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
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!
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!
We have been going to the Art Academy for almost 3 years and we absolutely love it! Both of my kids are now enrolled and they both look forward to class each week. We could not be happier with our experience!
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.
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!
Art Plus Academy provides not only outstanding instruction, but also a unique sense of community. I’ve been taking lessons from Art Plus for the past five years – since I was a 6th grader – and have grown immensely as an artist. Every instructor I’ve worked with has been knowledgeable and talented, giving me the guidance to build strong foundational skills, but also the distance and autonomy I needed to develop my own artistic style. Aside from the valuable instruction I’ve received, I’ve joined something of a family at Art Plus. I highly recommend this community for all ages. Monica has created a very special institution, and I recommend taking part.
My daughter attends art+academy since 5years. And she loves it. The teacher is amazing and caring. She is flexible to adapt her teaching to each students. Thanks Ms Anna. I recommend them 100%.
Art+Academy continues to be a creative haven for me. Rosemarie Goode continues to teach me and others in our class different mediums to use creatively. I have experience watercolour, pencil, pen, pastels, colored pencils and mixed media. Examples: colored pencils and watercolour; and watercolor and black pen. Rosemarie not only challenges me, but also the other students in the class. I enjoy the group so very much! I recommend this teacher and the Academy.
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
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!
Our girls had a great time in Ms LuzMarie’s class. They created very cool art work they are proud of. Would recommend it!
My 4 year old granddaughter loves the art class and looks forward to it every week.
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.
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.
Fantastic teachers, right on task with age appropriate activities and always enriching the creativity. Going back this summer.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 🙂
