You will learn the classic hatching and cross-hatching shading techniques that artists have used for centuries to build tone, volume, and texture. By varying the density, direction, overlap and spacing of lines, artists are able to render a range of values to create true representations of the subject matter. In this class, we’ll use pen and ink to create the foundation of our image, then finish with watercolour. We will look to classic botanical illustration by such masters as da Vinci, and more modern scientific illustrators, to examine how they have used cross-hatching to create vivid portrayals of botanical life with a focus on plants and flowers found here on Vancouver Island. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 & DECEMBER 6, 1:30 - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This hands-on studio course focuses on recognizing and responding to persistent themes and images in your work and the processes required to bring them to life. Using imagination, memories, experiences, and ideas, students will work in the place between direct observation and intuition. With various drawing subjects presented in class, students are guided through exercises that include a range of techniques and methods for developing visual ideas and building strong compositions. This course is a great introduction to the expansive subject matter that can provide inspiration for drawing. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 16 - DEC 16, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON (Due to two statutory holidays Wednesday courses start Sep 16)

This two-part course follows the trajectory of contemporary art from the 1980s to the present. The course begins with an overview of what contemporary art is and how and why it came about. Topics covered include play and humour; minimalism and conceptualism; identity and narrative, as well as politics and culture. In addition, a range of genres will be covered including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, video and social practice. Students will be assigned short readings and discussion questions each week related to the textbook and other reference materials. The course includes lectures, discussions, as well as in-class hands-on projects. To obtain a good grasp of the subject matter, it is important to have the textbook. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, SEP 24 - DEC 17, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Faculty and board biographies Tamara Bond BA Visual Arts, Emily Carr University of Art + Design Kate Brooks-Heinimann BFA Emily Carr University of Art + Design Desiree DeRuiter BA Visual Arts University of Victoria Rotem Anna Diamant Master of Library and Information Science, University of Toronto BA English Honours, University of Winnipeg Renee Duval MFA Concordia University Fine Arts Diploma (with honours), Emily Carr College of Art and Design Thomas Guerrero BA History and Anthropology, University of Victoria David Kaarsemaker MFA University of Ottawa BFA Concordia University Meghan Krauss MFA University of Windsor BFA University of Saskatchewan Val Lawton BA University of Victoria (Canadian History) MA University of British Columbia (Library Science) James Letkeman MA Architecture University of British Columbia BFA University Of Victoria Andy Lou MFA University of North Texas John Luna MFA University of Calgary BFA University of Victoria Leah McInnis MFA University of Victoria BFA Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design Chantal New BA in Art and Design MFA West Dean College UK Corrie Peters MFA University of Manitoba BFA Concordia University BA in Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria Kate Scoones BFA University of Victoria Andrea Simmonds MFA Emily Carr University of Art and Design BA Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, QC Xane St Phillip MFA University of California, Santa Barbara BFA University of Victoria Natasha Van Netten Diploma of Fine Art, Vancouver Island School of Art Lucia Volker BFA Emphasis in Printmaking, University of Utah Diploma of Interior Design, Pacific Design Academy Wendy Welch MFA University of Victoria BFA Concordia University Bryony Wynne-Jones Studied in England and Italy Kelly Zantingh BAH Studio Art University of Guelph Jessica Ziakin BA History in Art and Psychology University of Victoria MA Art History and Visual Studies University of Victoria Our Faculty All of our regular faculty members have graduate degrees in art (MFA or MA), exhibition record and teaching experience Our Faculty & Board Lindsay Shojania Chair Jan Redekop Treasurer Michael Erwin Director David Good Director Kathleen Greenaway Director Kirsten Petersen Director Russ Reynolds Director Eric Metcalfe Honorary Board Member Gary Pearson Honorary Board Member Our Board Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Discover David Kaarsemaker's background and education. Biography David Kaarsemaker holds a BFA from Concordia University and an MFA from the University of Ottawa. He has worked as an art educator in a wide range of institutions, including The Art Gallery of Ontario, Algonquin College, and the University of Ottawa. He was a finalist in the 2017 RBC Painting Competition and his work is included in the collections of Global Affairs Canada, the City of Ottawa, the City of St John’s, The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, and the Newfoundland Provincial Art Bank. David’s paintings over the past few years come from ideas and images that arise from the quiet mental states achieved after several days of walking alone on long backpacking trips. https://www.davidkaarsemaker.com/ Education MFA University of Ottawa BFA Concordia University David Kaarsemaker Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

The Vancouver Island School of Art is a contemporary art school located in downtown Victoria that offers in-person and online courses and workshops for adults of all ages. Let’s create together. Vancouver Island School of Art is a contemporary art school located in Downtown Victoria. Open to adults of all ages. VISA is a Non-Profit Registered Charity. 20 years and counting! With more than 6000 students and 140 instructors since September 2004, we've provided a welcoming place for people of all ages to learn about contemporary art, as well as a venue for MFA graduates to get training as instructors. 2025-2026 Highlights Discover some exciting upcoming events—and key achievements over the last 20+ years Learn. Create. Play. Whether you want to take only one art course or complete a full-time program, there is a place for you at our school. The Vancouver Island School of Art offers two modes of study: Certificate of Visual Arts One year full-time or a maximum of four years part-time Individual Courses and Workshops On-going, no application required ABOUT US WHAT'S NEW Discover our courses Thoughtfully designed in the focus areas of drawing, painting and art history. SCHEDULES Course & Workshop Schedules Subscribe to Newsletter COURSES BY CATEGORY Painting Drawing Mixed Media Art Fundamentals Art History, Theory Fall Workshops Spring Workshops Painting: Light and Shadow Learn how light and shadow can add drama and excitement to your paintings. Starts Sep 24 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Abstraction in Canada Online Learn that Canada is the home to many exciting abstract painters. ONLINE Starts Sep 25 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Online Connect with nature and learn how to make exciting landscape paintings. ONLINE Starts Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Gouache: Inspiration & Expression Online Let the work of well-known artists provide inspiration for painting with gouache. ONLINE Starts Sep 22 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Starts Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE WORKSHOP SCHEDULES Current Workshop Schedule Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS Vancouver Island School of Art is a contemporary art school located in Downtown Victoria open to adults of all ages. Your donation matters DONATE TODAY WI26 Student Work SP26 Courses SP26 Weekend Workshops See what we are up to.