Start Your Artistic Journey for Just $30
Join us for an Introductory Drawing or Watercolor Class at Murfreesboro Arts Academy.
No experience required, all supplies listed start your creative path today with a low-commitment trial session.
Not sure which course is right for you? Experience our teaching style, meet the instructor, and start learning the fundamentals with our $30 Introductory Session.
This session is designed to give you a taste of our 4-step layering process (for watercolor) or our foundational drawing techniques. It’s the perfect way to see if our studio is the right fit for your goals
Available for both Drawing and Watercolor tracks. Spaces are limited to keep class sizes small for personalized feedback.
Basic Drawing Lessons
Student Artwork
Ongoing Weekly Classes on Friday
From 5pm-6pm | $120 per month
Children Ages 9 to 13 | Location Murfreesboro in the Blackman Area
What Your Child Will Learn
Line Quality & Control: Teach contour drawing (focusing on edges) and blind contour (drawing without looking at the paper) to improve hand-eye coordination.
Shape & Measurement: Teach them to use their pencil as a measuring tool to check proportions (e.g., "How many 'heads' tall is this fruit?"). This bridges the gap to realism.
Light & Shadow: Don't just teach "shading"; teach a 5-7 step value scale. Introduce terms like highlight, core shadow, and reflected light
Atmospheric Perspective: Teach them that objects further away are lighter, cooler in color, and have less detail (monochromatic landscapes are a perfect project for this).
Advanced Drawing Lessons
Saturday at 10am | $120 per month
Children and Teens Ages 12+
Anatomical Accuracy: Deepen their knowledge of facial proportions, focusing on how features change at various angles (foreshortening).
Advanced Value Mapping: Using a 5-7 step value scale to render skin tones, bone structure, and hair texture with high-contrast realism.
Dynamic Gesture Drawing: Use 30-second to 2-minute poses to capture the "weight" and movement of the body, moving away from stiff "stick figures" toward fluid character designs.
Lighting the Subject: Introduce dramatic lighting (Chiaroscuro) to create mood and depth in portraits.
Student Artwork
Introduction to Watercolor
Student Artwork
Ongoing Weekly Classes on Thursday
From 5pm- 6pm | $120 per month
Adults Classes
Simple 4-Step Layering Process: Master a foolproof, beginner-friendly method to build depth and luminosity in every painting.
The "Light to Dark" Method: Learn how to strategically layer pigments to create professional-grade, vibrant washes.
Color Fundamentals: A deep dive into color theory specifically for watercolor, ensuring your mixes never turn "muddy."
Lifting Techniques: Learn how to correct mistakes or create highlights by skillfully removing pigment from the paper.
Water Control & Moisture Balance: Master the critical relationship between pigment and water to achieve perfect washes every time.
Open Enrollment: No need to wait for a specific start date, you can begin your watercolor journey the moment you sign up.
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Spring Floral Watercolor Workshop At Acorn Haven Studios
May 3rd Saturday at 1pm to 4 pm | $110
Complete a Masterpiece in One Session | All Experience Levels Welcome
Transform a blank page into a vibrant spring floral painting from start to finish. This intensive, small-group workshop is designed to give you the confidence to master watercolor's unique transparency.
Complete a Finished Piece: Move from initial sketch to a final, take-home floral painting in a single session.
Signature 4-Step Layering: Apply my simplified layering process to build professional depth and luminosity.
Water & Pigment Control: Master the delicate balance needed to create soft, translucent petals without the "mud".
Intimate Learning Environment: Limited to just 6 students to ensure you receive frequent, personalized feedback and critiques.
Materials: please bring24 color Water Color Set (Tasneem recommends Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI)
Long Round Brushes, Sizes 0,2,4,6 (Tasneem recommends Princeton)
Watercolor block paper provided
Tasneem Arif | Watercolor Artist & Educator
Tasneem is a self-taught watercolor artist whose work captures the soft, luminous beauty of nature to create a sense of calm and quiet grace. Inspired by the belief that beauty has the power to uplift and heal, she specializes in layered floral paintings that explore themes of stillness and emotional restoration. to see her work visit www.53finearts.com
As an educator, Tasneem deeply loves connecting with her students and welcoming new artists into her community. She prioritizes an intimate learning environment where she can provide the personalized critiques and individual support necessary to help students build a strong artistic foundation. For Tasneem, teaching is more than just sharing techniques; it is about building a supportive space where students feel encouraged to explore their own creative journeys.
Still Have Questions? I’d Love to Help!
Choosing the right art class is an important decision. If you have questions about enrollment dates, or want to know more about our studio environment at Acorn Haven Studios, please don't hesitate to reach out.
I am always happy to chat about your artistic goals and help you find the right path to get started.
Why Choose Murfreesboro Arts Academy
