Looking for an artistic outlet for your mini Banksy? A rainy day alternative to screen time? Or perhaps your child is looking to learn about famous artists and develop their own portfolio? West London is buzzing with art classes and holiday clubs to inspire children aged 4 to 12 years old.
1. art-K art classes
Ages: 6-18 years
Areas: Shepherd’s Bush, W12 9BL
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Google
What art-K classes are running?
art-K runs weekly art classes and holiday art workshops designed to provide children with a rounded art education in drawing, painting and 3D modelling.
Set in a studio in Shepherd’s Bush, the environment is calm and inclusive. Students can develop at their own pace, growing in confidence and creativity as they work with more materials. Students can explore clay, 3D modelling, acrylics, watercolours, inks, papier-mâché and more, developing their visual and artistic skills.
As the UK’s leading art tuition service, art-K fosters a warm and vibrant space where ideas can be fully explored alongside expert tuition. As well as being great for developing art skills and knowledge, these classes encourage positive self-perception and confidence.
art-K prices
Holiday weekday art courses for 6-16 years: £288 for 12 sessions. A trial class is £24.
Secondary school art classes for 11+ years: £288 for 12 sessions. A trial class is £24.
What do you need to know about art-K classes and holiday clubs?
art-K are OFTSED registered and accept various childcare vouchers. Full day and half day holiday workshops run for children aged 6-16 every school holiday.
A full day includes hosting your child at art-K for the lunch hour – an ideal childcare option. Some clubs require full day students to be picked up over lunch – check your club’s booking page if booking a full day.
Where to book art-K classes
Visit art-K on Loopla to find a class near you: art-K.
Alternatively you can find more information on the art-K website.
2. Creativity Art Workshops (CAW)
Ages: 4-12 years
Areas: Earl’s Court, W8 6QH and Notting Hill, W2 5QT
Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 34 reviews on Google
What Creativity Art Workshops (CAWs) are running?
Set in the bright and vibrant ‘Kids’ Castle’ (a.k.a. St. Paul’s Church) in Westbourne Park, CAWs are all about igniting creativity through art and physical activities.
Workshops are themed on things like nature and the environment, science, space and exploration. They include dance, play, improvisation and, sometimes, yoga.
So, if your child likes keeping busy as they create, this is a great option. There’s also the chance for children aged 4-9 years to learn or enhance Spanish skills through art, with a Spanish & Art Club that focuses on vocabulary, pronunciation and cultural awareness.
Creativity Art Workshops prices
A Creativity Art Club term costs £195. Summer camps cost around £347 for a full week’s attendance or £85 for a single day. You can book a free taster session for Spanish & Art Club and a term costs £200.
What do you need to know about Creativity Art Workshops?
Weekday after-school art clubs are geared for children aged 4-9, 5-11 and 6-12 years. Classes every Tuesday from 4 pm-5 pm (4-9 years), Wednesday from 3.45 pm-4.45 pm (5-11 years) and Thursdays from 4.30 pm-5.30 pm (6-12 years).
Holiday camps run throughout the year and are suitable for children aged 4-9 years. CAW also offers parties and personalised home workshops.
Children need a (nut-free) packed lunch and clothes that can get messy. All art materials are provided.
Where to book Creativity Art workshops
Pre-booking is essential, and early booking is recommended. You can get a 10% discount for siblings and groups with four or more children.
Find a workshop on Loopla: Creativity Art Workshops
Alternatively you can find more information on their website: Creativity Art Workshops
Find art classes for kids in west London: view art classes
3. Mini Picassos
Ages: 4-16 years
Areas: Kensal Rise, NW10 5RT
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Facebook
What Mini Picassos sessions are running?
Inside a small, yellow studio in Kensal Rise, you’ll find Mini Picassos – a fun and educational art school for toddlers, children and adults.
They offer a structured programme of classes that combine learning about the works of famous artists with exploration of various artistic media. Fun holiday clubs also run throughout the year for children who want a little less structure. There are day and half-day holiday camps designed for 4+, 6-8 and 9-12 year-olds (trial sessions can be booked, too). Private, one-to-one tuition sessions and birthday parties are also available.
