Art classes for kids aren’t just about creating a fun mess with finger painting or playdoh.
It can also have some serious benefits like promoting cognitive development and stress relief. (1, 2)
But with all the options out there, how do you choose the best art activities? Read on to discover our top picks for art classes in London.
Art classes are good for:
- Creativity
- Cognitive development
- Sensory play
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor skills
- Stress relief
Art classes for toddlers
Some of the best art classes for toddlers include those from The Conservatoire and Mini Picassos in Kensal Rise.
At this age, art is all about exploration and fun. You’ll probably find your little one drawing, painting, making collages, and moulding playdoh.
Each lesson will usually have a different theme or art theme so that your child will be exposed to a variety of creative and sensory activities.
What does art do for toddlers?
Art isn’t just child’s play at this age. Under the messy paints and abstract-looking masterpieces, your child is actually developing many cognitive and developmental skills.
This includes exploring their creativity, developing patience, learning colours and shapes, developing fine motor skills, and much more!
How do I introduce my toddler to art?
Most toddlers are natural creators and artists. Our job as adults is to provide the materials and let them do the exploration!
This could include getting them started with simple drawings (lines, circles, and other simple shapes). Dot markers or crayons are also great alternatives.
Painting is another essential style for them to explore different motor skills and textures while molding clay is a great way for toddlers to get hands-on with art.
Collages are another simple activity with minimal prep work.
Toddler art classes in London
London-based art classes from Little Splodgers in Greenwich and Mini Picassos in Kensal Rise provide little ones with a safe and fun space with plenty of art materials to explore their creative side!
Find art classes for toddlers near you: view art classes
Art classes for kids
You can find the top art classes for kids at The Conservatoire and Mini Picassos in Kensal Rise.
The format of art classes for this age group is quite similar to what you’d expect from toddler classes where they’ll be exposed to different art styles each week.
One difference is that kids’ classes might go into a deeper exploration of various artists and use their style as inspiration for producing their own art.
What art is good for kids?
Any form of art can be good for kids. The most important thing is to allow your child to explore what interests them. You can do this by introducing them to different art styles, art tools, or artists.
How do I get my children into art?
To get your children interested in art, start by providing them with some basic supplies. Crayons, markers, colouring pencils, and paint are all great options.
Encourage them to explore their creativity. But if they’re not sure where to start, try providing them with some simple prompts. For example, you could ask them to draw a picture of their favourite toy, pet, or cartoon character.
Art classes for kids in London
Some of the best art classes in London for kids include those from The Conservatoire where you can explore specific art mediums like drawing, painting, or even developing a mini portfolio.
Find art classes near you: view art classes
Art classes for tweens
We are loving The Fashion School and Mini Picassos art classes for tweens.
In these lessons, your tween will likely delve even deeper into the work of various artists and expand their artistic style.
They’ll be given a chance to share their thoughts about different forms of art and perform hands-on exploration by creating their own works.
What do tweens learn in art?
Tweens are developmentally ready to explore deeper art concepts and skills to expand their creativity. Curiosity and experimenting will remain a core part of their art classes, but they might be encouraged to think a little more deeply about their creative decisions.
Art courses for 12-year-olds near me
The Vincent and Frida art history course takes budding artists along a fun journey through the works of famous artists.
Art classes for tweens in London
Mini Picassos runs a few art classes for this age group that range from casual exploration to building a junior art portfolio.
Find art classes near you: view art classes
Art classes for teenagers
The top art classes for teenagers include those from Mini Picassos and The Conservatoire.
Many lessons for teens are still casual and exploratory, where they will produce art pieces for fun.
There are also some art studios in the UK that help with building a portfolio for GCSE or A-level art.
Why is art education important for teenagers?
Art can be a great way for teens to express themselves in a creative and healthy way or even be a great outlet for stress. At this age, some might even be considering a more serious career in art and formal classes can help build a great foundation for their future.
How does art affect the teenage brain?
New research suggests that art can help develop various parts of the teenage brain to support academics as well as creative and emotional well-being. (3)
Art classes for teens in London
If you have a teen that’s serious about art, you might want to check out Mini Picassos academic fine art classes. The Conservatoire also runs a range of classes covering illustration, mixed media, and painting.
Find art classes near you: view art classes
Art classes for adults
The best art classes for adults include those from Mini Picassos and The Conservatoire.
Art classes aren’t just for kids. Adults can also join in the fun and try their hand at painting, sculpting or any other type of art they’re keen on exploring. You can expect a supportive and educational environment regardless of your skill level.
Where do I start if I want to learn art?
Firstly, there’s no right or wrong way to start learning art. For adults who are just starting out, the best way to learn is often just to jump in and start experimenting. Try different mediums and styles, and see what you like best!
Painting classes for adults
In adult painting classes, the teacher will often start by demonstrating painting techniques and then allow students to apply the new method.
Drawing classes for adults
Drawing classes for adults can vary greatly. But generally, the instructor will start out by giving some suggestions about techniques or style. As you become more comfortable with the medium, the instructor will start to introduce new challenges, like drawing from memory or adding colour.
Art classes for adults in London
Mini Picassos offers a range of art classes (drawing, painting, and lino cut) for adults, while The Conservatoire is a great option for those who want to build a portfolio.
Art classes in London near you
Looking for art classes in London near you? Here are our top picks:
- Mini Picassos offers a wide variety of classes catering to different age groups and forms of art.
- The Conservatoire has a good mix of casual classes for younger ones and portfolio-oriented classes for those seeking admission to art school.
Use Loopla to find the most popular art classes near you by age group below. You can discover the right one for your little one – or even yourself!
FAQs about art classes
What is the best age to learn art?
The best age to learn art is any age! All you need is interest and perseverance to create your next masterpiece.
Can a 2-year-old do art?
Yes, a 2-year-old can do art! In fact, all children are born with an innate ability to create and express themselves through art. If you give a child a blank piece of paper and some crayons, they will likely start drawing and squiggling right away.
Does art help with ADHD?
At this point, there is not enough evidence to show that art therapy can reduce ADHD symptoms. However, experts suggest that it can be a great way to complement ADHD therapy as a form of self-expression and stress management. (4)
What can a 7-year-old draw?
A 7-year-old should be able to draw simple shapes like triangles and circles. Their images of people should have some details like a head, a body, limbs, and clothing. (5)
Is drawing a skill or a talent?
Drawing is an incredibly complex process that most likely requires both skill and talent to execute well. Although this is a question that will probably be debated for eternity!
What are the 5 art skills?
The 5 art skills in drawing refer to the understanding of: (6)
- Edges
- Space (and negative space)
- Relationships with different parts of the drawing
- Light and shadow
- The picture as a whole
At what age can you go to art school?
Most teens get admitted to a formal art school at 19 years old after A Levels in the UK.
References
- “How Art Therapy Can Relieve Stress”, Sage Neuroscience Center
- “Art – an opportunity to develop children’s skills”, PennState
- “How the Arts Support Teen Brain Development”, Evolve Treatment Centers
- “Art Therapy in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Scoping Review of Current Applications”, University of Adelaide
- “The Stages of Drawing Development in Children: 0-6 Years”, Empowered Parents
- “The 5 Basic Skills of Drawing: An Easy Guide”, Adventures With Art
