Children’s Art Courses — Frequently Asked Questions

Sunny Art Centre offers in-person art classes for children and teenagers at our professional art studio in Covent Garden, Central London.

Our regular Sunday classes teach drawing, watercolour and acrylic painting through structured, personalised programmes. We also run intensive summer and half-term art courses during the school holidays.

Explore our kids and teens art classes in London to compare course packages, lesson content and the current timetable.

Our regular children’s and teenagers’ art classes are open to students aged 7–17.

Students are taught according to their individual age, experience and technical ability rather than being expected to complete exactly the same project.

Parents of children outside this age range should contact our office before purchasing a course so that we can recommend the most appropriate option.

Yes. Complete beginners are very welcome.

Your child does not need previous art lessons, a portfolio or any natural artistic ability to join. The tutor will assess their current level and introduce suitable exercises gradually.

Beginners normally start by developing observation, line control, shape, proportion, shading and basic composition before progressing to more advanced drawing and painting projects.

Our courses are structured fine-art lessons rather than general arts-and-crafts activity sessions.

Students learn practical drawing and painting skills, including proportion, perspective, tonal values, colour theory, colour mixing, brush control, composition and the correct use of art materials.

We encourage creativity and personal expression, but this is supported by a strong technical foundation.

Our regular children’s and teenagers’ classes take place every Sunday:

Drawing: 9:00am–11:00am
Painting: 11:30am–1:30pm

Each lesson lasts two hours. Students can attend drawing, painting or both sessions, depending on their course package, current study plan and availability.

Visit our Sunday art classes for kids and teens page to view course options and book lessons.

Yes. Subject to available places and appropriate course credits, children can attend both the morning drawing lesson and the later painting lesson.

The break between the two classes gives students time to rest and prepare for the next session.

Attending both sessions can be helpful for students who want to make faster progress or apply their drawing skills directly to painting.

No. Our regular courses use a flexible credit-based booking system, and enrolment is rolling, so your child does not need to wait for the beginning of a school term.

After purchasing a course package, parents can log in to the student account, view the available timetable and book suitable Sunday lessons.

A confirmed booking is required for every class. Your child should not arrive without a valid booking because places are limited.

Drawing lessons may cover:

• Observational drawing
• Shape and construction
• Line quality and mark-making
• Measuring proportions
• Light and shadow
• Shading and tonal values
• Perspective
• Composition
• Still-life, portrait, landscape and animal subjects
• Developing finished artworks

The exact content depends on your child’s age, current ability, interests and chosen course package.

Painting lessons may introduce watercolour and acrylic painting, including:

• How to use paints, brushes and painting surfaces
• Colour theory and colour mixing
• Warm and cool colours
• Brush control and paint application
• Water control in watercolour
• Layering and blending
• Transparency and opacity
• Creating edges and textures
• Light, tone and depth
• Composition and suitable subjects

Students normally build foundational drawing skills before or alongside their painting studies.

The standard kids and teens course packages focus primarily on drawing, watercolour and acrylic painting. Students interested specifically in oil painting should contact our office before enrolling — depending on the student’s age, experience and goals, we may recommend a tailored programme or private tuition.

Our group classes follow a personalised teaching approach, so children do not all make the same artwork. Children may work on different projects according to their age, experience, interests and stage of study, and the tutor moves around the class providing individual demonstrations and feedback. This allows beginners and more experienced young artists to learn in the same class without being required to work at the same speed or level.

There is a maximum of 10 students in each group class.

The small-group format allows tutors to provide each child with individual demonstrations, technical corrections and feedback.

Classes are taught by professional artists and experienced art tutors. Our tutors have strong technical backgrounds in drawing and painting and are experienced in supporting children and teenagers at different ability levels. The tutor may vary according to the course, date and subject being taught.

Yes. Tutors and staff working with children hold enhanced DBS checks. Classes take place in a supervised, structured and supportive studio environment.

