From a Hobby to a Profession: Malina’s Art Story

Malina never imagined a hobby could change her life—until it did.

STEPS & RESULTS

Malina was one of the very first students at ART+Academy, and it’s been an incredible privilege to witness her artistic growth as she developed into a professional working artist with private collectors and commissioned work.

She began with us as a complete beginner, learning the basics of drawing. Her first portrait showed very basic skills and a lack of proportion, but after just a few weeks of focused practice and guidance, her second portrait already showed noticeable improvement. That progress gave her the motivation to keep learning.

Curious to explore color, Malina learned how to use soft pastels—a turning point in her development. As part of learning how to use a new medium, students are often encouraged to study and copy the grand masters, and Malina embraced that challenge. Her soft pastel interpretations of Edgar Degas’ Ballerina and Woman in a Tub demonstrated her growing confidence and skill with color, form, and technique.

From there, she began experimenting with other media both at ART+Academy and beyond. Eventually, she discovered that glass was her true medium. Today, Malina is a working artist with collectors and several commissioned pieces. Her work has been exhibited in juried and curated shows across Texas and beyond. Her glass art pieces are held in national and international private and corporate collections, and you can see more of her work on her website: www.malinacipleu.com.

We are so proud to have been a part of Malina’s artistic journey. Her story is a beautiful reminder that with dedication, expert guidance, and a passion to grow, anyone can become an artist.

A pastel portrait of a child wearing a hood, created during Art Class in Brushy Creek. The artwork uses soft textures, strong shading, and subtle color to evoke emotion and depth — reflecting the student’s growth in both technical skill and expressive portraiture.
A student stands proudly in front of their finished painting on display at an art exhibition hosted by Art Class in Oak Hill. The image captures a moment of achievement and creative confidence, showcasing the academy’s emphasis on celebrating student progress through public showcases and community engagement.
A dynamic pastel drawing featuring multiple women dancing, completed during Art Class in Circle C. The piece highlights the artist’s ability to express motion, rhythm, and figure through color and gesture — demonstrating growing confidence in capturing the energy of the human form.
A classical figure drawing created during Art Class in North Burnet–Gateway, depicting a nude woman bending slightly as she reaches downward while standing on a small round platform. The artwork demonstrates the artist’s growing understanding of human anatomy, posture, and expressive linework — in a setting focused on observational technique and artistic growth.
A student lies beside their finished artwork on the ground during Art Class in Canyon Creek, smiling with pride and joy. This playful, expressive moment reflects the personal connection students develop with their work and the encouraging, creativity-first environment nurtured in class.