Art Classes in St. Petersburg, Fl.
Personal, Professional Art instruction.
Welcome to our specialized art classes in St. Petersburg's downtown arts district. With 30 years of experience. we offer art instruction to adults, teens and children at all skill levels. We look forward to supporting your artistic journey.
Why Central Art Classes?
I'm Karen Porter, a professional artist and educator with 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities. What sets my studio apart aside from being a professional art studio in the heart of the central art district, It is my deep understanding of how students learn best.
At Central Art Classes, I specialize in one-on-one and small group instruction tailored to each student's individual learning style.
From complete beginners, to those reigniting a lifelong passion for creativity I can help you with your art goals.
Located in St. Petersburg's vibrant Central Arts district, my studio offers a welcoming, judgement-free space where everyone can develop their artistic voice.
with a BFA from Eckerd College and decades as both a practicing artist and educator, I bring expertise, patience, and genuine understanding to every lesson.
Meet the Team
A Team of Artists and Teachers
Karen Porter
Owner/instructor
St. Petersburg native and artist, Karen Porter has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Eckerd College. Ms. Porter is an expert in various art mediums and art styles. Her personal favorite mediums are: Acrylic painting, Watercolor painting and Pen and Ink. Her subjects of choice are animals, portraits and the local beach scenes. In addition to being a professional studio artist and owner of Central Art Classes in St. Petersburg, Ms. Porter also works as an elementary through high school level art teacher a local private school. As a founding artist in the local art community, she has a passion for connecting the area’s art culture with those who visit or relocate to the Tampa Bay Area, “ As a lifelong resident, I consider myself as somewhat of an ambassador and advocate for the Tampa Bay Area arts. I love to show visitors what is great about our area.” - Karen Porter
Come meet us in person — stop by today!
Classes We Offer
We offer group and individual classes in Drawing, Watercolor, Acrylics, and Oil painting and more.
. You can book for a single class or a get a discount for our monthy package. You can also book a date night, or book a "Tourist Take Home" class for an authentic, local painting experience for your vacation memories.
Or for the locals, grab a friend and book a creative art experience and a memory to take home. We offer one-on-one personal instruction in a casual, fun atmosphere. Call to learn more about our classes, and to find one that fits what you’re looking for!
Create a St. Pete memory you can take home! All supplies included.
Watercolors and Acrylics
Your New Masterpiece
Are you ready to learn a new skill? Try your hand at a beginner watercolor class. We will cover everything you need to know to be able to produce beautiful, soft, and flowing works of art. Come out and be encouraged with others who are learning too! Watercolors is taught by an a professional artist who is here to help you become the artist you always dreamed of being. Watercolors is great for all who want to get an all encompassing lesson about the art world.
Drawing Fundamentals and Refresher
Learn the Foundational Skills of Art.
If you’ve been struggling to make things look right in your drawing or paintings, you probably need to work on improving your drawing skills. The elements of drawing contain the foundational skills of perspective, and proportion and shading, as well as line and form and texture. Whether you never learned these foundational skills, or you simply forgot them, invest in yourself and your artwork by improving your skills., it’s the best investment you can make as an artist. We provide all the supplies and fun, easy drawing exercise to help cement these skills for good.
Oil Painting With Artist Cheryl Yellowhawk
Reinterpreting Figures
Get your hands dirty with a fun and interactive Oil Painting class today. All students who love Oil Painting and feel extremely accomplished after leaving. Class sizes are kept small in order to ensure each participant gets enough attention from the instructor. Oil Painting class is also a great way to mingle and meet other local artists in the St. Pete community.
Yes! We host Painting Parties and Date Night Out Painting Classes
Fun with Friends or a Date Night experience!
If you’re looking for a unique, fun night out with your friends or a unique date-night activity, ask about booking one of our Painting Parties or a date night painting session for 1 or more couples. We can host up to 12 in studio, or more at your location. Starting at $50 per person. Our parties include all painting supplies, and are BYOB. Advanced reservations only.
Children’s Art Classes
Kids and Teens art.
Do you have an art kid? But you're not creative? I I can help! Neurodivergent and gifted kids often excel in art due to their attention to detail and hyper-focus. With 30 years of experience, I understand the drive frustration they face. Our individual and small group art classes, starting at age 6, will help them their skills and boost their confidence. Teens are welcome too!
Call us to find out more about our classes.
