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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

My kids have been taking art lessons at this studio for five years. They practice their drawing skills while having fun playing with different art materials. The teachers are professional and passionate about teaching. My kids love their art teachers. The studio provides many time slots for each age group and a flexible make-up option so that the art lessons can easily fit into our schedule. The gallery day in the studio was one of the most exciting days for our family when we cheered for our kids’ progress in the past year. The studio also provided art lessons for adults. I took one year of art lessons at Art Plus Academy. They were very relaxing and satisfying.

google

My daughters have taken multiple classes at Art+ Academy and the teachers are just wonderful! My children have thrived there due to the small class-size and individual attention they have received. They always love going to art class!

google

Teachers are kind and welcoming, and my son has plenty of fun while learning how to paint. Thank you Art+ Northwest Austin!

google

Our daughter began attending Art + Academy last year as a kindergartner, and it quickly became her favorite extracurricular activity. We’ve explored various programs, but Art + Academy stood out for its ability to introduce her to new and creative drawing and painting techniques that she wouldn’t have tried on her own. We’re thrilled to start again next week after her summer break!

google

Our experience with Art Academy over the past two years has been absolutely fantastic! The teachers are not only great at what they do but also incredibly personable. My daughters have thoroughly enjoyed their time, and I appreciate the positive and nurturing environment that Art Academy provides. Highly recommend!

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!

google

My girls love ART+ Academy! Last fall, I put my daughters in the in-person ART+ classes and they loved it. They learned new techniques, they flourished, and they were so excited to show me their progress each week. Then in the spring, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I turned to the online ART+ classes. Their teacher, Johanna Heilman, made the transition to virtual learning so easy at a time when my daughters needed the consistency, routine, and familiarity of their art classes the most. I now have them enrolled in the online summer ART camps and they couldn’t be happier.

google

Art+Academy is a fantastic art school! I appreciate the ease & flexibility with the sign up process and to a make up a missed class. The owner is very responsive. My two kids (teen class & 9-12yo class) have been attending for several months and love their teachers. In fact, because of the class make up policy, my kids have met & learned from several teachers and all of them have been so kind, engaging and skilled! I’ve been impressed. All the teachers we’ve come across really care about the kids as people and as artists and my kids feel that respect and care. We’ve seen my kids’ skills (& art) improve with the constructive feedback from talented teachers.

google

My adult son, Mark, has enjoyed classes at Art + Academy for several years. He has a favorite teacher, Rose, who has helped him with both watercolor and acrylic painting. Their website is easy to use to sign up for classes. Payments can be automatic. Nice people are in charge. Following their rules is easy.

google

The quick move by the Art Academy from in-person instruction to online classes was remarkably smooth and effective. At a time like this, we need the flexibility and creativity of organizations like the Art Academy. I am particularly please with the online help and guidance I have been receiving from Luz Marie, the instruction at the SouthWest Austin studio. It has been overall a very rewarding experience to work with Art Academy. I highly recommend this art school.

google

Art Plus Academy is not just a great place to learn how to draw, paint, and use other media. It’s teachers help you learn how to see the world in a different way. I’ve been taking classes there since 2018, and I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made. My artwork is just getting better and better. You can’t go wrong with the teachers here and the community and friends you will build and make with other students.

google

Our daughter loves her lessons!

google

My son was hesistant to do any sort of art. He thought he didn’t like it. But he was willing to try a class at Art +, mostly because a friend was in the class. And he fell in love with drawing! I have seen such improvement in his skill and effort in just a short time. He now spends some of his free time drawing and it is wonderful! He is proud of his work and sees his own improvement, and he can describe drawing techiniques to me. His friend, who has been at Art + for 2-3 years, has developed incredible skill. Watching this friend’s talent develop over the years has been astounding. This is a high quality art class. They keep it fun, there is a lot of freedom, and the skills are taught and practiced brilliantly. We just signed up for another year!

google

My daughter started going to Art Plus Academy few years ago and she is still attending. Each year her art is better than before. I am surprised each time she brings her art home. Teachers are great and we never had any issues. I would recommend them if you are looking for a nice place for you kid to learn and improve art skills.

google

This camp was highly enjoyable and so much was learned. Johanna was a great instructor!

google

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

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

My five-year-old son loves doing art in his free time at school so I thought taking an art class would help him to continue to grow as an artist. I wish I was a better artist, and I think being knowledgeable about art will help him as he progresses in school. I signed my son up for an art class at Art + Academy, and he absolutely loves it. He has been taking lessons for about a year, and we are so impressed with what he has created and the variety of mediums he is encouraged to use. His teacher, Ms. Emma, is absolutely the BEST art teacher! She is so wonderful with children, and she is the reason why he has made so much progress. She creates her lessons based on my son’s interests (dinosaurs, birds, police cars, etc.) which makes each lesson extra fun and special for him. Each week, I take photos at the end of his lesson to show my husband, grandparents, and other family members. We are so impressed! We loved Gallery Day–my son was thrilled with all of the stickers (with handwritten positive comments) that he received on his artwork. We can’t say enough wonderful things about Art + Academy.

google

Love taking classes here. Class sizes are perfect and teacher is cool

google

My daughter attended Mr. Matt’s digital art camp. She had a wonderful experience and learned how to use her iPad in a new creative way. I appreciate the novel form of art this studio is offering young artists! Thank you Mr. Matt!

