What does it mean to make an abstract painting today? This studio course investigates the formal strategies that artists in the 21st century use to approach abstract painting, ranging from using images and a hybrid collage approach to geometry, pattern, grids, and process-based expressive work. Through a dynamic balance of slide presentations and hands-on in-class projects and critiques, students will discover how to make abstract paintings with an intentional, self-aware visual language. Studio assignments are organized around the text Painting Abstraction: New Elements in Abstract Painting by Bob Nickas. It is not necessary to have the textbook. Some painting experience recommended. FRIDAYS, JAN 15 - APR 09, 2PM - 5PM(PCT) ONLINE

This painting course blends immersive studio work with group discussions, offering an in-depth understanding and exploration of important themes in contemporary painting. Through a series of hands-on projects, students explore a wide range of painting techniques and approaches, expanding your skill set while challenging conventional approaches to painting. In addition to studio work, students will explore concepts and ideas and begin to situate their personal practice within the broader art world. Works of diverse contemporary painters will be examined and current painting topics will be discussed. Some painting experience recommended. THURSDAYS, JAN 14 - APR 08, 10AM - 1PM(PCT) IN-PERSON

In this 12-week course, students focus on developing a unified series of paintings. Guided research assignments using photography, drawing, and creative writing lead to the cultivation of each student’s own topic of choice. Series topics include formal and conceptual investigations such as use of materials, composition, structure and the development of ideas. Course includes examples of contemporary and modern artists who work in thematic ways, along with assigned readings, weekly critiques and opportunities to share research processes. This course helps artists with a million ideas swirling around, or those who simply don’t know where to begin. Students will learn to understand the connections in their life that can lead to the creation of a cohesive body of work. In addition to developing a series, students learn how to write an artist statement and prepare a submission for an artist residency or gallery. Students can work in a painting medium of their choice: acrylic, watercolour, gouache, oil, or mixed media. Previous painting experience recommended. THURSDAYS, JAN 14 - APR 08, 10AM - 1PM(PCT) ONLINE

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 Colour in Painting Online Study the masters to unlock the power of colour in your own contemporary paintings Starts Jan 13, 2027 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Contemporary Painting Situate your personal practice within the broader art world through hands-on projects Starts Jan 14, 2027 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Gouache: Inspiration & Expression II Online Paint with gouache, a velvety, forgiving medium, while learning techniques from master artists Starts Jan 12, 2027 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Abstraction Today Online Explore 21st-century abstraction strategies, from geometry and grids to expressive process art Starts Jan 15, 2027 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction II Advance your foundational skills. Explore traditional and contemporary methods to define your style Starts Jan 13, 2027 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Series Development Online Cultivate your own thematic painting topic through weekly critiques and guided research Starts Jan 14, 2027 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.

Landscape Painting Simplified Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Landscape Painting Simplified Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Winter 2027 Courses Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Winter 2027 Courses Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS