Crossword Genius

First art lesson with clothing off is astonishing (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

startles

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'clothing off is astonishing' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'first art lesson with' is the wordplay.
'with' indicates a hidden word.
'STARTLES' is hidden in the letters of 'first art lesson'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for startles that I've seen before include "Shocks from starlets" , "Frightens suddenly" , "Takes by surprise, alarms" , "Causes to feel sudden alarm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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