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. 
• So that you will be trained by a qualified artist who has extensive skills, in teaching art, commercial illustration and graphic design.  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 persevere and gently encourage by helping you to overcome obstacles. 
• It shortens your learning curve so that you improve much faster. 
• 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 activities increases brain functions and its ability to work in more areas than just art.
• To make like-minded friends

Do you refund bookings?

No! 

We have become strict in regards to our non-refund policy and want to share with you why:

1. We are a small business with a very small numbers of students per class. If you buy a ticket for a concert and you can't go, no matter the cost, the money will be forfeited. It is crucial for us that spaces that have been booked will be fully paid for.
   
2. We have kept our prices for over 12 years, despite that almost all competitors have increased prices over the years.
   
3. The sole reason for our steady and low pricing is not a lack of quality but to make it available even for people who may struggle to afford classes elsewhere.
   
4. We have obligated our classes to an absolute maximum  of 10 people per lesson for the benefit of our students
   
5. We are committing our time for a full term according to the numbers enrolled and are duty-bound for this period to attend. If a teacher becomes sick, whatever the reason, we have to refund every student and could not naturally appeal for an understanding from you that the class just didn't happen. We hope that you kindly understand our position in fairness.
   

We hope you honor this mutual way of respecting one another and 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.

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.

If you pay in instalments, you have to pay for 2 weeks before the class commences, by paying per direct deposit into our account as listed under our payment options. One the day of your FIRST class you will have to pay for another lesson and then every following week until you have paid the full course fees. 

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 two years.

how large are your classes?

All our drawing and painting classes have a maximum of 8-10 students, including children and teen classes. 

What payment options do you offer?

You can pay classes and workshops on our website through PayPal.  

​If you wish to pay in instalments, please direct deposit each amount into the account below. Once you have started lessons with us you also have the option to pay per PayPal directly at the studio, in cash or per direct deposit before course or workshop commencement dates.

For deposits,  ALWAYS put your NAME in the description of the attending student AND only pay after we have confirmed 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 the age of 9.  Our children learn almost the same content as our adult classes, adjusted for their age. 

At the age of 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 art materials are not included, unless otherwise stated, 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 have found that in particular children take greater care of art materials if they own them. Children learn to appreciate the cost and to care for their materials.
4. Beginners often don't understand the cost of art materials and can feel that prices for materials are too high when they are in fact realistic. It is best for students to learn what materials to buy and what costs are involved. In our material lists, we have kept materials to a minimum and use qualities that are good enough for the learning process, yet at the lower end of the price range.

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 images, so that you visually can see how an item looks like.

---