Play Art Academy (DSi Enhanced) (E) Online

Game Overview

Art Academy on the DS is basically like having a tiny art class in your pocket. You start off with simple pencil sketches—the stylus actually feels pretty natural for shading—and work your way up to full color paintings. The tutorials are surprisingly thorough, walking you through everything from basic shapes to blending oils like some Renaissance master (or at least trying to).

The DSi version adds nicer brushes and a zoom feature, which helps when you're trying to nail tiny details. Half the fun is just messing around with the watercolor tool and watching the colors bleed together. It won’t replace real paints, but it’s way less messy when you’re on the bus.

Honestly, I still go back to it when I need to doodle something without wasting paper. The music’s weirdly calming too.