mINI mATISSE
Mini Matisse was founded by Aimee Coker, a homeschooling mother of four with over 20 years of artistic experience, four years of teaching art to children, and a degree in psychology. With kids now ranging from elementary age to adulthood, Ms. Aimee understands how to nurture creativity at every stage of development and believes art education should be fun, enriching and approachable.
Drawing from both her background as an artist and her years homeschooling her own children, Mini Matisse was created to provide engaging, educational, and confidence-building art instruction for kids in an encouraging online environment. In addition to teaching, Aimee has published five art books, including three educational workbooks designed specifically for children.
Mini Matisse currently offers engaging online art education for children through live Zoom group classes and private one-on-one instruction.
CURRENT OFFERINGS:
Group Classes: Zoom
Miss Aimee’s small group classes introduce young artists to the world of famous painters, illustrators, and artistic movements through hands-on creative projects. Each week focuses on a different artist, exploring their life, techniques, and artistic style through interactive discussion and guided art-making activities. Classes also include optional supplemental learning materials such as recommended books, printable activities, and curated videos to continue the learning experience at home.
Recommended age: 5+
Basic materials required: white paper, pencils, markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, construction paper, pens, ruler, oil pastels, chalk
*Please note other materials will be required for the semester. This list will be made available to you two weeks before classes begin and will include low-cost, easily procurable items. Past items have included things like popsicle sticks, muffin liners, string, etc. Access to a printer is highly encouraged but not required.
private art instruction: Zoom
Private lessons provide individualized instruction tailored to each child’s interests, skill level, and creative goals. Students begin by building strong artistic foundations through the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, then gradually move into more advanced techniques such as shading, composition, linework, form, color theory, and observational drawing.
Each private lesson includes:
A 10–15 minute creative warm-up activity
A focused 40-minute guided lesson
A 5–10 minute reflection and encouragement period designed to build confidence, creative thinking, and artistic self-awareness
Recommended age: 7+
Basic materials required: white paper, pencils, markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, construction paper, pens, ruler, oil pastels, chalk
*Please note other materials will be required for private lessons. This list will be made available to you two weeks in advance and will include low-cost, easily procurable items. Past items have included things like popsicle sticks, muffin liners, string, etc. Access to a printer is highly encouraged but not required.
fall zoom classes begin september 14th!
JOIN THE MAILING LIST TO BE NOTIFIED about other events and classes!
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
fall semester:
young artists class
- 12 SPOTS LEFT! -
Join us online each week as we explore a new artist, experiment with exciting techniques, and create art together from home! Ms Aimee’s live Zoom classes combine creativity, art history, and hands-on learning in a fun and encouraging virtual environment.
Students will discover artists like Jan van Eyck, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and more while exploring different styles, mediums, and creative approaches. Each class also includes optional supplemental activities, book suggestions, and videos to continue the inspiration beyond class time!
When: Mondays beginning Sept 14 thru Dec 21
No classes October 15 or November 23
Time: 4-5pm EST
Where: Zoom Classroom
Cost: $200/student with first half due at sign up to hold your spot
Second half due on August 31, 2026.
Great for ages 5-12!
Sign up below!
fall semester:
teen artists class
-12 SPOTS LEFT! -
This beginner teen art class is designed for creative thinkers and curious students who want to explore art beyond simple step-by-step projects. Together, we’ll dive into unique creative challenges while discussing bigger questions like: What makes art “good”? Why does modern art matter? Why do some artworks sell for millions? Can anything be considered art?
Students will explore a wide variety of mediums, artistic styles, and conceptual projects in a relaxed, discussion-based environment that encourages individuality and experimentation. There are no tests, grades, or pressure - just creative expression, critical thinking, and meaningful conversations about art, culture, and personal perspective.
Perfect for teens who love creating, questioning, analyzing, and thinking outside the box.
No skill is required! Come join the fun!
When: Mondays beginning Sept 14 thru Dec 21
No classes October 15 or November 23
Time: 6-7pm EST
Where: Zoom Classroom
Cost: $200/student with first half due at sign up to hold your spot
Second half due on August 31, 2026.
Great for ages 11-17!
Sign up below!
private art lessons
Private art lessons begin with a gentle observational assessment informed by Viktor Lowenfeld’s stages of artistic development and perceptual training exercises commonly used in atelier-style drawing programs. This assessment helps identify where each child is in their artistic development and observational drawing skills. As children grow, they naturally transition from symbolic drawing (“what they think something looks like”) into representational drawing (“what they actually observe”). Understanding where a student is in that transition allows lessons to be tailored to their individual developmental and creative needs.
From there, students build a strong artistic foundation through the Seven Elements of Art and the Seven Principles of Design before moving into more individualized instruction based on their interests, strengths, and artistic goals. As students progress, lessons may explore areas such as shading, composition, realism, color theory, linework, form, mixed media, and creative expression.
This structured but personalized approach gives students both the technical framework and creative confidence needed to better understand, analyze, and create art in meaningful and lasting ways.
CONTACT FOR AVAILABLE TIMES
Private lessons are billed in monthly cycles at a rate of $250 per month. Students who enroll mid-month will receive prorated tuition based on their start date, with regular monthly billing beginning the following month.
Where?: Zoom classroom
Who?: 4-99
Register below!