Skip to main content Scroll Top

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.)

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. 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.

google

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.

google

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.

google

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!

google

This place takes their job seriously and really does a great job teaching and immersing kids into their art. Great and fast communication when there is any sort of issue. They really try and accommodate any personal requests to make things work for the student and get them involved. I do find their rates slightly expensive, BUT they really deliver on the quality of their studio and lessons and we’ve really loved it!

google

We have been attending Art Plus Academy in person in Northwest Austin before the Covid pandemic started, we started when my child was in first grade. We continue to be with Art Plus Academy online throughout the Covid pandemic. We are grateful we had an in-person Art class, when available and in our area. Yet, we are more grateful that Art Plus Academy continues to offer online Art classes, when many other Art studios choose not to do so, as my child is now in 6th grade. Thank you to Art Plus Academy for offering various Art class for all ages.

google

Excellent teachers and great classes. My 5 year old got to make new friends and enjoy a week of summer art camp with Ms Adria. We got to set up a nice shelf at home to display all the art she created at camp.

google

We love this art studio. My daughter has been taking classes here for several years. She has had wonderful instructors and has improved her skills with every course. Most importantly to me, her love of art and her ability to express herself creatively has grown by leaps and bounds. The owner is responsive, provides great instruction, and is truly passionate about sharing her love of art with her students. I highly recommend this studio!

google

The teachers at Art Academy (Mrs. Cecely and Mrs. Rosemarie), has taught my young boys to be more expressive and confident with their school work, along with improving their fine motor skills. The teachers are always patience, and nurturing while having small class sizes. I would Highly recommend taking a course with these talented teachers!

google

My daughter started last month with Ms. Morgan and she loves it so far. Morgan is a great teacher, very encouraging and spends personal time with student. She paid attention to my child interest and provided just right the amount of support while ensuring my daughter can be herself 🙂 thanks so much!

google

My daughter looks forward to her art class every week. There is always something new for her to do. She likes surrounding herself with teachers and other students that have a love for art as well. She will continue to grow and learn many things here. Do not hesitate to call and ask questions. Everyone is very friendly, nice and helpful.

google

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!

google

My eleven year old developed an interest in art over the summer, so I put her in a summer camp at Art + Academy. After one week, she was hooked. Ms. Marcia did a wonderful job of balancing instruction in different techniques and mediums with giving each student enough freedom to pursue the art that they wanted to do. My daughter is now in a weekly class and has made enormous strides. She is learning how to work with pastels, acrylics, water color and pencil. She drags me to Michael’s virtually every week to get new art supplies. This is all due to her wonderful teacher. Thanks for great art lessons!

google

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.

google

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.

google

Great instructors that care about the students and are very supportive.

google

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.

google

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.

google

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!

google

I’ve been taking adult drawing/painting lessons for the past 3 years now. Every teacher I’ve met has been excellent, kind and very knowledgeable. The other students that I’ve met are also always very nice and wonderful people, and it’s great to be able to learn from other adults who are coming from different levels of experience. I just love this place

google

I have two kids, who take classes at the South Austin location. They love it! The teachers are kind and patient. The kids enjoy the classes immensely and have grown as artists. We highly recommend Art+ Academy if your kids like art and want to learn how to be a better artist. It is a caring and encouraging environment. My favorite part is Gallery Day at the end of each year. You get to walk through and see EVERYONE’s art on display and leave notes on any that speak to you. It is so important for my kids to see their work on public display and receive positive feedback on the part of themselves they shared in a particular piece of art. It is the highlight of the year!

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.  

5.0
google

Art Academy SW has been a fantastic experience for our daughter. Her skills and confidence have increased especially in regards to shading, dimension, use of color and different media. Class sizes are small allowing for kids to remain focused and have some individual direction while working on projects. Mr. Matt is an outstanding and engaging instructor!

Margaret Bloch April 7, 2025
google

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.

Yancy Wehmeyer October 20, 2023
google

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!

