Art classes for Teenagers

Traditional & Digital Art Programs

Designed to Inspire Teenage Artists.

At ART + Academy, our teen art programs are designed to help young artists grow skills, confidence, and creative independence. We offer two distinct learning paths — Traditional Art Classes or Digital Art Classes — allowing students to choose the medium that best fits their interests and goals.

Across our Austin and Cedar Park locations, teens work on personalized projects at their own pace in a supportive, small-group setting. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, students receive individual guidance from professional instructors who help them strengthen technique while encouraging creative exploration.

Beginner-Friendly Approach

Teens new to art typically begin in our traditional art classes, where strong drawing skills form the foundation for all future learning. Using principles from Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Dr. Betty Edwards, students learn how to truly “see” what they draw.

They explore:

  • Contour and cross-contour lines

  • Perspective and negative space

  • Basic shading and value

As confidence grows, students deepen their skills through value studies, observation exercises, and shading with charcoal or pastels. Projects may include composition studies, still life, and master-inspired work, while also incorporating color theory and the use of watercolors and acrylic paints to support creative growth.
(See what can be learned.)

Digital Art Classes & Advanced Skill Development

For teens interested in digital illustration, ART+Academy offers dedicated digital art classes. Students work using digital tools (such as iPad and Procreate) while learning essential art concepts like composition, color, value, and design — all applied specifically to digital media.

For experienced students (traditional or digital), instructors begin with an assessment of skill level and goals, then guide students through projects that challenge their abilities and expand their portfolios. This focused approach helps teens develop confidence, refine technique, and grow creatively within their chosen medium.

Our Commitment to Quality

With small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios, every teen receives meaningful, personalized instruction. Our caring instructors provide timely feedback and encouragement, helping students see real progress over time.

✨ You can view that growth in our Before & After Gallery.
If a class is currently full, families are welcome to join the waitlist, and we’ll notify you as soon as a space becomes available.

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.

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 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.

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

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We have been going to this art studio for many years now. We love all the teachers and their methodology. Ms. Rose is especially wonderful! My kids learn much more than drawing and painting. They are more creative, have more discipline, and learn to see things though different perspectives outside the studio as well.

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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We have been attending art classes since my daughter was 5 years old. We have been to a few others, but have stayed at Art + Academy because it is the best. The teachers are very very focused on improvement but are also gentle and encouraging. We have been here for close to 2 years now and have attended a summer camp. We just love our teacher Marcia Breternitz! She is SO kind and very good at her craft.

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My daughter has gotten to experience two separate studio art teachers, not including the subs for makeup classes, and she’s truly enjoyed every one of them. Makeup classes are easy to schedule and classes aren’t too big. Each class keeps my daughter wanting more. So much so that my youngest wants to join when she turns five and we’ve already booked summer camps!

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My son has been attending SW Art+ Academy for a couple years now. I have really appreciated the smaller classes so that teachers can provide more personalized attention to the kids. Monica is reasonable & responsive to the various requests I have made, too, which I have appreciated. My son recently finished the Watercolor Art Camp, and really enjoyed his time with Mr. Matt! He had many nice items of artwork to proudly show off at his Art Gallery today.

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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.

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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.

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It is so fun I like it alot

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Fantastic teachers, right on task with age appropriate activities and always enriching the creativity. Going back this summer.

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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.

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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.

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Kids love this place and teachers. Much fun.

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I have 2 children that attend here and both have really enjoyed the program. They look forward to class every week! They have both improved their art and are proud of their work. Teachers are wonderful and staff are always attentive which I appreciate!

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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!

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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!

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 paint, pastels, charcoal, ink, acrylic paint, and more.  

5.0
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Love taking classes here. Class sizes are perfect and teacher is cool

gaby L September 17, 2024
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I have 2 children that attend here and both have really enjoyed the program. They look forward to class every week! They have both improved their art and are proud of their work. Teachers are wonderful and staff are always attentive which I appreciate!

Krista Steffy October 12, 2023
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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.

Premal Shah June 22, 2021
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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
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My daughter loves Art+ Academy. She has been going for years and always looks forward to it. it is a warm welcoming environment, and the instructors are knowledgeable.

John Kelly July 8, 2016
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My daughter is shy about taking classes where Mom can’t be right next to her. She loves Miss Erin and the class so much she doesn’t even care that I go run errands while she is at class. Unbelievable change in her!

LeAnn Paulsen April 19, 2019
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It’s a great place to express creativity and branch out to different types of art. My daughter learns and enjoys every class. I highly recommend it.

Juliana Fayad August 6, 2024
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My daughter has gotten to experience two separate studio art teachers, not including the subs for makeup classes, and she’s truly enjoyed every one of them. Makeup classes are easy to schedule and classes aren’t too big. Each class keeps my daughter wanting more. So much so that my youngest wants to join when she turns five and we’ve already booked summer camps!

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It is so fun I like it alot

Andrea Collins July 22, 2014
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I very much enjoy my classes at ART + Academy, with a wonderfully talented teacher and a studio conducive to creativity and exploration of styles.

Darla Nelson August 6, 2024
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My son and I have been going here to learn painting, sketching , charcoal. All the teachers are amazing and really passionate about art. It has re-kindled in me the love for art and really thankful for the wonderful teachers including Ms. Southworth who is an amazing teacher and artist.

Arnab Gupta August 15, 2024
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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%.

Adeline Feybesse September 1, 2023
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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
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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.

Jing January 8, 2022
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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!

Evan Chance February 21, 2018
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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!

Christian Flores August 14, 2024
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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

Katy Fisher April 30, 2022
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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
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My daughter’s progress in art is phenomenal, she loves going to the academy. Her teacher is great!

Victoria Fonseca September 6, 2023
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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

Sally Jetson January 12, 2025

Start
Today

We will prorate your tuition if you join mid-month.

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.

Find Your Art Class

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Cedar Park · NW Austin · SW Austin
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CEDAR PARK
ART+ Academy art school at Cedar Park
NORTHWEST
ART+ Academy at NW Austin. Art school
SOUTHWEST
ART+ Academy at SW Austin. Art school for kids, teens, adults and seniors.
ONLINE
Online art classes | Traditional or digital using Procreate