheerful, attentive, and did a great job managing a group of students who were all working on different things and who were at different skill levels. Thank you!!

Katie Horgan December 10, 2021
google

Art+Academy is the best place with best teachers for the kids who are really interested in in art and Painting.My daughter love going to the studio and do not want miss any class. Thank you.

Ramya Radhakrishnan February 7, 2025
google

ART+ Academy has brought me farther than I imagined in my drawing and I was just starting acrylic painting when the lockdown came. I missed my weekly classes with feedback and ideas on my project from my teacher, Luz Marie, and fellow classmates. However, ART + saved the day by quickly adapting in-person classes to online classes. Now I can still get my weekly instruction and stay motivated and inspired. Thank ART + for going to the extra mile

Sally Jetson January 12, 2025
google

Excellent art classes, my teen loves it! Easy scheduling, friendly service and fair pricing. Highly recommend. Support your local small businesses too!

De Ayr August 6, 2024
google

We have been attending art classes since my daughter was 5 years old. We have been to a few others, but have stayed at Art + Academy because it is the best. The teachers are very very focused on improvement but are also gentle and encouraging. We have been here for close to 2 years now and have attended a summer camp. We just love our teacher Marcia Breternitz! She is SO kind and very good at her craft.

Rachael Johnson August 16, 2024
google

Summary: Very impressed with quality of artwork both of my boys (6 & 9) brought home. They were enthusiastic everyday to go to camp, and my 6 year old would come home and “play art teacher” and show us the techniques he learned that day. The teachers were very positive, encouraging, and nurturing with the kids. As a mom, I liked that both of my kids were able to attend a summer camp at the same time/location, even though they are different ages with different interests. Great value for a summer camp with the skills taught and confidence boost my kids received! Specific to Sculpting summer camp: My 9 year old does not really enjoy drawing or painting/coloring. He enjoys math, reading, sports and engineering. It is the engineering part of him that led me to sign him up for the sculpting class, with the elements of “building” using clay, recycled/found objects, etc. He absolutely LOVED the class, and his creative side was able to shine! The summer camp sculpting class gave him a comfortable and fun environment for him to explore his “not knowing” / creative side. Specific to 5-7 drawing summer camp: My 6 year old loves to paint, draw, color and get messy. At home, he was frustrated when trying to draw certain objects, but couldn’t figure out how to get what’s in his mind onto paper. He has taken two Art+ Academy classes now (safari animals and dinosaurs) and I can not believe how much he learned in such a short period of time! His raw talent was really nurtured and has improved immensely with new skills and techniques that he’s proud to show off.

Alison Beaver July 14, 2016
google

My daughter loves going into the studio, she has a great time during classes and has improved her art skills significantly during the past year. Ms. Macia is wonderful, she tailors the classes according to each students and manages to run a learning environment that is also fun.

eunchung cho August 14, 2024
google

My daughter loves Art+ Academy. She has been going for years and always looks forward to it. it is a warm welcoming environment, and the instructors are knowledgeable.

John Kelly July 8, 2016
google

My son LOVED his art summer camp at Art + Academy! At the end of the week he kept telling me, “It’s not fair that art camp is only five days.” Anna was a great instructor for him. She gave him the creative freedom within the assignments that let him really shine, and she allowed him to take the time he needed to finish a project when the rest of the class had moved on to something new. When I picked my son up the first day, he gave me a play-by-play of the entire camp. I never get that much information when I pick him up from school or from any of his activities during the year. This was a first. It was wonderful to see him so excited. I loved how small the class was, and my son got to be friends with the other students in the camp.

mee August 8, 2024
google

Our girls had a great time in Ms LuzMarie’s class. They created very cool art work they are proud of. Would recommend it!

Erin Fassnacht June 25, 2020
google

Camp was a fantastic experience…the students learned multiple techniques, enjoyed their time creating, and the teacher was positive and enthusiastic.

Michelle Natinsky June 19, 2018
google

These art classes are wonderful! They teach real technique and use multi-media. We are so excited for the upcoming art show they put on every year! I’ve been trying not to look at my daughters art so I can be surprised! One suggestion is that their scheduling system links up to your phone calendar. I’ve made multiple make-up class appointment. But they are all at different times and I’ve missed them since they don’t have an option to link up to my calendar.

Johanna Parrish April 4, 2023
google

My three daughters have been taking art classes with Art+ Academy for a few years now – we had done a few summer camps in the past but then began with weekly virtual classes during the COVID pandemic, then moved to in-person classes at the Cedar Park studio the past couple years. My girls, now 14, 12, and 10 thoroughly enjoy their respective classes and the ability to work independently on projects that they personally select with the hands-on instruction from the teacher in the areas they individually need.

Emily Amanatullah September 11, 2024
google

We have been attending Art Plus Academy in person in Northwest Austin before the Covid pandemic started, we started when my child was in first grade. We continue to be with Art Plus Academy online throughout the Covid pandemic. We are grateful we had an in-person Art class, when available and in our area. Yet, we are more grateful that Art Plus Academy continues to offer online Art classes, when many other Art studios choose not to do so, as my child is now in 6th grade. Thank you to Art Plus Academy for offering various Art class for all ages.

Sandra H September 14, 2023
google

My daughter loves the classes here. Small groups and patient instructors. Also her skills improve a lot.

Bin Fang August 14, 2024
google

Best art academy in Austin! Monica, the owner is super sweet and very attentive. The best part about this art academy is that their classes are small so they are able to challenge each student individually. Highly recommend!

Gabriela Reyna July 30, 2021
google

My daughter has been attending an art academy since 2021. She loves drawing and has learned many skills there. She especially loves Ms. Marcia, who has made learning enjoyable and helped her explore various forms of expression. Starting this term, my younger daughter has also joined.I’m really looking forward to seeing many wonderful artworks again this year.

Junko Morishita August 14, 2024
google

My daughter attended summer camp and had a blast. The teachers love what they do and it shows. Everyday they did a different art project. I’m so glad we found this camp!

adi bereshkovsky June 25, 2018
google

My daughter goes here after school and she really loves it. She enjoys every sessions and learnt a lot. My husband and I are thrilled that we have found this school. The teachers are very talented, organized, and you can really tell that they really love teaching the kids. We highly recommend this place.

Jhen Subido August 15, 2019

Start
Today

Tuition is prorated if you join mid-month, likewise, the quarterly admin fee is prorated if you start in the middle of a quarter.

Professional
Artists

Learn from professional artists who are also experienced, passionate educators.

SMALL
CLASSES

With a small class ratio (1:8), students explore their creativity with personalized attention.

Improve
your Skills

No matter your starting point, we help you build strong techniques and reach the next level.

Missed
a Class?

No problem! Make it up in another class as long as you're still enrolled.

Locally
Owned

Over 16 years of service since 2009 — fostering creativity and community growth.

Pick your location

and find the perfect class for you
CEDAR PARK
cedar
NORTHWEST
nw3
SOUTHWEST
sw
ONLINE
ONLINE

(512)-812-8070

Cedar Park

3621 E. Whitestone Blvd.
Suite 700.
Cedar Park TX 78613

Northwest

10401 Anderson Mill Rd
Suite 108-B
Austin, TX 78750

Southwest

5424 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd,
Suite 110
Austin, TX 78735

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