Rose Perry February 11, 2025
google

The personalized tutoring I received at Art Plus Academy helped me get into my top art school choice. To do this, I worked on a number of portfolio pieces (including still life drawings and drawings of nude models), and Monica gave me suggestions on how to refine and improve my work. She also recommended books to study and techniques to practice, all of which I learned a great deal from. Monica and her team are top notch art teachers. The prices they charge are a seriously good deal for your money (In fact, I would gladly pay double, the teachers here are that good). From what I saw while I was there, they are willing and able to help artists at any skill level. Usually classes are filled with both beginners and intermediate level artists, and artists of every age. I was impressed by the teacher’s ability to help all students improve. I am sure Monica can’t promise that you’ll get into an art college if you take classes with her, but I did, and I couldn’t be more thankful to her and her team.

Neil Fox September 22, 2015
google

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!

Gabriela Reyna July 30, 2021
google

My daughters have taken multiple classes at Art+ Academy and the teachers are just wonderful! My children have thrived there due to the small class-size and individual attention they have received. They always love going to art class!

Chrissie Horn December 14, 2021
google

Great instructors that care about the students and are very supportive.

Evadney Petgrave May 25, 2022
google

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
google

My 6 years old looks forward to her art class every week. Her teacher Ms Erin is an amazing teacher and my daughter has really enjoyed learning from her! I would definitely recommend Art + Academy to everyone who has interest in learning arts!…

Chitra Tewari August 14, 2024
google

My child has been attending Art+ Academy for a year and also attended a summer camp session. He loves the classes and can’t wait to go each week (He’s 8, so that’s saying a lot). The kids learn so many art techniques and styles. The classes are serious art classes, but they accommodate all levels and allow the kids to express themselves as individual artists. Looking forward to year 2 there.

Heather Pelletier July 9, 2024
google

My kids did an online summer camp and loved it. Great alternative with social-distancing and we did it from Georgia! Great instruction, great content – 5 stars!

Shera Shrago June 23, 2020
google

We love this art studio. My daughter has been taking classes here for several years. She has had wonderful instructors and has improved her skills with every course. Most importantly to me, her love of art and her ability to express herself creatively has grown by leaps and bounds. The owner is responsive, provides great instruction, and is truly passionate about sharing her love of art with her students. I highly recommend this studio!

Serena Townsend July 3, 2020
google

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!

Nikki Moriarty September 20, 2023
google

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!

Rachel Kraft June 17, 2022
google

I have been taking art classes at Art + Academy for almost three years. I’ve learned so much and loved every minute of it!! The instructors are all great—top notch!!

Rebecca Wallace August 16, 2024
google

5 star review! My daughter can be tough to teach as she wants to do her own thing with drawing. She enjoyed the art camp with Ms. Erin! Ms. Erin has a great, relaxed way of teaching the kids but still allowing them to make artistic decisions. The art show was cool though not by kiddo’s cup of tea but a valuable experience for her. I have already recommended Art+Academy/Ms. Erin to friends. For anyone who is weighing options, I highly recommend Art Plus Academy. We will definitely be back next summer!

Laura Branch August 6, 2024
google

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
google

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!

chloe t. August 14, 2019
google

My 8 year old expressed interest in art classes so I started doing some research and stumbled across Art+ Academy. I’m so grateful we landed here, my daughter’s teacher, Ms Erin, is not only talented, but is brilliant with kids. She is so skilled at setting expectations with the class, communicates with kids like adults, and it truly cultivates a relationship of mutual respect. The fact that supplies are included makes it very approachable for my daughter to try lots of methods and materials. It’s clear that they put a lot of effort into hiring true art professionals.

Rachel Sessions February 11, 2025
google

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 🙂

deanne hentrich March 8, 2022

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.

Find Your Art Class

1
2
3
3 selections remaining
Cedar Park · NW Austin · SW Austin
Ages 4 through adult
Current and upcoming sessions

Not sure which class fits? Call or text us →

Available classes for children 9-12
Select your location, age group, and session to see available classes.

CLASSES


CEDAR PARK
cedar
NORTHWEST
nw3
SOUTHWEST
sw
ONLINE
ONLINE

(512)-812-8070

Cedar Park

3621 E. Whitestone Blvd.
Suite 700.
Cedar Park TX 78613

Northwest

10401 Anderson Mill Rd
Suite 108-B
Austin, TX 78750

Southwest

5424 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd,
Suite 110
Austin, TX 78735

Shopping Cart
Close
Cart
  • No products in the cart.
Your cart is currently empty.
Please add some products to your shopping cart before proceeding to checkout.
Browse our shop categories to discover new arrivals and special offers.