Categories > Education
The Best Art Schools in Perth Budding and Seasoned Artists Swear By
Perth’s art scene is smashing it. You can barely walk through the CBD without passing by art precincts, public artworks (there are over 200), modern installations, or Aboriginal galleries like these.
Creative learning hubs are doing well, too. That’s ripper news for those keen on becoming the next Robert Juniper or hobbyists looking for a new activity other than binge-watching Netflix.
If you’re either of the two, the art schools below are worth a read. They have quality programs and tutors for students of all levels chasing different art dreams.
You might also want to give these paint-and-sip events a shot. Pinot and painting make for the ultimate unwind experience.
1. Perth Art Academy
Address: 4/201 High St, Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 412 554 121
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Wed – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
- Thu, Sat – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
| Google review score | 5/5 |
| Facebook review score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
| Credentials | 4.7/5 |
| Location and facilities | 4/5 |
| Class size | 4.5/5 |
| Program range | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.5/5 |
Perth Art Academy is for anyone looking to dabble in contemporary and traditional art. Both newbie-friendly and advanced classes are offered here.
It’s working artists who run them. The majority have decades of experience making art for companies such as Disney, Pixar, and Studio Ghibli.
What’s nice is they won’t box you into the said studios’ house style, as the academy is big on students finding their own creative voice.
No locking artists into rigid schedules either; popping by on weekdays, weekends, or evenings is possible.
A less convenient bit is the 30–40-minute commute for anyone coming from the Perth CBD. Below are schools within 20 minutes of the city centre.
Slots are very limited, too, since they keep class sizes compact.
As for pricing, Perth Art Academy’s standard $650 fee for an 8-week course isn’t too bad, especially once you factor in the staff’s credentials and calm teaching style.
The Master’s Techniques with Peter Barker have been exactly what I’d been looking for
A beautiful way to start the weekend, the master’s techniques with Peter Barker have been exactly what I’d been looking for to start my journey with oil painting. Peter is incredibly talented, informative, supportive and patient. He encourages understanding the foundations of oil painting through solid practice, so you’re always painting away and learning. I’ve been doing the Saturday morning sessions and I’ve been so in love with my Saturday morning ritual. I’m so appreciative for the recommendation I had to enrol in this course, it’s given me a great base to start and continue my oil painting learning. Thank you Peter!
Meg Atcheson, Google Review
Informative and brilliant instructor
Highly recommend, Peter has been such an informative and brilliant instructor. I have been enjoying the Masters Techniques and Academic Drawing courses! This academy teaches you technical skills that can take your art career or hobby to the next level!
Franchezka Carungcong, Google Review
2. Perth Artist Workshops
Address: 46 Salesian Ct, Queens Park
Contact Details: +61 404 987 424
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5 pm
Consumer Rating: A
| Google review score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
Our Rating: A
| Credentials | 4.7/5 |
| Location and facilities | 4.3/5 |
| Class size | 4.8/5 |
| Program range | 4.4/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.6/5 |
Fair warning: you might leave Perth Artists Workshops obsessed with fluid art and paint pouring.
Jackie Preach, the award-winning tutor, is one of the reasons why. It’s honestly tough not to like her empowering, clear, and fun teaching style or her warm personality.
Her roomy and bright gallery also draws in artists of all levels. While the setup is casual or informal, everything is well-kept.
You must, however, take note of 2 hitches: the fact that Jackie is the only available tutor and the 5-student cap on most classes. Both limitations may lead to scheduling concerns.
The good news is that Jackie can host mobile, full-day, and 3-hour sessions for rookies, kids, families, and people with disabilities. Non-technical classes on brushless methods are among those.
Every material is covered by the fee as well, so extra buying isn’t needed!
Highly recommend
What an experience! I’ve tried learning paint pouring from videos and tutorials on YouTube etc with no success. But within the first hour of this workshop Jackie had guided us through some basic techniques to create a beautiful and unique piece. We then went on to learn more advanced techniques to deliver two more artworks – one of which I already want to frame and display! I am buzzing with creativity and ideas and have already ordered my own paints to do more. Jackie is so encouraging and the space is welcoming, warm and relaxed. I was given the session as a gift and I am keen to pay it forward as a gift to another family member. Highly recommend!
Kelly Hammond, Google Review
I am inspired
I just love Jackie’s art workshops. I am inspired by the variety of paint pouring techniques that transforms the paint into beautiful artwork that anyone can do.
Linda Trinick, Google Review
3. Milktooth School of Art and Stories
Address: Suite 48/102 Railway St, West Perth
Contact Details: +61 430 441 295
Operating Hours: Not available
| Google review score | 5/5 |
| Facebook review score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
| Credentials | 4.7/5 |
| Location and facilities | 4.8/5 |
| Class size | 4.3/5 |
| Program range | 4.8/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.6/5 |
Your budding artist’s skills can blossom further at Milktooth School of Art and Stories, which has been operating for more than 15 years.
Founders Elizabeth Maruffo and Campbell Whyte believe “there’s something for every student at every ability.” That’s evident in their program range, featuring courses on textiles, comics-making, drawing, painting, sculpture, and even writing.
Collaboration is a big deal for both. Accordingly, classes remain small to promote peer-based learning, and community programs are regularly organised, including free comic workshops running across 8 sessions and multiple Perth locations.
The school’s environment boosts its appeal, too, especially among parents like us seeking a nurturing and safe space. See, besides being talented and fun, every teacher here holds police clearances and Working With Children Checks.
