Art Academy
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Art Academy *
Northern Beaches Artist—Holly Mahoney
Mission
To provide students, of all ages with the tools and inspiration to explore their creative potential.
Welcome to the Northern Beaches Art Academy with professional artist Holly Mahoney.
Holly offers personalised, hands-on art instruction designed to help you, or your child to develop your unique artistic voice. Whether you're a teenager developing your skills or an adult exploring new techniques, all of the art lessons and workshops are tailored to meet your needs.
Join Holly for an enriching experience that blends professional instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment.
More information about art lessons and workshops below:
Art Academy (art lessons for teenagers)
The Watercolour Collective (watercolour)
Underground Sketch Club (life drawing)
Art Lessons for Teenagers
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Art lessons for teenagers evolved naturally when I leased my first artist studio in Brookvale. With a Fine Art degree and a passion for teaching, I wanted to create a space where young artists could develop their skills, build confidence, and embrace a growth mindset.
My goal is to connect with each student, fostering creativity in an engaging and supportive environment—where technique, experimentation, and self-expression come together.
The small group art lessons suit tweens and teens passionate about art and ensures one-to-one guidance in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Students arrive and take part in a warm-up activity for 10-15minutes. This activity is the opportunity to encourage new skills or introduce new medium or techniques, without any pressure!
The students then choose their preferred subject and medium and I mentor them throughout their creative project, encouraging them along the way to try out new techniques.
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Students are greeted in reception at the start and end of each class. For parents drop off and collection is convenient with street parking.
Holly Mahoney is known for her local landscapes and figurative artworks. She has a valid working with children certificate and has been teaching students for over 5 years.
A warm and friendly nature combined with an inspiring space will help to develop the best outcomes for your child’s artistic journey.
Spaces are limited.
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The Watercolour Collective
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I’m excited to expand my artist studio offering with the introduction of The Watercolour Collective, Watercolour lessons for adults. With a Fine Art degree and a passion for teaching, I wanted to create a space where enthusiastic beginners and budding artists alike could develop their skills, build confidence, and feel encouraged with a welcoming small group setting.
As an experienced artist I am able to relay techniques in a way that nurtures beginners—yet still develops your technique, encourages experimentation, and self-expression—so that you can take home watercolour artworks you will be proud of!
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Join The Watercolour Collective and take part in a warm-up activity for 10-15minutes. This activity is the opportunity to encourage new skills or introduce new techniques, without any pressure!
You are then welcome to choose from a range of suggested scenes, or opt for something unique and personal. For example you may choose a landscape, a portrait or still life. Within the small group I am able to mentor you throughout your creative project.
Tea and coffee provided.
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I have expanded my art studio space so welcoming up to 4 people to join me in this new experience. Pleae note there are stairs into the building and my art studio is upstairs from reception. The location is convenient to Warringah Mall and street parking is available.
My warm and friendly nature combined with an inspiring space will help you to develop the best outcomes and I look forward to seeing where that journey takes you!
Spaces are limited.
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Underground Sketch Club
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My love for drawing runs deep. I was first encouraged to attend life drawing at my local university campus when I was just 16 years old. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for observing and capturing the human form.
Over the years, I’ve explored various life drawing workshops, each shaping my approach and deepening my appreciation for the art. Now, I find myself in a studio with the perfect space to host a quirky yet welcoming event—one that embraces creativity in a laid-back, inspiring atmosphere. And so, the Underground Sketch Club was born.
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The Sketch & Sip sessions kick off with quick warm-up poses to get your hand-eye coordination flowing, followed by a mix of 5–10–15 minute poses. As the session progresses, you'll have the chance to refine your skills with longer, where you can capture more details.
Bring your favourite art supplies—but if you're just starting out, we've got some charcoal and newsprint to help you dive in.
Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival to keep you refreshed while you sketch. Feel free to bring snacks to keep you fueled!
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Remember the first rule of sketch club is…doors close and the event happens underground, so be on time!
Attendees are welcomed upstairs in reception, the venue is literally underground beneath my studio, This makes late arrivals difficult to manage and too disruptive for the creative group underground. Please note that there is no refund for late arrivals, so please arrive by the time specified for your session!
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Welcome! When you enter the life drawing session underground, simply choose your seat. Let Holly know if you’re a beginner and would like additional tips during the session, or, simply enjoy the studio time with the model. and sketch away to your hearts content!
The session time is maximised with no tutorial breaks to get the most of your experience with our wonderful life models. The model may take a short interval break.
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August sessions of the Underground Sketch Club are being finalised, with limited seats available for monthly meetups.
🎨 Numbers are kept small (just up to 12 per class) to ensure a supportive, focused space.
💡 Sessions run for two hours in Brookvale, with a live model and guidance provided.
🍷 A beverage is included to keep things relaxed.If you're keen to join us, register your interest here—you’ll be the first to know when spots open up. Sessions will require minimum numbers to be held.
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The Underground Skecth Club ran weekly and fortnightly sessions to suit our creative community in 2024 and first half of 2025.
For August - December 2025:
Sessions are yet to be announced and require minimum numbers to confirm the models.
If you're keen to join us, register your interest here—you’ll be the first to know when spots open up.
Hope to see you soon!
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Cost: $38 per session (includes 2-hour drawing sesh & choice of beverage)
When: Aug-Dec 2025 schedule tbc
Ages: 18+
Seating: is provided.
Never drawn the human form before? No worries! Holly’s down-to-earth, relatable style means you’ll get helpful tips and guidance subtly along the way. Creatives are welcome to attend for studio time with model, perfect to hone your skills!
Challenge yourself, and secure your spot in this creative, fun-filled community.
Limited spots available—only 12 places—so register your interest now!
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Looking for something fun, a little cheeky, and totally creative? Host your next celebration underground with a private life drawing session! Perfect for hens parties, birthdays, or team events. Wine packages available. Groups of 8–20+.
📩 Contact me the host (Holly) to check availability here
What they’re saying
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![Black background with white text that reads 'Underground Sketch Club'.]()
“I loved it.”
Heather, S.
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![A watercolor painting of a giraffe's face and neck next to a set of oil paints.]()
"Highly recommend Holly's art class. My daugher has been with Holly for a few years and loves her. She feels inspired by Holly's beautiful nature and encouragement and can still be an individual artist"
Jayne, S.
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![Watercolor painting of two red cherries with green leaves and stems on white background.]()
“My child's confidence has skyrocketed.”
Kellie, A.
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![Close-up of a small, curled-segment fish on a white background.]()
"The class was fun & engaging."
Kay, B.
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![Black background with white text that says 'Underground Sketch Club']()
"Very welcoming space and inspiring."
John, W.
