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.)

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.
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!!
I LOVE Art + Academy. Both of my children have been coming here for lessons for the duration of the school year, and we have always gotten exceptional, kind instruction from the amazing teachers. My kids look forward to their lessons, and I have noticed lots of improvement in their art. I highly recommend!
My daughter is an avid drawer who was not being challenged at her elementary school. We enrolled her in five-day drawing camp at Art + and she truly thrived. Her teacher, Ms. Marcia, imparted to the students an impressive variety of techniques in just a few days. Ms. Marcia really connected with the kids in the class both personally and in terms of instruction. In addition to formal art lessons, there were super fun breaks where the kids had a blast playing games. Each day my daughter came home filled with pride at her accomplishments and she would not let me see any of her work until the art show at the end of the week. It was a joy to see how much she had grown during her week with Ms. Marcia!
Both of my teenagers have taken art classes with Miss Marcia and they love her understated approach. She sets a relaxed tone that allows both of my children to take time to enjoy expressing themselves through art. The instruction is excellent, whether in-person or online, and we appreciated the end of session art galleries. Owner Monica is very conscientious in communicating via email, phone as needed, and has worked hard to make art accessible during the pandemic.
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.
My kiddo loved her camp experience here. They got to draw and paint animals from around the world and all of the kids had such cute pictures to present. We will be back for sure!
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.
One of the best studios and platform for some one who is a budding or experienced artist. Art teachers are very methodical in their approach and keen on developing details of students. I definitely recommend them.
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.
Una muy buena opción para los chiquitines y adultos con ese grandioso don del arte, la atención y desarrollo de las clases de primera. Totalmente recomendado.
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.
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.
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!
I love this school. My teacher, Rosemarie is excellent. She is an excellent artist in her own right but she is able to help each student achieve at their highest level. It is so cool to see a new student come into the classroom without any experience and be taught the basics and soon become an outstanding artist. I’m so proud of my classmates. I have attended 3 other schools. One just showed you a picture then took you one step at a time, showing you exactly what color of paint to use and how to do the painting. So all you were doing was copying someone else’s painting. I won’t say I didn’t learn anything there but I didn’t learn to express myself and do my own work. Each of the other classes had teachers who just ignored me. They had bonded with the other students and so it was kind of a little click and they didn’t want anyone else to join in. Also once the teacher admitted to not having had much experience with acrylic painting so he ignored me and I just had to paint what I wanted to paint. Rose primarily works in watercolors but she is able to teach each student in the class no matter what medium the student wants to work in. If the student is interested in learning about a new medium she does a great job of teaching the new medium. It is a beautiful experience to watch students learn new techniques and skills. I enjoy each class and look forward to the class each week.
Camp was a fantastic experience…the students learned multiple techniques, enjoyed their time creating, and the teacher was positive and enthusiastic.
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!
My son enjoyed his time art camp this summer. He did well with the small class size and liked his teacher, Ms. Anna. He was proud of the projects he made. The one-week camp (3 hours per day) was $330, which I think is on the pricey side compared to other summer camps.
I think this is the best place to put your child to learn art and improve your child art skills. They are very good and understand your child needs. Staff is amazing. My daughter is really enjoying this class.
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!
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.
I very much enjoy my classes at ART + Academy, with a wonderfully talented teacher and a studio conducive to creativity and exploration of styles.
My daughter has attended Art + Academy for years – she love the teaching, the teachers and has become friends with the other students! AND her love for Art continues to blossom!
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.
This is my 3rd year to be in Rosemary’s class of adults. I was so excited to come back to class today, after summer vacation. Missed my art buddies! Last year I was doing landscape watercolor, sketching animals in pencil, a lot of landscapes in pen and watercolor in one picture..mixed media. I’m coming back ready to learn and experience whatever class presents. Rosemarie is a fabulous laid back artsy teacher with lots of knowledge and plenty of experience teaching all ages. Another plus is learning in a class with people who are doing different types of art….it is encouraging me to try different types. Come try it!
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.
We like the creative experience, convenience of location as well as flexible schedule offered to my 14 year old!
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.
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!
My 6 year old daughter started taking classes from Ms Macia this January, and the progress she made within just five months has been so impressive! She was able learn different ways of expressions and also started to develop an appreciation of art. The teacher is very professional. My daughter absolutely loves going to the art class each week!
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
Monica, thank you and your entire team for the support you have given us, thank you for helping Joan excel in something that he really loves. you and your academy and your work team are the best things that have touched our lives. We received word that one of Joan’s drawings has been selected for a school district exhibit.
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!
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.
We enrolled my daughter because she loves art but become so frustrated with “mistakes” that she wanted to quit. We decided to see a professional and since taking classes with Ms. Marlen she has been sooooo excited to draw and shes progressed soooo much. She enjoys it again and we will be coming back for years and years. HIGHLY Recommend
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!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Art+ Academy. I was in an adult class with Erin as my instructor, and I could not have been happier with the class, with Erin, and Monica, the owner, who has been very friendly and helpful. Before I took the class, I felt like I had very little talent for drawing, but as a result of both the way the class is set up and Erin’s method of instruction, I very quickly discovered that I did indeed have an aptitude for this method of artistic expression. I would never have discovered that aptitude on my own. So, if you are reluctant to sign up for a class because you feel like you might not have the necessary ability, let me assure you that such a concern should not prevent you from enrolling. You might very well find you have a hidden talent that simply needed the right environment in which to emerge.–Josh B, Austin, Texas
Great instructors that care about the students and are very supportive.
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 🙂
My son has been taking lessons here for over two years. It is absolutely his favorite class. He loves his instructor, Erin. She is very knowledgeable, encouraging, and patient. The gallery days are such a fun way for the kids to show off their work. Highly recommend this place!
My 15-year-old absolutely loves coming here for art classes; it is definitely the highlight of her week! Her skills have definitely improved in the short time that she’s been attending, and her instructor Anne is absolutely wonderful, both as an instructor and as a person. If you’re considering enrolling here, I would definitely recommend you give this school a try. It’s like no other; you won’t be disappointed.
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.
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