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

Enrollment in Art+ Academy was a Christmas gift for my daughter in 2020. She’s now been attending the teen class every Saturday since January 2021 and she absolutely loves it. She commented on how much her work has progressed over the last year. She loves Miss Alexandra & loves having the space to be creative and receive helpful instruction on what she wants to create (rather than following a predefined curriculum).

Shay Tower February 20, 2022
google

My daughters have taken multiple classes at Art+ Academy and the teachers are just wonderful! My children have thrived there due to the small class-size and individual attention they have received. They always love going to art class!

Chrissie Horn December 14, 2021
google

The socially distanced summer camps were perfect. Our child learned so much and enjoyed the small group “camps.” At the end of the week, we got to see the amazing art our child created. I appreciate all of work the staff did to ensure a clean, safe and fun learning environment.

Ashley Forbes August 6, 2024
google

Adult classes at the Art + Academy are designed to inspire all levels of artistic talent, from beginners to advanced. Thanks to the excellent instructors, the interaction between aspiring artists is also a driving force for the creative spirit. I have been a student at the Studio for over four years and can recommend the Art + Academy without hesitation.

Sarah O'Neil August 15, 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

Having an art class for adults that’s warm and friendly is very comforting. My instructor is very knowledgeable and helpful. I really look forward to my Friday class.

Janice Sanchez August 14, 2024
google

My son loves drawing class there. Teacher is friendly, kids got on hands experience all the time.

Ting Yu October 4, 2023
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!

Adrienne Layne May 29, 2017
google

My daughter really enjoys her art classes here. They are competitively priced, offer year long classes, lots of schedule options, and the teachers are wonderful. I love the makeup class policy too, it really allows you to get the most for your money.

Jessica List February 15, 2025
google

I started art lessons in December in the three hours every Tuesday adult class which Monica was teaching. I have grown and learned so much! I basically started at zero, with a love for trying craft projects and doing artistic things without any real knowledge of drawing. I feel like Monica always intuitively knows what to draw my attention to and where to push me. I would recommend this class to anyone! We even had some subs in May when Monica had to be out and each of the teachers were highly knowledgeable and great at teaching. If you’re thinking about taking a class, just do it! You won’t regret it 🙂

google

My eleven year old developed an interest in art over the summer, so I put her in a summer camp at Art + Academy. After one week, she was hooked. Ms. Marcia did a wonderful job of balancing instruction in different techniques and mediums with giving each student enough freedom to pursue the art that they wanted to do. My daughter is now in a weekly class and has made enormous strides. She is learning how to work with pastels, acrylics, water color and pencil. She drags me to Michael’s virtually every week to get new art supplies. This is all due to her wonderful teacher. Thanks for great art lessons!

Kirsten Ueber November 4, 2015
google

I took a ProCreate drawing class online, and I learned so much more than I expected! My instructor was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. It was an amazing experience.

Becky Thompson December 22, 2023
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

Great art studio (clean and spacious) for kids and adults! Supportive and caring teachers for my teens! The teachers always motivate my teens to explore and encourage their creativity. My teens have been long term students there. Strongly recommended!

Brenda Deng August 14, 2024
google

Great place for my daughter to learn more art skill. Lovely studio, indoors and nice and cool. Instructor was wonderful and my daughter was proud of her work.

Joy Simonton July 17, 2018
google

Excellent place for art lessons

John K Hoover October 24, 2017
google

If you want to learn to actually “see” as an artist, I recommend this art school for a wonderful learning experience. In the last 3 years I have seen my focus improve, my techniques expand, and my enthusiasm for creating beauty through art grow tremendously. Thank you, Monica Araoz and your excellent teaching staff!

Monica Baier September 23, 2015
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.

Yancy Wehmeyer October 20, 2023
google

My son loves going here. He’s gotten so good with his art. He’s always loved drawing, painting, coloring and this has helped him be more confident with his artwork. Mrs. Marcia is great with the kids. They have great staff and great teachers.

Alex Juarez November 30, 2021
google

The personalized tutoring I received at Art Plus Academy helped me get into my top art school choice. To do this, I worked on a number of portfolio pieces (including still life drawings and drawings of nude models), and Monica gave me suggestions on how to refine and improve my work. She also recommended books to study and techniques to practice, all of which I learned a great deal from. Monica and her team are top notch art teachers. The prices they charge are a seriously good deal for your money (In fact, I would gladly pay double, the teachers here are that good). From what I saw while I was there, they are willing and able to help artists at any skill level. Usually classes are filled with both beginners and intermediate level artists, and artists of every age. I was impressed by the teacher’s ability to help all students improve. I am sure Monica can’t promise that you’ll get into an art college if you take classes with her, but I did, and I couldn’t be more thankful to her and her team.

Neil Fox September 22, 2015

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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