Student in the Spotlight: Phoebe
Phoebe, our Student in the Spotlight, began her artistic journey at age 10 with dreams of becoming a biologist. Now studying Evolutionary Biology at the University of Texas, Phoebe is focused on researching lemurs in Madagascar. Her dedication to wildlife conservation includes her Girl Scout Gold Award project at the Austin Zoo, where she designed a scavenger hunt and helped label native plants. Phoebe’s growth as both an artist and environmental advocate continues to inspire!
Student in the Spotlight: Avery
Meet Avery in the 'Student in the Spotlight' series! Discover how early art lessons built a foundation that led to award-winning success years later. Learn why ages 8-12 are key for artistic growth!
Austin Summer Camps for Your Creative Kiddo
Looking for the best Austin summer camps for your creative kid? Check out my top picks that help kids grow and explore outside the classroom. From art camps like The Contemporary Austin Art School and Smudge Studios, to filmmaking with Austin Film Society and coding at Minecraft Camps, there's something for every interest. Don't miss LZM Studio's upcoming cartooning camp, where kids can create their own characters and stories! Whether your child loves art, entrepreneurship, or adventure, these camps offer fun and learning all summer long.
Does Your Kid Dream of Architecture? Drawing Lessons Are a Good Place to Begin!
For kids interested in architecture, perspective drawing is a great starting point. Recently, I introduced my student Carter, age 11, to the world of architecture through perspective lessons. His passion for modern architecture grew as he took on complex house designs.
To deepen his learning, I arranged a meeting with local architect Charles Di Piazza, AIA, at a construction site in Austin. Carter learned about site analysis, design sketches, and the architectural process. This hands-on experience connected his drawing lessons to real-world architecture, inspiring him even more.
This rewarding opportunity highlights the power of combining art and architecture to inspire the next generation of architects.
Sophisticated Graphite Pencil Portraits, for Kids and Adults!
Many believe kids can’t draw as well as adults, but with the right guidance, they can! Children like Ellie, age 11, can create impressive portraits with time and practice. Ellie’s portrait took over five hours to complete, showing how patience and focus help kids develop their skills.
Drawing Tips for Kids:
Spend More Time Drawing – Encourage kids to take their time and observe details. Use a timer to gradually increase drawing time for better results.
Focus on the Face Shape and Features – Pay attention to the spaces between facial features. Shading areas like the nose, cheeks, and forehead adds realism to the portrait.
With practice and persistence, kids can improve their drawing skills and create amazing portraits!