Our art lessons for teenagers at Austin, TX campuses combine traditional and digital art techniques. Rather than following a strict curriculum, teens have the freedom to work on personalized projects at their own pace during classes and camps. Furthermore, small class sizes provide individual guidance, helping students build both confidence and artistic skills.
For beginners, we recommend starting with structured drawing lessons. Using Dr. Betty Edwards’ method from Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, students learn to “see” and draw realistically. They explore contour lines, perspective, negative space, and basic shading. As they improve, we introduce value studies, observation exercises, and shading with charcoal or pastels. Additionally, students experiment with composition, still-life projects, and classic master studies before moving on to watercolors, mixed media, and acrylics.(See what can be learned.)
For experienced teenagers, we assess their skill level and goals, then design projects to enhance their strengths or introduce new techniques. In addition, students can choose to explore digital art tools alongside traditional mediums like pencil, watercolor, pastels, and acrylics. This approach allows them to expand their creative portfolio and develop versatility across different styles and media.
Because of our small teacher-to-student ratio, teens enjoy personalized lessons that nurture their love for art — their skill progress is showcased in our before-and-after gallery! If a class is full, simply join our waiting list, and we’ll notify you when the next opening becomes available.
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.
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!
We understand that sometimes 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.
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.
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 paint, pastels, charcoal, ink, acrylic paint, and more.
Rating
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.
So happy with this Art Academy, my 8 and now 9 year old girl has learned little by little how to use watercolors and tempera, as well as mix the colors and make it natural, this is her second year and from the first class in the group ages 9-12 I can see her learning new drawing techniques and painting as well. The teacher is so sweet and is constantly giving them feedback on what is good and what they should change. I appreciate her for this.
My daughter’s progress in art is phenomenal, she loves going to the academy. Her teacher is great!
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.
Although my 4 year old daughter hasn’t been attending the class for really long time, she already fall in love with the program. She love the teacher Dr. Marlene, going to drawing class on Saturday is her favorite activity for the whole week. Teacher is experienced and nice, knowing how to work with little kids. We are amazed with her progress almost every single time. Strongly recommended.
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.
My daughter loves this place! We started with a summer class in 2021 m, on the 5-7 bracket and she liked it so much we came back for the full year in August/September. I have already signed her up for next year. The teachers are great, the kids get to learn different types of painting, color scales, they have art display events every year, and their make up classes/absences policy is the best I’ve ever seen! We have always been able to get make up classes when we have had to miss any. Her drawing has improved so much!!!
Amazing art classes. My daughter loves her class and her progress is impressive. Teachers are so professional and nice with the kids.
I highly recommend Art +Academy. This is our third year with Art + Academy and I am very thankful for their professionalism, support, and personal approach toward my child future!
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
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 🙂
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.
I highly recommend Art Plus Academy. It’s a locally owned business that offers first-rate art instruction. My daughter has taken lessons from Art Plus for the past five years (she is now a junior in high school), and my wife and I have watched her flourish as an artist. We’ve also watched Monica, the owner of Art Plus, create a vibrant art school and community. The success of Art Plus is no doubt due to Monica’s professionalism, warmth and high standards. She hires excellent teachers. She fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere where all ages and skill levels can pursue their interest in art. Monica is also a very present and involved owner — she is always available to address questions or concerns. Again, I highly recommend Art Plus. Go sign up for an art class!
This place is amazing! Morgan is our instructor and she had found a way to connect with our 12 yr old in a way that school teachers haven’t. Our daughter shows progress each week with new things to improve her talent. The class size is small which gives an abundant amount of 1 on 1 time with the students. Some students are just beginning, some are very advanced, and there are classes available for adults regardless of skill level. My wife and I are thrilled that we have found this place!
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.
It is so fun I like it alot
Art+Academy is an excellent art school. The teachers are professional and provide art instruction beyond what is taught in a public or private school. The owner responds to inquiries and is accommodating. At age 6, my granddaughter showed signs of artistic ability, but was shy around people and lacked the self-confidence to follow through with extra-curricular activities. Now at age 8, after 2 years of Art+Academy’s quality art instruction, she has identified herself as a good artist, shows an increased self-esteem, makes eye contact, converses with her peers and teachers, and shows no resistance to attend her art classes. Her finished pieces include various techniques, perspective drawing, and mixed media. Art Academy yields an outcome that is well worth the investment of time and money.
Since 2021, my daughter has been attending these art classes. Under the tutelage of Ms. Marcia, she has unleashed her creativity as she explores various mediums such as pastel, acrylic, watercolor… among others. Also, she has improved her tracing skills since then, and is more aware of the perspective and colors palette when drawing and painting. Teachers are nurturing, and encourage the kids to express themselves artistically delving into their themes of interest. The academy holds an annual showcase, presenting a fantastic opportunity for her to exhibit her artistic growth and to immerse herself in the diverse styles and talents of her peers. Its accommodating policy on making up for missed classes adds to the convenience. All in all, this is a great space for nurturing your kids’ artistic skills!
We love Art Plus Academy. The summer camp is fun and diverse – utilizing all kinds of media and encouraging the kids to express themselves, focus and create! Instructors are excellent and so supportive. This is a great environment for kids of all ages and artistic talents.
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.
