How the courses work
All courses at The Art Story are designed as guided journeys rather than casual drop-in classes.
Each programme balances structure with freedom, offering support without pressure and guidance without rigidity.
What a typical session looks like
Each session balances technical rigor with creative freedom. The journey begins with monochrome fundamentals, using pencil, charcoal, and ink to master intentional mark-making. We then move into hands-on color exploration, where you’ll build confidence in mixing and controlling water-based media through practical experimentation.
From the mid-point, the focus shifts to individual practice. I provide personalized guidance as you brainstorm and execute a final artwork that reflects your unique direction. Here, your foundational skills merge with your personal style.
The process is structured but fluid—rigorous enough to challenge you, but supportive enough to ensure progress through practice and reflection.
Technical skills & creative capabilities covered
- Black-and-white drawing and mark-making (pencil, charcoal, ink)
- Experimental and expressive use of tools and materials
- Practical colour theory through mixing and application
- Working with water-based colour media and acrylic paint
- Visual journaling, brainstorming, and idea development
- Translating concepts into a resolved final artwork
8-week Art Story Course
The course explores a range of water-based drawing and painting media, with the final outcome being an acrylic painting on canvas.
Dates:
Block 1: 29 January – 26 March
Block 2: 6 May – 24 June
Time: Wednesday mornings from 9am-12pm
Duration: 8 weeks
Sessions: Weekly 3-hour sessions
Group size: Small, supportive groups
Materials: Fully included
Final outcome: Group exhibition
Who This Is For
- Adults returning to creativity
- Beginners seeking confidence
- Professionals wanting balance and depth
What You Gain
- Creative confidence
- A personal body of work
- Momentum and clarity
“This experience has been pivotal in my creative process. Mari inspires fun and daring, opening up a whole new way of painting. Very well worth it.”
– Theresa Dold –
Art 4 Teens Classes
Art for Teens supports young artists in developing confidence, skills, and ownership of their creative process.
The focus is not on rigid rules, but on learning how to begin, how to trust ideas, and how to follow them through.
Students receive tailored guidance in drawing, painting, and mixed media, with portfolio support for those studying art at school or preparing for further studies.
Small classes allow for individual feedback and meaningful progress over time.
Dates:
Term 1: 29 January – 26 March
Term 2: 16 April – 25 June
Time: Thursday afternoons 2:45 – 4:45 pm
Online Art Coaching
Art Coaching is a personalised, monthly offering designed for artists who want individual support at their own pace.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
A 40-minute video call to explore your goals and creative direction.
Personalised Monthly Plan
A flexible plan with gentle weekly prompts.
Weekly Check-Ins
Support via WhatsApp through text, photos, voice notes, or video.
Monthly Reflection Call
A 40-minute session to reflect, integrate, and set intentions.
Open studio sessions for adults
Open Studio sessions offer a quiet, supportive space for adults who want time to work independently on their own art.
These sessions are unstructured and self-directed. You bring your ideas, own materials, and ongoing work, and use the studio space to explore at your own pace.
I am available for light guidance or questions if needed, but there is no formal teaching or set curriculum.
This is for you if:
- You already have an art practice or ongoing project
- You value focused studio time without instruction
- You want a calm, shared creative environment
- You enjoy working independently, with gentle support available
What’s included:
- Access to the studio space
- A calm, non-judgemental creative environment
- Light guidance when requested
Open Studio sessions are ideal for maintaining momentum between courses or returning to a regular creative practice.
Time: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9am – 12pm
Do you have more questions?
What art courses are available in Somerset West at The Art Story?
The Art Story offers guided art courses in Somerset West for adults and teens, including an 8-week Art Story Course for Adults, Art 4 Teens Classes, and monthly Art Coaching.
How long are the art courses?
The 8-week Art Story Course for Adults runs for 8 weeks with weekly 3-hour sessions. The Art 4 Teens Classes run per term, typically 8 to 10 sessions. Art Coaching is offered monthly.
Are the courses structured or flexible?
Courses are structured as guided journeys, with a clear weekly rhythm. Within that structure, students have the flexibility to explore materials, ideas, and personal themes at their own pace.
How big are the class groups?
Groups are intentionally kept small to ensure individual attention, meaningful feedback, and a calm environment.
Can I join if I feel creatively blocked?
Yes. Many students join because they feel stuck or disconnected. The classes are designed to help you begin again, build momentum, and regain creative confidence.
What is the 8-week Art Story Course for Adults?
It is an 8-week guided art course for adults focused on creative confidence, self-expression, and exploration. The programme supports beginners and experienced artists through a structured weekly process.
Do I need to know how to draw or paint?
No. You do not need drawing or painting experience. The course is designed to help you start where you are and develop skills through experimentation and guidance.
What materials do I need to bring?
Materials for the Adult course are included. For the teens and open studio courses, you would need to bring your own materials.
What will I create during the course?
You will develop ideas through journaling and exploration, then create a final artwork (typically an acrylic painting on canvas). The focus is on your process and voice, not copying a set outcome.
Is there an exhibition at the end?
Yes. The course concludes with a celebratory class exhibition where students can share their work with friends and family.
What age is Art for Teens for?
Art for Teens is designed for teenagers. The studio can confirm the current age range based on the term intake and class structure.
Is Art for Teens suitable for beginners?
Yes. Teens do not need advanced skills to join. The programme supports both beginners and students who already take art at school.
Does the Art for Teens programme help with portfolios?
Yes. The programme supports portfolio growth and can help teens develop stronger ideas, processes, and finished work over time.
What mediums will teens use?
Students work with drawing, painting, and mixed media depending on the term focus and each student’s goals.
How does the programme build confidence in teens?
Teens learn how to start, develop ideas, and build momentum through small, supported steps. The environment is structured, calm, and non-competitive.
What is Art Coaching?
Art Coaching is a personalised monthly offering for individuals who want support, structure, and feedback in their creative practice without pressure or rigid rules.
Who is Art Coaching for?
It is ideal for artists who feel stuck, want direction, are returning to art after time away, or want accountability and support while developing personal work.
How does the monthly coaching process work?
It starts with a consultation call. You receive a flexible monthly plan, weekly WhatsApp check-ins for feedback and support, and a monthly reflection call to review progress and set intentions.
Do I need to be based in Cape Town for coaching?
No. Art Coaching is offered online through video calls and WhatsApp check-ins.
What results can I expect from Art Coaching?
Most clients gain clarity, creative momentum, and confidence in their process, along with consistent progress on a body of work over time.