Kids & Teens
Art Class Registration

Kids & Teens Quick info!

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Group classes that feel like personalized tutoring.

Weekly classes. Same time, same day, each week.

Find a teacher best for the students style of art and schedule.

The student chooses their own reference photo they would like to paint or draw. The teacher will help the student master new techniques and complete their project.

Sign up monthly. These classes are ongoing. The students spot in class will be saved for the following months until they quit or miss a payment.

Supplies are not included.

Art Class Pricing

Do I need to have previous artistic experience?

No. Our classes are designed for beginners, through to intermediate and advanced students. While weekly classes have up to a maximum of 10 students per studio, the instructor circulates from student to student, catering their instruction to suit each student's individual needs. The student receives a private lesson within a group setting. Each student has their own drawing table and easel, and may work with any medium, subject matter and style of their choosing, at their own pace. Students discuss with their instructor what they would like to achieve, and the instructor will work with the student to reach those goals.
What if I can't make all the classes in a month?

Answer: Students register for the weekly classes by paying month to month. Due to the long wait lists for classes, and limited spots to keep the class sizes small, Swinton's cannot prorate classes, or hold spots without payment. In order to secure a spot in a class, students must pay for every class running in that particular month, whether they attend every class or not. Of course we understand that scheduling conflicts arise from time to time, and instructors who teach a number of classes per week will try to be accommodating by offering a student a make up class should they need to miss one occasionally. The student must arrange this with their instructor by giving as much notice as possible about an upcoming absence, and if the instructor has space in another class a make-up may be arranged. Make-ups are not a guarantee, and are up to the discretion of the student's instructor.
Can I change mediums and try another kind of paint?

Answer: Absolutely! Each of Swinton's instructors are trained in all mediums, (drawing, acrylics, watercolour and oil), and can assist the student in making the transition from one medium to another from suggesting what materials to start with, to introductory projects. While instructors are fluent in all mediums, some classes do tend to lean toward one medium or another, for example: all students in a particular class may be using oils. Even though students receive individual instruction, it is beneficial to be placed in a class with students using like mediums as the student can use information the instructor shares with other students if they should find this helpful. Swinton's will ask students at registration what style and medium they are wanting to work with, and place them in a class which is the best match for the student. However, many times students may not know what medium they are wanting to start with, or are hesitant to invest in new supplies when switching mediums before they have tried it. A great option for students wanting to 'test before they invest' are the Sampler Classes offered at Swinton's. There are Sampler Classes for each Drawing, Oil, Acrylic and Watercolour, which run for one 3 hour class - all materials included.
I work shift-work - Can I come to other time slots?

Answer: Due to each student registering and securing a spot on a specific day and time which they come weekly, Swinton's instructors are not able to accommodate drop-ins, and students are not able to change the time which they come for class throughout the month, as there simply not enough spots open to do so. Again, if a student needs to miss a class due to work on occasion, they may give their instructor notice of the upcoming absence and may be offered a make-up class.
Can I take more than one class?

Yes! There are a number of students at Swinton's registered in more than one class, whether to obtain more frequent instruction, or because they just can't get enough of painting! Not only may students register for more than one weekly class, but often students will have a spot in a weekly class, and then take a workshop that runs for a set period of time. Aside from frequent workshops that concentrate on a variety of themes, from specific mediums or subject matter, to the business side of making art, there are also Friday evening demos, plein air painting groups as well as special product demonstrations. Workshops may be from one day to a number of weeks in length, and students are welcome to sign up for as many as they like along side their regular class.
I'm leaving on holidays. How do I keep my spot?

As long as a student pays for their spot while they are absent, it will not be given away. Let the instructor know in advance that you will be gone and for how long, so that they may accommodate other students who may need make-ups. Another option, is to let your instructor know that you would like to lend your spot to a friend or other student interested in extra classes. Any financial arrangements made between the student and the person using their spot while away is not the responsibility of either the instructor, or Swinton's. It is the responsibility of the primary student to register and pay for their spot in order to keep it while absent.
What materials should I have?

Students should have at least basic drawing materials for their first day of class. This includes; a variety of pencils, (2H, HB, 4B, for example), a sketchbook, eraser, and sharpener. If the student knows they would like to start painting immediately, they should bring whatever materials they have. If needing all new materials, the student may come to their first class a few minutes early and their instructor will take them through what they need to start with. All Swinton's staff are trained artists and / or instructors and will be more than happy to assist the student with everything they need. It is especially important that children and teen students have all the materials they need for their class, as instructors do not have materials available in the studios. An option that many parents find convenient is to purchase a gift certificate for their child for those times that perhaps a pencil or eraser is forgotten. This way the student can get what they need to have a successful class without having to carry money around. All students receive 10% off of supplies purchased at Swinton's. Please note; materials may not be taken from the store for use in the studio without payment, or throughout class and paid for at the end. There are simply too many students and products for our staff to keep track of. This includes books and magazines!

About Our Kids & Teens Art Classes

Kids & Teens classes are an amazing afterschool activity. If you know a student who has got some skills in art and would like some guidance on what to learn next, this is the place for them. All students are working on a project of their choosing while the teacher coaches them on new skills and techniques to practice. Drawing, painting, colouring, and markers are usual mediums in our classes.

We sign students up monthly. A typical month costs $88.64 and that gets the student, four 2-hour classes. Once a week (same time, same day) the student will bring their supplies and take on lessons to improve their skill.

There are 4-12 students in a classroom (depending on the size of the studio). We provide tables, easels, and chairs although supplies are not included. All students get a 10% discount on supplies if they wish to purchase from our retail side.

Find the teacher below that best suits your style of art and schedule.

If you are a new student and are unsure what to bring for class, no worries! The teachers or staff can help you pick out supplies and even a project to work on the first day. Beginners are welcome.

There are snack machines, and pop machines with seating in case you need a break or are taking multiple classes. We also supply drying racks for your projects if the student wishes to leave them for the next class.

Our age range is from 8-17 years old. We have 1.5-hour classes for the younger students and 2-hour classes for around ages 10+.

We recommend gift cards for the students in case they need any extra supplies during their classes.

How to prepare for class.

What you'll need for supplies.

For Drawing / Colouring / Markers

- Pencils 2H - 2B
- Sketchbook
- Pencil
- Sharpener
- Eraser
- Coloured Pencils (12 minimum)
- Markers (12 Minimum)

For Acrylic Painting:

Paints: Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, Earth Tone, Black
Paint Brushes: #2 #4 #8 #10 Flat
Palette
Canvas or Canvas Pad (Sizes that fit your reference photo)
Paper Towel
Yogurt Container for water

For Oil Painting:

Paints: Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, Earth Tone, Black
Paint Brushes: #2 #4 #8 #10 Flat
Palette
Canvas or Canvas Pad (Sizes that fit your reference photo)
Paper Towel
Solvent Container
Odourless mineral spirit (Gamsol)

What to expect.

When you arrive:

Ask a staff member at the front what classroom your teacher is in. They will guide you to the room and get you settled at your station.

Seating:

Some students have selected seating in the classroom so it is best to ask the teacher or a staff member where to be seated.

Early arrival:

If you arrive early the teacher will most likely be on break between classes and will welcome you when the class starts.

Your first class:

It's always strange and exciting starting the first class but rest assured your experience will be great. If you are a beginner you'll find it takes a few classes to get the hang of painting and creating. If you have some skills in art you'll find yourself learning new techniques and skills right away.

Art Class Pricing

For Watercolour / Gouache