Mini Picassos prices
Summer term classes range from £294 to £340+. Holiday camps run from 9.30 am-1.30 pm, or from 2 pm-5 pm on weekdays, from £75 per session. Academic classes start from around £325. One-to-one sessions are available in 6-week bookings. Prices start from £510 for 6 x 60-minute sessions. Check the website for specific price information.
What do you need to know about Mini Picasso classes and camps?
For children aged 4-5, classes provide the opportunity to explore mark making, colour mixing and other fundamental artistic skills.
Project-themed sessions for children aged 6-8 and 9-11 years allow for a more in-depth exploration of artistic concepts and the completion of more complex artworks. Children get to try painting on canvas, pastel studies, sculptures or prints to develop their skills and confidence.
For young artists aged 12-16 who have a real thirst for art, there are 90-minute Fine Art classes. These are designed for children who enjoy drawing from life and have the ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. Classes focus on skills such as drawing, painting and sculpture, building confidence and developing ability.
For students looking to create art in smaller groups, the Portfolio drawing and painting course is open to all children aged from 9-13 years. It develops drawing techniques, like measuring for accuracy, shading and composition. Mediums include sculpture, oils, watercolours, pencils and pastels. It’s ideal for students looking to apply for scholarships, with the view of building a portfolio for submission, or those participating in art entrance exams – although the class is open to all.
Children should bring a nut-free packed lunch and drink for each session. All materials are provided.
Where to book Mini Picasso classes, camps and tuition
Camps and classes are for children at least 4 years old and attending school full time. Booking is required, and there are multibuy and sibling discounts available for the 4-8 years workshops during set periods.
Find a class or camp and book through Loopla at Mini Picassos | Loopla.
Alternatively you can find more information on their website: Mini Picassos art courses.
4. Kite Studios
Ages: 4-14 years
Areas: Shepherd’s Bush, W12 9RY
Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Google
What Kite Studios sessions are running?
Kite Studios run holiday workshops and after-school sessions that specialise in all art media, but the pottery workshops feature particularly well in reviews. These enable children to explore clay and ceramics, teaching them about the practice of bricolage, emphasising sustainability alongside creativity. Drawing, painting and printmaking are also popular here.
Sessions draw inspiration from historical and contemporary artists. Some sessions are specifically designed for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Kite Studios prices
Trial sessions start from £20. A block of 10 classes costs £200. Holiday clubs and camps range from £15-30. Term timetable classes range from £25 to £275.
What do you need to know about Kite Studio classes and camps?
Many courses are taught on Fridays during term time for 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the length of the school term. Classes are usually an hour long. Some of the SEN sessions are free, and concessions may be available from the Kite Inclusive sponsorship fund. For SEN sessions, pupils need to be accompanied by an adult.
Where to book Kite Studios classes
After-school classes, holiday camps and timetables can be found on their website: Kite Studios.
5. Chiswick Art School
Ages: 6-14 years
Areas: Chiswick, W4 2RX
Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars from 29 reviews on Google
What Chiswick Art School sessions are running?
Set in the peaceful grounds of Dukes Meadows, you’ll find Chiswick Art School’s Art with Little Pics. This is an ideal place for children aged 6-14 who enjoy drawing, colouring, painting and creating in an atmosphere inspired by nature.
Younger children get to learn about artists while trying painting, landscape and still life drawing, collage, illustration and more.
They also offer a Young Artists’ Club for children aged 9 and over who are showing a more serious approach to art or building a portfolio. These classes focus on Fine Art techniques and art history. They cover a range of traditional skills, such as drawing, painting and collage and students get to use a range of materials, including pencils, charcoal, oil pastels, watercolours and acrylics.
For children aged 12 and over, there’s Further Education Art Club – a weekly class to help your child develop their art skills beyond the classroom.
Chiswick Art School prices
Summer half term and summer holiday art camps cost from £62.50 for a day to £160 for 3 days. Young Artists’ Club offers 9-week sessions from £248 and 12-week sessions from £324. Taster sessions are available for the Young Artists’ Club and Further Education Art Club. These cost from £35.
What do you need to know about Chiswick Art School classes and camps?