Yes. Every Sunny Art Centre tutor is DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained. Children are taught in small classes with individual attention, and parents are welcome to remain in the studio.

Parents can wait in our lounge next to the studio, which has seating, Wi-Fi and tea. Parents normally wait outside the teaching studio so that students can concentrate and tutors can manage the class effectively.

Parents or guardians must make sure their child has a confirmed booking and check them in with the tutor when they arrive. A child who is not listed on the class register cannot be left at the studio. Drop-off arrangements may depend on the child’s age and individual needs, so parents of younger or first-time students should confirm the arrangements with our office.

At the end of the booked lesson, parents and guardians should return promptly and make sure the tutor or staff member is aware that the child is leaving, particularly after both Sunday sessions or a full holiday-course day.

Yes. Every student follows an individual study plan and receives personalised guidance during the lesson.

The tutor circulates around the class, giving demonstrations, answering questions and providing feedback on each child’s work. A maximum of 10 students helps us maintain this individual approach.

The cost depends on the course package, number of lessons and what is included. Sunny Art Centre currently offers regular packages of 20, 40 and 60 two-hour lessons.

Prices, VAT, validity periods and package inclusions may be updated, so parents should check our children’s art course prices and packages before purchasing.

We offer three main regular course packages:

• 20-lesson course — 20 two-hour lessons; focuses on drawing; must be completed within the published validity period; materials are not included.
• 40-lesson course — 40 two-hour lessons; includes drawing, watercolour and acrylic painting; more time for structured technical development; includes the materials pack stated on the course page and a Certificate of Completion.
• 60-lesson course — 60 two-hour lessons; includes drawing, watercolour and acrylic painting; the most comprehensive long-term programme; includes the materials pack stated on the course page and a Certificate of Completion.

The most suitable option depends on your child’s goals, previous experience and how regularly they can attend. Parents who are unsure can book a free consultation before making a purchase.

Materials depend on the package purchased. The 20-lesson drawing course does not include art materials. The 40- and 60-lesson packages include the specific materials packs listed in their course descriptions. Children may still need additional or replacement materials as they progress through different projects.

Your child should bring the materials recommended for their course and current project unless the required items are included in their package. A typical drawing kit may include pencils, charcoal, erasers, a sharpener and suitable paper. Painting students may need watercolour or acrylic paints, brushes, a palette and an appropriate painting surface.

Easels and basic studio furniture are provided. Selected materials are also available to purchase from our studio shop.

Yes. Each regular course package has a stated validity period, and the current course page lists different completion periods for the 20-, 40- and 60-lesson packages. All lessons must be booked and attended before the package expires, so parents should choose a package that their child can realistically complete within the stated period.

Course packages are not automatically shareable. Some arrangements may allow siblings or family members to divide lessons, but this must be confirmed with our office before purchasing. Please do not buy one package for multiple children unless the sharing arrangement has been agreed in advance.

Yes. We run intensive summer art courses for children and teenagers during selected weeks of the summer holidays.

The programme is designed for students aged 7–17 and is suitable for complete beginners as well as young artists who want to develop their technical skills more intensively. It normally offers a one-week drawing course, a one-week painting course and a two-week combined drawing-and-painting course.

Places are limited to maintain a small class size.

Yes. Materials for the summer art course are included for students to use during their lessons, including the drawing and painting materials required for the scheduled course activities. Children may bring a personal sketchbook or favourite tools if they wish, but this is optional.

When a child attends both daily sessions, parents should provide a packed lunch for the scheduled lunch break. Lunch must be nut-free.

The summer programme is an art course with scheduled teaching sessions rather than a general childcare or all-day holiday club. Parents must follow the published arrival, collection and lunch-break arrangements. Children should not be left before the stated start time or collected after the course has finished.

Yes. Students completing the summer programme receive a Certificate of Completion.

