Amanda Lee Jones - Art classes for children

Junior Artists is a program specially designed for children ages 4-6. It is more developmentally appropriate for children of this age than the classical instruction provided in the other classes, yet still includes elements of classical art instruction. Rather than the main focus being on developing drawing and painting skills (although this does occur), the focus is on learning art elements and principles in a creative and exploratory way incorporating a variety of materials. The program utilizes award winning picture books as a springboard for each lesson, simultaneously fostering linguistic and visual literacy. After reading and discussing the picture book, the student learns how the illustrator used the art element or principle throughout the story. Students then complete a project related to the illustrations in style and subject. I have found that students have a deeper understanding of how art communicates when they learn in this way. Not to mention they have loads of fun in the process!

» What if my child feels they can't draw? (back to top)

Many people feel this way when they first come to the studio. Perhaps this is due to the myth that you must be born with a natural talent or ability in order to be an artist. I do not subscribe to this belief, and have seen first hand amazing transformations in a student's art work (and satisfaction with said artwork) within the first semester. What if people pursuing other endeavors believed the same thing? "I can't play the piano, so I won't take lessons. I don't know how to swim, so it's a waste of time to join a swim class." While it may be true that some seem to have innate abilities in these areas, skills are learned, taught, developed, and practiced. And everyone must start somewhere.

» When will my child paint? (back to top)

The curriculum is modeled after classical methods used to teach the great masters that are so admired, but tweaked to be more "kid-friendly" and accessible. It is designed to specifically develop drawing and painting skills…that is, the ability to draw and paint what you see in a realistic manner. It is my belief that a strong foundation in classical training will provide the student with more options when they move on to creating original works of art. For this reason, the curriculum follows a logical progression from line drawing to tone drawing to tone painting, and finally, to color painting. Each unit is designed to build upon the previous so that the student may experience more success and less frustration when trying to achieve their artistic goals. Much time is spent on the line drawing unit in the beginning because this is where they learn and apply the principles and tools they will use throughout all four units. The curriculum is self-paced, so it is difficult to say when each student will begin the painting unit. It depends on so many factors, including age, attendance, understanding, and complexity of projects completed. That being said, it is possible for a highly proficient and speedy artist in their teens to complete the necessary steps to painting within 10-12 classes.

» What if my child needs to miss a class? (back to top)

I understand that children today lead very busy lives, and for this reason I strive to make scheduling makeup classes as easy as possible. If your child must miss a class, simply notify me by email (amanda@amandaleejones.com) at least 24 hours in advance, and choose a class from my online calendar in which you'd like your child to attend their makeup. When you click on the day and time that you want, if there is an availability it will say "open". In your email request this day/time and I will add you to the schedule. It's that simple!

» How do I know if these classes are right for my child? (back to top)

If your child loves art and expresses a desire to learn how to draw or paint more realistically, then you're in the right place! Even if you feel they might be too restless, shy, or nervous, don't worry! These issues resolve themselves very rapidly due to the nature and atmosphere of the classes. If you are concerned, you may request a free trial class for your child to see how they respond and if they like it.

» What kind of art do you teach? (back to top)

I teach drawing and oil painting using classical methods and practices (not necessarily subject matter). Students will also learn "tools" and "principles" they can use to supplement and enhance their natural ability to help them draw and paint what they see. The curriculum focuses solely on drawing and painting skills, and is not designed to replace other art education. Basically, they will learn how to use both the left brain and right brain together to analyze and draw what their eye sees in a more realistic way.

» Can I register for a partial semester? (back to top)

In order to provide quality instruction, class sizes are limited to six students. For this reason, when you register for a semester you are committing to the full semester. If you must leave before the end, you forfeit your last month's tuition (which is the deposit paid in the beginning of each semester). Before a semester begins, I only accept registrations for the full semester. If the semester has already begun, then you may register for the remaining semester and pay the prorated rate based on when you register. A student's place in class cannot be reserved for a partial semester to be completed in the future. For example, if you wish to start classes in February, but the semester starts in January, that space cannot be held for you without you paying for January as well. But if the space is still available in February you may certainly register then. If you have specific questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me at amanda@amandaleejones.com.

