Collage is both an art technique and a resulting work of art. It can also be a catalyst for further experiments in drawing or painting. Working with simple everyday tools such as scissors, glue and found materials often yields surprising and satisfying results. A brief slide presentation covers the history of collage as well as the work of many contemporary collage artists. The essential principles and elements of colour and composition form the basis of class projects. This workshop will allow you to discover how a sense of play and experimentation can lead to exciting works of art. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This workshop is an introduction to gouache (pronounced ‘gwash’), an opaque water-based paint valued for its saturated colour and velvety finish. While related to watercolour, gouache has its own unique qualities, and because it's opaque, you can paint light colours over dark or work effectively on tinted or dark papers. We will explore how to mix and blend paint and understand the basics of colour theory all while learning about this versatile medium. Gouache is a great medium for beginner painters because of it is very forgiving and easy to use. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

In this day-long workshop you will learn about important women botanical illustrators. Focusing on Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), who was one of the first to include the life cycles of plants and insects in their scientific renditions, these illustrations offered important insights into the natural world. This workshop will be an opportunity to engage with some of these historical botanical drawings and transform them into abstract imagery. You will discover the exciting process of abstraction by analyzing plant details through pencil drawings and then learn how to use these studies for the basis of an abstract composition for a painting. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

Upcoming events at the Vancouver Island School of Art include exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses. Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Art Makes Life Better Fundraiser Tue, Jun 24 Victoria More info Details Luna Lectures - 100 Years of Abstraction and Women Sat, Dec 07 Victoria More info Details Luna Lectures - 100 Years of Surrealist Women Sat, Nov 16 Victoria More info Details Cocktails By The Sea Wed, Sep 13 Victoria More info Details 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 Winter Workshops Acrylic Painting Basics Learn basic paintings techniques in this welcoming course for beginners. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Fantastical Gardens with Gouache Be inspired to use gouache by learning how a range of artists visit the garden as subject. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Now I Bring your landscape painting to a new level by looking at contemporary landscape artists. Started Sep 19 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting Inspired by Photographs Discover how you can use photography as a tool to make exciting and dramatic paintings. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Started Sep 18 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Light and Space Enhance your paintings by understanding how to use light and space in an effective way. Started Sep 19 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Series Development Learn to develop a body of work based on a singular theme. Started Sep 18 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting the Figure This online course will use the timeless subject of the human figure as a source of painting. Started Sep 17 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Colour in Painting Learn how to use colour by studying master artists work throughout history Starts Jan 7, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Now II Add new directions and approaches to your painting by looking at contemporary landscape artists Starts Jan 9, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting Inspired by Landscape Discover how the landscape remains an exciting source of inspiration for many painters Starts Jan 6, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction II Develop your painting skills and discover your artist’s voice while exploring a range of subjects Starts Jan 7, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Light and Shadow Learn how light and shadow can add drama and excitement to your paintings Starts Jan 6, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting the Everyday with Gouache Your everyday life can provide endless subject matter for painting with gouache Starts Jan 6, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Thematic Approaches Discover more about your own artistic direction by focusing on a different theme matter each week Starts Jan 7, 2026 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... 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 Paint like an Artist II Pastel Flowers Student Work See what we are up to.

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