“[We teach] fundamentals that aren’t covered a lot,” Shawn said. “How you see the world and how you put it on paper is important.”
The school offers instruction in basic drawing techniques, sketching, and painting in a wide variety of styles. The school has about 200 students; about 70 of the students attend classes year-round while the others are seasonal students, Shawn said.
Shawn said art programs are made to suit the student. Younger artists must do fundamentals classwork to learn techniques on lines and proportions, while courses for older students and adults are tailored to them.
“Adults can move into what they want,” Shawn said. “It is a custom program with guidance and also custom as far as the scheduling.”
Classes are also offered at satellite locations at Waters Church and First Christian Church, Shawn said. The couple is considering a new main location and expansion near the master-planned community of Elyson, Shawn said.
The Carsons also help students develop professional art portfolios.
Shawn said they opened the school in 2014 after another school he had worked with as a contractor since 1994 went out of business. He met Heather at the prior location in 1999 when she was a student, and they eventually got married.
The couple attends church in the Katy area, and friends had suggested opening an art school in Katy. After the business closed, opening the school together seemed to be the answer to allow them to be their own bosses and pursue their love of art.
“We live in Houston, but the community is nice over here,” Shawn said. “Katy is growing; [it was a] good place to start the business.”
In addition to expanding to new parts of the Katy area, the Carsons are developing new programs to incorporate their Christian faith into the school, Heather said.
“We’re trying to make it where you can take your art and have a connection [with God] while you’re doing it, so it’s more than just doodling on paper,” Shawn said. “I want us to have some meaning in that.”
Carson’s Art School
Cinco Ranch Lakehouse
25202 Springwood Lake Drive, Katy
281-507-3039
www.carsonsartschool.com
Hours: based on class schedule
