Kids
Art Classes
in Thornton
At ART BY LJ, kids don't "colour-in and craft". They learn real art skills, explore a wide variety of materials, techniques, and styles in a fun, encouraging studio environment, while creating work they can feel genuinely proud of. Classes are held in a purpose-built art studio in Thornton NSW. Designed for children aged 6-17 with ANY level of skill or artistic ability. All materials included in your term fee, so there's nothing extra to bring.
Guided
Step-by-Step
This is my signature teaching style, where kids follow along with me in a way that's practical, hands-on, and easy to keep up with. Classes are 1 hour sessions that run after school Monday through to Thursday.
These classes are ideal for kids who enjoy clear guidance while still creating artwork that feels like their own. I break down designs into easy-to-draw shapes, and students follow along step by step, learning as they go in a hands-on, engaging way.
Guided classes are suitable for ages 6 to 17 and are mixed-age classes, and work for a child with ANY skill level or artistic ability. Everyone starts off doing the same artwork, but there's always room to add their own touch, so each artwork ends up unique.
There are no long-winded demos, no standing around watching, no me doing the work for them. The kids learn while they create.
A Huge Mix of Materials
Graphite, coloured pencil, oil pastel, chalk pastel, watercolour, acrylic paint, crayons, clay, printing, texture art and canvas work. We keep it varied so the kids stay interested, challenged, and inspired.
Some artworks are completed in one lesson. Others take two to four weeks or more. That's because these are real projects, not rushed throwaway activities. Regular attendance matters, especially in guided classes, because skills and artworks build progressively over time.
checklist In a Nutshell
- •Easy step-by-step guided lessons
- •Suitable for kids age 6 to 17 with ANY level of skill or artistic ability
- •Great for kids that struggle with ideas
- •Introduction to new ways of using art materials
- •Learn new techniques
- •3 to 4 high quality finished A3 artworks per term
- •Mixed media and varied projects
- •Support for all levels
- •Freedom to personalise the artwork
- •Confidence building and self-pride with their finished artwork
Session Times
Monday to Thursday, 3:45 to 4:45pm and 5:00 to 6:00pm (subject to change).
Free
Choice
For kids with ideas, drive, and their own creative direction.
Some kids don't want step-by-step or structured lessons. They want to do their own thing, and that's exactly what Free Choice is for.
The Free Choice classes are designed for more independent young artists who want to work on their own concepts, develop their own style, and create detailed, high-quality artwork at their own pace, whilst receiving guidance to lift their work to a high standard.
I guide the kids through the whole process of creating their vision, from planning their artwork, refining ideas, choosing materials, improving techniques and lifting their result by suggesting finishing touches and presentation.
Who It Suits
Free Choice only suits children who are motivated, can generate their own ideas, and can work independently between teacher check-ins. It is NOT suitable for younger kids, beginners, those with limited art experience or those kids that struggle to come up with new ideas for their artworks.
Classes are 1 hour, with sessions available at various times Monday through to Thursday. For those kids who are crazy about art, they can add on their Free Choice class to a Guided class to do a double session of art each week.
checklist In a Nutshell
- •Suitable for kids ages 9 to 17
- •Students choose their own subject matter
- •For more independent students with ideas of their own
- •Kids work at their own pace
- •Kids need to use reference images for inspiration
- •Work independently with guidance and feedback
- •Develop detailed, personalised artworks over time
- •Finished artworks are showcased on the ART BY LJ Facebook page
- •Can be done as a guided/free choice double session for the best of both worlds
More Ways to Create
Tailored one-on-one sessions and seasonal workshops, alongside the weekly classes.
Private Art Sessions
Built for kids who need something different.
Not every child thrives in a standard class, and that's exactly why these sessions exist. Private sessions at ART BY LJ offer a flexible, supportive environment tailored to individual needs and learning styles.
They are designed to give kids the time, space, and support they need to create in a way that works for them. No pressure. No one-size-fits-all approach.
These sessions are perfect for:
- check_circle Individuals wanting one-on-one learning
- check_circle Homeschool groups
- check_circle Kids on the spectrum
- check_circle Self-funded NDIS participants (Unregistered Provider)
You choose how the session runs:
Guided (step-by-step)
Free Choice (their own ideas, their own pace)
Session Times
45 minutes or 1 hour. Monday to Thursday, between 10:00am and 3:00pm. You choose the day, time and duration that suits, around availability.
Session costs vary depending on duration and number of participants. Get in touch to discuss your needs and receive a tailored quote.
Get a Tailored QuoteWhat makes it different
Calm, low-pressure studio environment
Access to quality art materials, not kiddie shortcuts
Individual support at every step, at the student's pace
Focus on building confidence, skills and the enjoyment of art
Built around the child, not the system
Workshops, Special Occasions
and Private Events
ART BY LJ runs a range of fun, engaging workshops throughout the year, designed to give kids a creative experience they'll love, and artwork they'll be proud to take home.
starSignature Workshops
My most popular sessions run in the lead-up to Easter and Christmas, featuring Character Canvas Painting Workshops. Kids choose their favourite character, follow a step-by-step process, and create a beautifully finished canvas artwork to treasure as a keepsake.
auto_awesomeSchool Holiday Workshops
A rotating range of creative activities during school holidays, including:
- • Glow in the Dark painting sessions
- • Mask making
- • Mixed media and themed art workshops
Each session is hands-on, engaging, and suitable for a range of ages and abilities.
eventPop-Up Workshops
Additional pop-up workshops may be scheduled on selected weekends throughout the year. Follow ART BY LJ on Facebook for announcements and timetables.
celebrationPrivate Workshops & Birthday Parties
Looking for something different for your child's birthday? Private workshops are perfect for birthday parties, small group bookings, and special events. Popular options include canvas painting workshops and Glow in the Dark sessions.
All workshops are guided, fun, and designed so every child leaves with something they're proud of.
Lex James
Commercial artist, illustrator, and former teacher with over 25 years' experience working in schools across NSW. Lex brings real art skills and genuine enthusiasm to every class. No filler activities, no colouring sheets. Just proper technique, quality materials, and a studio where kids are encouraged to back themselves.
More About Lex arrow_forward
Ready to see your child
create something they're proud of?
Purpose-built studio in Thornton NSW • Classes Mon-Thu