» Why do I pay a deposit? (back to top)

The deposit paid at the time of registration reserves a specific space for your child for that semester. The deposit is applied towards the last month's tuition of that semester for which you are registering. (If it is the summer session, the deposit applies towards the tuition, with the remaining balance to be paid on the child's first day of class.) If your child drops out before the semester is completed, the deposit is forfeited. Because of limited enrollment, other students are turned away for each space reserved. Therefore, if your child is withdrawn from classes mid-semester it may be difficult to refill their empty space for the remainder of term.

» Can I get a refund if my child discontinues classes? (back to top)

No refunds on tuition are provided for any reason, unless I must cancel classes and am unable to provide makeup classes.

» Where are you located? (back to top)

The Amanda Lee Jones Art Studio is conveniently located in North-Central Austin, near Steck and Mopac. Please email me at amanda@amandaleejones.com for the exact address.

» What is your phone number? (back to top)

I can be reached at 826-1802. I will be unavailable to answer calls during class, but leave a detailed message and I will return your call promptly.

» Where can I find the registration forms? (back to top)

You can request the registration forms via email at amanda@amandaleejones.com.

» How old does my child have to be? (back to top)

If you are enrolling in Junior Artists, your child must be between the ages of 4 and 6. If you are enrolling in the classical art instruction classes, your child must be between the ages of 7 and 17. However, students will be accepted who are 18 or 19 years of age if they are still attending high school.

» Why do I pay full tuition on months with fewer classes? (back to top)

Each semester's tuition is based on the number of classes that fall within a specified period of time. The number of classes is then multiplied by the price per class ($28), then that number is divided by the number of months in the semester. It is then rounded down to the nearest dollar. This makes paying tuition easier each month because the amount is consistent, instead of varying with the number of classes that happen to fall within that month (some months have more classes, and some have fewer). The total tuition paid every semester always works out to be $28 per class.

» Why do some semesters have a different rate of tuition than others? (back to top)

Some semesters contain fewer classes due to holidays or vacations. This is reflected in the prorated tuition amount. So check your registration form each semester to make sure you are updated on the current monthly tuition amount. However, no matter what the overall total is, you are always paying $28 a class.

» When is tuition due? (back to top)

Tuition is always due at the student's first class of the month. If you are attending the summer session, tuition is due at the student's first class of the session.

» Do you take credit cards? (back to top)

At this time, only accept cash or checks are accepted.

» What supplies will my child need? (back to top)

Your child will not need to provide any supplies until they reach the painting unit, at which time a detailed list will be provided to the student. The tone painting supplies will include white and raw umber oil paints, oil paint brushes, palette knife, paper palette, canvas pad and painting or tackle box in which to keep their supplies. The color painting supplies will include a list of approximately 7 color oil paints. In addition, the student is responsible for providing their own stretched canvas for each new painting. I sell stretched canvases of various sizes (at cost) at the studio for convenience, but the students are not required to purchase them and may bring their own to class.

» My child wants to enter an art contest. Can you help them? (back to top)

If you are a current student of mine and wish to enter an art contest, please check with the rules and regulations of the contest. Many contests prohibit entry of art that was created under the guidance of an art instructor. However, if it is allowed I would be more than happy to give you feedback and guidance.

» Where should I get my child's artwork framed? (back to top)

There are many places to choose from, including Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Aaron's Brothers, Jerry's Artarama, and so on. I have used Contessa's on Kirby Lane for much of my custom framing needs. They are a local, family-owned business and have excellent customer service as well as reasonable prices. Their selection is limited, so you may want to look elsewhere if this is a concern. If you are on a strict budget, I suggest painting on a finished edge canvas that is designed to be hung with or without a frame. All the canvases at the studio are of this variety. Additionally, fabulous steals can be found at garage sales, antique malls, and estate sales.

email: amanda@amandaleejones.com