FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Attend Art Classes?

• First and foremost so that you get the best possible start for learning how to draw and paint.
• To find a place of inspiration, comfort, motivation and like-minded people. 
• You will be trained by a qualified artist who has extensive skills, in teaching art, commercial illustration, graphic design. Martina has also acted as an art judge and was trained in realist drawing and painting. Often the smallest of information can help you to avoid a lot of trouble.
• To help you following things through. Most people don't improve because the moment they confront problems they retract and divert to something simpler. We help you to follow things through and gently encourage by helping you to overcome obstacles. 
  
• It shortens your learning curve so that you improve much quicker. 
• You get free art studio space to unfold your creativity and mess, with all the necessary equipment.
• For encouragement
• Because research has proven that art increases brain functions and its ability to work in more areas than just art.
  

Do you refund bookings?

No! But with a small compensational yes.

We have become strict in regards to our non-refund policy and want to share with you why and what solution we have found for everyone.

First of all, our prices are a minimum about $100 lower than almost all our competitors of similar quality.  The price for a ten-week course is usually between $350 to $450 elsewhere. The sole reason for our pricing is to make it available even for people who may struggle to afford classes.

Second, we run smaller classes than most of our fellow art schools who often allow up to 15 people into their groups, whereas we have ourselves obligated to 10 people per class for the benefit of our students.

And last, we have committed our time for a full term due to the numbers enrolled and are duty-bound for this time. If any of our teachers becomes sick for whatever reason, we have to refund every student and could not naturally appeal to an understanding from our students. That is our honest view we like to share with you and believe in fairness for both sides in the hope that you kindly understand our position.

When people sign up for our classes, we ask for their commitment for each term,  as we have made the same warrant to be there for them with our arts training.

Having said that, we ALWAYS offer wherever we can repeat lessons for any missed classes at a later stage or to attend classes on another day to make up for the time missed. We believe this to be the fairest way to deal with sickness and unforeseen circumstances.

We hope to have found a mutual way of honouring one another.

We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Martina Pook

What are my options if I cannot pay the full fee at once?

All workshops have to be paid up-front without exemption. But for our regular courses and weekly classes, we can make exclusions, for people having problems to pay the full fees at once. The best way is to start saving early. We do consider part payments for people with low income by offering 2 or 3 installments per term. But you still have to commit to one full term like everyone else and must pay a minimum of 2 weeks in advance at any given time. Feel free to talk with us about the options.

do you hold blue cards?

Yes, every teacher working at our studio with under 18 year old students holds a current Blue Card Permit. You are welcome to ask for proof.  The blue card system is used in Queensland as a prevention and monitoring system for people working with children and young people and has to be renewed every year.

how large are your classes?

All our drawing and painting classes have a maximum of 10-12 students, including children and teen classes. 

What payment options do you offer?

You can pay classes and workshops on our website through PayPal.  Once you have started lessons with us, you can also pay per PayPal directly at the studio, in cash or per direct deposit.

For deposits,  always put your name in the description for recipient AND only pay if we confirm class availability.

Account details:

Martina Pook
BSB    064 489
ACC   1013 9058

How old should my child be to start classes?

As we teach realistic fine art & illustration to the children, the best time to start with us is around the age of 8 to 9.  Children learn the same content as our adult classes, adjusted for their age.  At age ten many children become disinterested or discouraged in art, as they form a liking for realistic works but feel unable to do so. That is where we come in. Parents as students are amazed how fast youngsters improve when they receive solid training. 

do your prices include art materials?

No, in most cases they are not included, apart from a couple of workshops.  We found that:

1. Most students want to take their materials home so that they can continue working on their art whenever they get the time for it.
   
2. Some attendees already have their own materials and don't want the cost added to the overall price of a class or workshop.
   
3. We found that in particular children take greater care of art materials if they own them. Children learn to appreciate the cost and learn to care for their materials.
   

What art materials do i need TO BRING?

We have created a list of ART MATERIALS for our students.  If you come across an item you are not sure about, we have knocked together an ART GLOSSARY, with description and image, so that you visually can see how the items look like.

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