Art with Little Pics holiday camps usually run from 9.30 am-3.30 pm. Holiday camps run over one, two or three days. Young artists’ clubs usually run on Saturday mornings from 10 am-12 pm. Currently, Further Education Art Club takes place on Saturday afternoons from 12:30-2:30 pm. Please check the website for times.
Children should bring a snack or packed lunch and a drink. All art materials provided.
Where to book Chiswick Art School classes and clubs
Art With Little Pics holiday clubs, along with Young Artists’ and Further Education Club can be booked directly from the website.
6. Art Barn
Ages: 4-9 years
Areas: Kensington Square, SW7 4HJ
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Google
What Art Barn sessions are running?
Art Barn’s art and craft workshops encourage children to get imaginative in a calm, nurturing environment. These are ideal for children aged 4 to 9 years who like a quieter space to create.
Sessions include storytelling, drama and games, alongside painting, pattern making and art exploration. Term time classes are kept small so the Art Barn team can get to know each child and encourage their own unique ideas.
Children are given a daily theme to think about, but there’s no set piece to create if they prefer to try new things in their own way and time.
Art Barn prices
Most seasonal workshops run from 9.30 am-12.30 pm and cost from £45. For weekday classes and prices, please contact Art Barn, as these may vary.
What do you need to know about Art Barn workshops?
Daytime art and craft and ‘create and get messy’ classes are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for children aged 2-4 years+. After-school arts and crafts sessions also take place on these days for children aged 4-5 years+.
Classes are structured to meet the needs of children by age. There are free trial classes available and at the end of these, the teacher will give feedback on if it’s the most suitable class for your child. Children who are comfortable being left can be dropped off for their class. Smocks and a snack are provided by Art Barn, but you can bring your own, too.
Where to book Art Barn classes and holiday clubs
Find a full list of classes and holiday workshops at: Full Timetable | Art Barn Classes
7. Leo’s Paint Club
Ages: 3-11 years
Areas: Kensington, W8 5ET
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Google
What Leo’s Paint Club sessions are running?
Leo’s Paint Club is set in a light-filled gallery in Kensington. It’s all about creative freedom – no fear of making a mistake.
There are daily after-school sessions and weekend sessions during which children can unleash their creativity with paint in ways not possible at home. Each session begins with a fun theme that incorporates famous artists and art concepts. These relaxed sessions are designed to boost children’s confidence but leave them feeling calm rather than over-stimulated and tired.
Leo’s Paint Club prices
Age 4-11, daily from 4.30-5.30 pm. £35. Book 4 sessions for £120 and save £20.
Age 1-11 (daily, 3.30-4.15 pm; Saturday, 10.30 am or 3.30 pm; Sunday, 10.30 am). £35.
Age 4-11 seasonal holiday clubs: Monday to Friday on selected dates. Approx. 1.5 hours. Prices from £50.
What do you need to know about Leo’s Paint Club workshops and clubs?
The key focus here is freedom to paint, but for children aged 4-11, holiday clubs offer the chance to learn the basics of drawing and painting and try their hand at watercolours and acrylics.
Depending on the session, your child may need a nut-free snack or packed lunch and drink. Old clothes are advisable.
Where to book Leo’s Paint Club sessions
Booking is required. Choose your session at Leo’s Paint Club.
Find art classes for kids in west London: view art classes
8. Cygnets Art School
Ages: 5-13+ years
Areas: Notting Hill, W10 5QQ and W10 6LP
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Google
What Cygnets workshops and classes are running?
If your child wants to try sketching, painting, pastels or clay, Cygnets art school (rather than art club) is a good option. They run two holiday workshops per day during half terms and school holidays for children aged 5-12 and 9-13, so your child can choose to attend one, several or all of them. Each workshop covers a different project with a new skill or material to master.
They also run after-school and weekend classes for children aged 5 and over to explore a range of techniques and mediums.
Scholarship and portfolio classes are available for ages 9+. These are ideal for older students who are looking to begin a more serious approach to art or those considering scholarship applications.
For students aged 13+, there’s an advanced class that guides them through a variety of techniques and mediums whilst also encouraging them to develop projects in their own way.
