Support | FAQ

1.) How do I know if these classes are right for my child?

If your child loves art and expresses a desire to learn how to draw or paint more realistically, then you're in the right place! Even if you feel they might be too restless, shy, or nervous, don't worry! These issues resolve themselves very rapidly due to the nature and atmosphere of the classes. If you are concerned, you may request a free trial class for your child to see how they respond and if they like it. Call or email to setup a trial class for your child.

2.) What kind of art do you teach?

I teach representational drawing and painting. I start out teaching how to draw and paint what you see with more accuracy so that the student may develop skills that can be used later to create any type of art they wish. Students will learn "tools" and "principles" they can use to supplement and enhance their natural ability to draw. 

3.) What if my child feels they can't draw?

Many people feel this way when they first come to the studio. Perhaps this is due to the idea that you must be born with a natural talent or ability in order to be an artist. I do not subscribe to this belief, and have seen first hand amazing transformations in a student's art work (and satisfaction with said artwork) within the first semester. What if people pursuing other endeavors believed the same thing? "I can't play the piano, so I won't take lessons. I don't know how to swim, so it's a waste of time to join a swim class." While it is true that some seem to have innate abilities in these areas, skills are learned, taught, developed, and practiced. And everyone must start somewhere.

4.) When will my child paint?

The curriculum is modeled after atelier methods, but tweaked to be more "kid-friendly" and accessible. It is designed to specifically develop drawing and painting skills…that is, the ability to draw and paint what you see in a realistic manner. It is my belief that a strong foundation in classical training will provide the student with more options when they move on to creating original works of art. For this reason, the curriculum follows a logical progression from line drawing to value drawing to value painting, and finally, to color painting. Each unit is designed to build upon the previous so that the student may experience more success and less frustration when trying to achieve their artistic goals. Much time is spent on the line drawing unit in the beginning because this is where they learn and apply the principles and tools they will use throughout all subsequent units. The curriculum is self-paced, so it is difficult to say when each student will begin painting. It depends on so many factors, including age, attendance, understanding, and complexity of projects completed. That being said, it is possible for a highly proficient and speedy artist in their teens to complete the beginning steps to painting within 10-12 classes.

1.) Can I register for a partial semester?

In order to provide quality instruction, class sizes are limited to six students. Because of limited enrollment, other students are turned away for each space reserved. For this reason, when you register for a semester you are committing to the full term. If you must withdraw your child before the end of a semester, please give one month's notice to allow time to fill your child's spot with another student. Before a semester begins, I only accept registrations for the full semester.

If the semester has already begun, then you may register for the remaining semester and pay the prorated rate based on when you register. A student's place in class cannot be reserved for a partial semester to be completed in the future. For example, if you wish to start classes in February, but the semester starts in January, that space cannot be held for you without you paying for January as well. But if the space is still available in February you may certainly register then. If you have specific questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Amanda at amanda@amandaleejones.com.

2.) Can I get a refund if my child discontinues classes?

No refunds on tuition are provided for any reason, unless Amanda must cancel classes and is unable to provide makeup classes.

1.) When is tuition due?

Tuition is always due on the first of the month. If you are attending the summer session, summer tuition is due upon registration.

2.) Do you take credit cards?

Credit card payments are only accepted through your invoice that is mailed to the email you provide on your registration form. Otherwise, only cash, check or Venmo is accepted for payments made in the studio.

3.) Why do I pay full tuition on months with fewer classes?

Each semester's tuition is based on the number of classes that fall within a specified period of time. The number of classes is then multiplied by the price per class ($40 ages 8-18, $35 ages 5-8), then that number is divided by the number of months in the semester. This makes paying tuition easier each month because the amount is consistent, instead of varying with the number of classes that happen to fall within that month (some months have more classes, and some have fewer). The total tuition paid every semester always works out to be the same per class.

4.) Why do some semesters have a different rate of tuition than others?

Some semesters contain fewer classes due to holidays or vacations. This is reflected in the prorated tuition amount. So check your registration form each semester to make sure you are updated on the current semester tuition amount. 

5.) How do I pay my child's tuition online?

You can login to your account here. The Freshbooks payment system is pretty user friendly, but if you have a problem with it, please give Amanda a call. You may also pay tuition via PayPal.com. The PayPal payment email address should be made to billing@amandaleejones.com.  Please be sure to note in comment box for which child the payment is being made.

1.) What if my child needs to miss a class?

You can reschedule a class by filling out the Reschedule a Class Form. Make-ups are only offered for Amanda's atelier-style classes. There are no make-ups for Carly's classes for ages 5-8 and no make-ups for summer camps.

2.) How do I reschedule a class?

You can reschedule a class by filling out the Reschedule a Class Form.  When filling out the form, select the date of the class that you would like to cancel and choose an available make-up class to replace it from the online calendar. (*24 hours notice is required to reschedule a class).  

1.) What supplies will my child need?

Your child will not need to provide any supplies until they reach the oil painting unit, at which time a detailed list will be provided to the student. The value painting supplies will include white and black oil paints, oil paint brushes, palette knife, paper palette, canvas pad and painting or tackle box in which to keep their supplies. The color painting supplies will include a list of approximately 7 color oil paints. In addition, the student is responsible for providing their own stretched canvas for each new painting. Amanda sells stretched canvases of various sizes (at cost) at the studio for convenience, but the students are not required to purchase them and may bring their own to class.

2.) My child wants to enter an art contest. Can you help them?

If you are a current student and wish to enter an art contest, please check with the rules and regulations of the contest. Many contests prohibit entry of art that was created under the guidance of an art instructor. However, if it is allowed Amanda would be more than happy to give you feedback and guidance.

3.) Where should I get my child's artwork framed?

There are many places to choose from, including Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Jerry's Artarama, and so on. Amanda has used Contessa's on Kirby Lane for much of her custom framing needs. If you are on a strict budget, you may paint on a finished edge canvas that is designed to be hung with or without a frame or look for deals at garage sales, antique malls, and estate sales.