On the downside, Milktooth’s biggest drawback is twofold: there are no adult classes, and slots are quite limited.
The kind of environment that makes you feel instantly inspired
Our daughter absolutely loved her school holiday session at Milktooth! The space is calm, welcoming and beautifully designed — the kind of environment that makes you feel instantly inspired. Our 9-year-old took part in the Comics Quest holiday programme with Campbell and Liz, and it was just fantastic. The teachers are warm, thoughtful and genuinely engaging. They have such a wonderful way of connecting with kids and encouraging their ideas to come to life. Each day she came home bursting to show us her creations, and it’s been amazing to see her creativity truly shine. She loved it so much we’ve already booked the term programme! Thank you, Campbell and Liz, for the heart and care you put into everything you do. Milktooth is such a special place for children to explore their imagination, learn new skills, and create something beautiful. I’d highly recommend it to any parent wanting to nurture creativity in their kids.
Jessica, Google Review
Absolutely loved them
My 9 year old daughter has attended 2 holiday workshops with Elizabeth at Milktooth and absolutely loved them! I heard every detail recounted on the way home and my daughter’s creativity and sense of self was definitely buoyed by the experience on each occasion. Would highly recommend to any parent!
Bree Handley, Google Review
4. Malini Parker, Visual Artist and Art Classes Perth
Contact Details: +61 427 816 105
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 6 pm
| Google review score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Credentials | 4.6/5 |
| Location and facilities | 4.5/5 |
| Class size | 4.5/5 |
| Program range | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.6/5 |
Scientist-turned-artist Malini Parker believes that creativity is accessible to everyone, even those who don’t feel they’re “not artistic” enough.
We’re not implying her teaching style is unstructured, by the way. It actually strikes a nice balance between creative freedom and a practical, guided approach.
That often results in confident and skilled students. As one teammate puts it, Malini is a motivator who’s also skilled at breaking down the science behind painting without using jargon.
Her prices make sense to us; a course goes for $359–$395, with early bird discounts and materials included in the payment. She even throws in chocolates to literally sweeten the deal.
That said, spots go away really, really fast, as even sessions for the coming months are sold out.
Malini’s day-long classes may be too intensive for some as well. If you don’t learn through constant activities or demos, her teaching style might not suit you.
Her style of teaching is warm
I’ve attended a few of Malini’s workshops and they are AMAZING! A relaxing and enjoyable day (or weekend), and you come away with beautiful paintings that you never knew you could do! Her style of teaching is warm and friendly, and she really brings out the creativity within you. I’m looking forward to my next workshop!
Carmel Croft, Google Review
She puts her heart and soul in her workshops
What a weekend of storytelling and self-discovery. Malini is a brilliant teacher. I’ve enjoyed all the three courses I’ve attended but this one (Finding Your Way Home) is by far my favourite. I really enjoy Malini’s process – she puts her heart and soul in her workshops. The people, the place, the processes are exactly what any art enthusiast will love! Malini, your workshops have been so heart provoking for me. I love your heart centred way of teaching. I feel very grateful for what you bring.
Diane Baldwin (Starbee333), Google Review
5. Perth Art Group
Address: 158 Palmerston St
Contact Details: +61 8 9328 1429
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 7 pm to 9:30 pm
- Thu – 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Sat – 3 pm to 5:30 pm
| Google review score | 4.5/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Credentials | 4.7/5 |
| Location and facilities | 4.7/5 |
| Class size | 4.6/5 |
| Program range | 4.4/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.5/5 |
Tutoring artists since 2002, Perth Art Group is our review’s longest-running entry.
Another lengthy bit about the school is its practical sessions on watercolour, acrylic painting, drawing, portraiture, and pastel drawing. Most span 6 months, making the place ideal for students after consistent, skill-based training.
The $300 cost for that entire timeframe is fair, in our opinion, particularly with the materials already provided.
Mario, the tutor, even holds a Fine Arts degree from Curtin University, so you’re paying someone with tertiary-level expertise.
Speaking of expertise, he’s especially proficient at helping beginners develop their own styles while grounding them in technical foundations, often through targeted exercises.
Some felt he could’ve been more interactive, though. Gripes about minimal feedback were raised more than once.
In addition, the courses revolve around observation. Mario himself makes it clear they’re not for students interested in abstract or fully imaginative work.
I can’t recommend Perth Art Group more
I joined Perth Art Group to refresh my love for drawing and allocate 2.5 hours every week to be creative. The group size is usually 7-8 people per class and everyone is working on their own project. The teacher has been setting me my own tasks to discover new drawing techniques, mediums and the fundamentals of drawing which has been lots of fun. Everyone in the class has been so lovely and you can make it as social as you please. I can’t recommend Perth Art Group more and look forward to many more classes to come.
Kate Coakley, Google Review
The classes are very relaxing, educational and fun
Loving the art class at Perth Art Group! Just completed my third term recently and I have enjoyed learning so much! I am a beginner, learning Acrylic painting and can choose other mediums if I so wish. My first painting is far beyond my expectations due to Mario’s tuition and guidance, and the quality and high standard of the other students paintings, drawings etc are truly inspiring! Great testament to Mario”s skills as a teacher with so much experience and talent under his belt. The classes are very relaxing, educational and fun. I am looking forward to progressing further.
Colleen Lloyd, Google Review