They may also have the opportunity to be considered for Sunny Art Centre’s annual student exhibition.

Yes. We run half-term drawing and painting courses for kids and teens during selected school holidays. The programme is suitable for students aged 7–17 and combines structured technical teaching with creative project development.

The half-term programme normally includes a two-hour morning drawing session followed by a two-hour afternoon painting session, with a scheduled lunch break between them. Children attending the full day should bring a nut-free packed lunch.

Current dates vary by school holiday, so parents should check the half-term course page before booking.

Materials and other inclusions should be checked on the current half-term course description or booking confirmation. Parents should not assume that materials are included unless this is stated clearly within the package being purchased.

Booking options may vary between programmes. Some holiday courses are sold as a complete multi-day programme, while other options may allow more flexible attendance. Please check the current booking page or contact the office before purchasing.

Yes. The course is suitable for complete beginners and students with previous experience. Tutors adapt the exercises and level of guidance to each student, and more experienced students can work on technically demanding or more developed projects.

Students completing the advertised half-term programme receive a Certificate of Completion.

Yes. Our tutors can help students strengthen the technical skills needed for school art projects, including drawing, painting, colour, composition, observation and the development of finished work.

However, students remain responsible for following their school’s curriculum and assessment requirements.

Yes. Teenagers studying GCSE Art can receive support with:

• Observational drawing
• Painting techniques
• Developing ideas
• Experimenting with materials
• Improving composition
• Completing stronger final pieces
• Presenting work more clearly

Our tutors support artistic development but do not replace the student’s school teacher or determine formal assessment marks.

Yes. Older students can receive technical guidance and support with developing a more mature body of work.

Depending on the student’s goals, we may recommend regular group lessons, private tuition or a dedicated portfolio preparation programme.

Yes. We can help teenagers develop the drawing and painting skills needed for school, scholarship, foundation, college or university portfolios. Portfolio support may include:

• Technical drawing and painting development
• Observational studies
• Idea development
• Sketchbook guidance
• Selecting and improving artworks
• Creating completed portfolio pieces
• Organising and presenting work
• Preparing for interviews or applications

Students with an approaching deadline should contact us before booking so that we can recommend the most suitable programme.

Yes. Private one-to-one drawing and painting lessons are available for children and teens. Private tuition may be suitable for:

• Students who need focused individual attention
• GCSE, A-Level or IB support
• Portfolio and scholarship preparation
• Students with a specific deadline
• Intensive holiday study
• A particular drawing or painting project
• Students who cannot attend the Sunday timetable

Private tuition is arranged separately and is subject to tutor availability.

For regular Sunday classes, visit the kids and teens course page, select the appropriate package, create or log in to the student account, complete payment, and use the lesson credits to book available Sunday classes. For holiday programmes, select the required dates or course option directly from the summer course or half-term course page. A place is not confirmed until the booking and payment have been completed.

At least 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a regular group lesson and have the credit returned to the student account. Late cancellations and missed lessons normally result in the lesson credit being deducted. Bookings and cancellations should be managed through the online student account.

Yes. Parents and prospective students can book a free consultation before choosing a course. During the consultation, you can:

• Visit the studio
• Discuss your child’s age and experience
• Explain their interests or goals
• View examples of student work
• Receive advice about the right package
• Ask about materials and booking

There is no obligation to enrol after the consultation.

Classes are held at Sunny Art Centre, Kemble Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4AW.

Nearest Underground stations
Covent Garden: Piccadilly line
Holborn: Central and Piccadilly lines

Nearby bus stop
Aldwych/Kingsway, Stop F — routes 1, 68, 91, 168, 188, N1, N68, N91, N171 and SL6

Nearby car parks
Lincoln’s Inn Fields Car Park, Urban Parking Shelton Street, NCP London Covent Garden and Intelli-Park Covent Garden — all open 24 hours.

Our Central London studio is convenient for families travelling from across London and surrounding areas.