Cygnets also provide one-on-one, home-based private art classes.
Cygnets prices
After school & weekends for Ages 5+. Run Fridays 4.30-5.30 pm; Saturdays 10-11 am and 11.15 am-12.45 pm. Trial session: £25. Term: £62.50 per month.
Every half term and school holiday for ages 5-13. Various days and times. Half day prices start from £30, single day £55 and full week £150.
Scholarship/portfolio classes for ages 9+. Run Fridays 4.30-5.30 pm; Saturdays 10-11 am and 11.15 am-12.45 pm. Trial session: £25. Term: £62.50 per month.
Advanced class for students aged 13+. Contact Cygnets directly for times and prices.
What do you need to know about Cygnets art classes?
These are for children who want to learn about art and different mediums rather than just come along to get messy! Experienced teachers offer traditional drawing, painting and sculpture guidance, aiming to cover advanced subjects, even with the youngest students. Professional, quality materials are provided. Those attending two workshops on the same day should bring a packed lunch. All students are advised to wear old clothes/an apron and bring a bottle of water.
Where to book Cygnets classes
Book lessons, classes, holiday workshops or one-to-one tuition at: Cygnets Art School Notting Hill.
9. Gymboree Family Art Class or Art 3 sessions
Ages: 3-5 years
Areas: Kensington, W8 6QH
Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Google
What Gymboree Art Classes are running?
If you have a 5-year-old with younger siblings in tow, you might enjoy Gymboree’s Family Art Classes for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Or the Art 3 sessions for children aged 3-5 also provide a great space to be creative and explore different mediums and textures.
Children can try sculpting, painting, collage and drawing – all of which support sensory input and fine and gross motor skills. This social space allows them to create with other children, even if they haven’t yet developed the verbal capacity to do so. These are great for giving children a sense of achievement through working with others or on their own. Art classes help to stimulate thought processes and decision-making by giving children a choice of different materials and tools. They also help to build focus, attention and concentration.
Gymboree Art Class prices
Art 3 sessions at certain locations run for 4 weeks, from £65.00.
For classes and prices at Kensington’s Gymboree, please email: Enquire Now | Gymboree Play & Music or call 07308160024.
What do you need to know about Gymboree Family Art Classes and sessions?
Please note, not all Gymboree centres offer all classes, so please contact your local branch directly. Kensington Gymboree offers Family Art Classes for children up to the age of 5.
Where to book Gymboree art classes
Book Family Art Classes at your local Gymboree: Family Art (18 months – 5 years).
10. Paintbox Studios
Ages: 7+ years
Areas: Ravenscourt Park, W6 0RR
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Google
What Paintbox Studios classes are running?
Located between Stamford Brook and Ravenscourt Park tube stations, Paintbox Studios offers art classes for children aged 7 years and up.
Classes allow children to explore oils on canvas, charcoal, graphite pencils, pastels and collage work. They cover the fundamentals of fine art, such as composition, perspective, tone, texture, colour theory, pattern and materials.
If your child is sitting an art entrance exam for school or applying for a scholarship, the Paintbox team can help them develop a portfolio of between 8-13 pieces of work, which is often required. They recommend starting classes at least a year before the submission deadline.
Paintbox Studio prices
Flexi option prices: 10 x 2-hour classes: £590. 5 x 2-hour classes: £320.
Fixed option prices: 10 x 2-hour classes: £540. 5 x 2-hour classes: £290.
For more details, visit Prices — Paintbox Studios.
What do you need to know about Paintbox Studio classes?
The first 2-hour session your child attends will involve observational drawing exercises covering measuring, proportions and other basics so the tutor can observe level of ability. After-school and weekend classes enable children to develop their artistic skills and knowledge at their own pace.
Two-hour classes are offered in sets of 5 or 10 sessions. Children’s and teens’ classes take place on weekdays from 4.30-6.30 pm; Saturdays 9.30-11.30 am, 12-2 pm, 2.30-4.30 pm, 5-7 pm; and Sundays from 10 am-12 pm, 12.30-2.30 pm, 3-5 pm.
Where to book Paintbox Studio art classes
Book directly at: Paintbox Studios.
11. Chelsea Fine Arts
Ages: 8-18 years
Areas: Ravenscourt Park, W6 9LZ
Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Google
What Chelsea Fine Arts sessions are running?
There are term and holiday fine art courses for children who are serious about learning to draw and paint.
Term time after-school and evening classes are available for children aged 8-18 years. Typically, classes have students of varying abilities, and beginners are welcome. These are not group classes, as such, teaching is very focused on the individual. Each student has their own easel and still life or individual project.
Teaching covers different drawing and painting techniques using observation. Pencil, charcoal, conti, pastel, acrylic, watercolour and oil are available to work with. Children learn about composition, perspective, light, shadow, tone and texture and will draw a still life of the human form as well as animals from photographs. Each session introduces relevant historical works of art to expand their knowledge and broaden students’ artistic range.
Chelsea Fine Arts prices
Courses start from £660.
What do you need to know about Chelsea Fine Arts classes?
Only children who have had their eighth birthday can attend. Students come once a week during the term time, either after school or at the weekend. Numbers are limited so that each child receives a high level of individual attention.
There are normally four tutors in each session, and classes are taught on a one-on-one basis, with the focus on learning to draw and paint from observation. All art supplies are included. It’s advisable to book sessions either in the morning or afternoon, rather than combining both.
Where to book Chelsea Fine Arts classes
Find the full timetable (with more information about each class) and book directly here: Holiday Art Classes – Chelsea Fine Arts.
12. The Kids’ Table Ltd
Ages: 3-10 years
Areas: The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8QE; The George IV, Chiswick, W4 2DR; High Road House, Chiswick, W4 1PR
Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 573 reviews on Google
What Kids’ Table sessions are running?
If a leisurely lunch and arty tabletop fun for your children sounds like an unlikely combination, think again! The Kids’ Table run pop-up children’s corners in pubs, restaurants, food halls and shopping centres.
You’ll find one every Sunday throughout the year, from 12-4 pm. While their team helps children to enjoy craft, games and creative table-top fun, you can enjoy a long, uninterrupted lunch!
Kids’ Table prices
The Kids’ Table is available free of charge on a first come, first served basis to customers of participating venues. You’ll need to reference The Kids’ Table when making a reservation.
What do you need to know about Kids’ Table?
Don’t dress them in their Sunday best, and bring some extra wipes with you! Suitable for children aged 3 years+.
Where to find and book a Kids’ Table venue
To find a Kids’ Table venue near you, visit The Kids Table.
Which West London art class for kids is best?
For an outlet for your child to get messy and explore, Leo’s Paint Club and Art Barn sessions are great. For children who have an early, innate love of a pencil, brush or clay, Cygnets, CAW workshops or Kite Studios would help them blossom.
Places like Chelsea Fine Arts or Paintbox Studios are best for children who want to learn the more technical side of drawing and painting. The beauty of W12 and surrounding areas is the choice of classes available for budding artists of all ages!
FAQs: art classes in West London
What are the benefits of art classes for young children?
For those of an artistic nature, these are a great way of introducing them to techniques, materials and well-known artists they might not become familiar with in school for quite some time. Art and craft sessions can also boost sensory and fine and gross motor skills, as well as imagination and self-esteem. Art can also give children the freedom to express themselves when they might not yet have the vocabulary or confidence to interact comfortably with others.
What places offer art classes or sessions throughout the year?
Most of the studios and art schools listed run classes and workshops throughout the year. Kids’ Table events happen every Sunday, although it’s best to check and book early during busy times like Christmas.
Are the sessions only on during holidays?
More traditional art classes, like those at Chelsea Art School and Cygnets, continue to run during school holidays. Studio sessions for younger children are often seasonal – with themes based around the holidays.
How long do art classes for children usually last?
Art workshops for younger children tend to go on for 1-2 hours. Classes for older children usually last 2-3 hours, depending on the level of art development you’re looking for.
Can I book one-off sessions?
Many of the listed venues offer trial or taster sessions so you can see if a course of classes or workshops is suitable for your child. Places like Creative Art Workshops, Leo’s Paint Class and Art Barn run regular one-off sessions, particularly for younger children aged 4+.
