This course explores drawing from the 1960s to the present day, focusing on how contemporary artists use drawing as a tool for expression, experimentation, and conceptual exploration. Through image presentations and discussions, students will examine the work of influential artists who have expanded the boundaries of drawing in diverse and innovative ways. Weekly projects will encourage a variety of techniques and materials, from traditional to mixed and experimental media. The course concludes with a final project that reflects each student’s personal engagement with a contemporary approach or idea. This course provides an ideal way to learn about art history and drawing practice at the same time. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

This course focuses on creating dramatic or subtle effects of light in painting. Students will explore various kinds of tonal ranges in painting by making works that focus only on dark values, others that contain only light values, as well as works that have a wide range of contrasting values of both light and dark. Students will learn how glazing can complicate effects of light and how colour can be used to affect our perception of light and shadows. An understanding of value, which includes light and shadow, leads to strong and dynamic paintings. Some painting experience recommended. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 6PM - 9PM ONLINE

This continuation of Landscape Painting Now I focuses on contemporary landscape concepts such as constructed realities, abstracted topographies and complicated vistas. Instructor will present a selection of artists each week based on these themes including, Gillian Carnegie, Mark Tansey, Cecily Brown, Andreas Erikson, Luc Tuymans and Francis Alys to name a few. Students will select one artist per week to do further research on and make a landscape painting based on something they learned from this artist. Students can paint in a medium of their choice including watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oils. It is not necessary to have completed Landscape Painting Now I, however some painting experience is recommended. FRIDAYS, JAN 9 - APR 3, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

Archives of course and workshop schedules and press items about the Vancouver Island School of Art Newsletter, Press & Archives Subscribe Join our Newsletter Thanks for subscribing! My gift to you (Dec 2025) The more you look, the more you see (Nov 2025) Make beautiful drawings (Oct 2025) Learn to see like an artist (Sep 2025) How to avoid art decision fatigue (Aug 2025) Let your imagination go wild (Jul 2025) Let colour be your superpower (Jun 2025) Why I love collage (May 2025) Enjoy solitude and community (Feb 2025) Making art is a way to live life (Jan 2025) Finding light in the dark (Dec 2024) Art in the Age of Distraction (Nov 2024) Newsletter Archives READ THE LATEST November 8, 2024 CHEK TV Inspiring Island Women September 17, 2024 CBC On the Island July 28, 2023 Chek TV The Upside May 22, 2021 CTV Arts and Entertainmnent September 19, 2019 Saanich News September 1, 2019 CBC All Points West October 1, 2010 Boulevard April 1, 2010 CFUV Radio September 1, 2007 Village 900 August 24, 2007 Victoria News September 1, 2006 Victoria News August 31, 2006 Monday Magazine Explore the following links for our press coverage Press Winter 2026 Fall 2025 Spring/Summer 2025 Winter 2025 Fall 2024 Spring/Summer 2024 Winter 2024 Fall 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 Winter 2023 Fall 2022 Spring/Summer 2022 Explore the following links to view a PDF file of our past course and workshop calendars Course & Workshop Archives LOAD MORE Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

9ca7a2b5-8bd7-4993-ab1f-3dd9d48c234c Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria Camera (Smartphone ok), notebook, pencil and outerwear appropriate for the weather Suggested place to buy art supplies: Opus Art Supplies, 512 Herald St, Victoria BC or order online: https://opusartsupplies.com/ You can consider an Opus A+ Membership, where students can sign up to save 10% on all orders during their studies: Sign Up For Opus A+ Membership .

Employment opportunities for instructors and office staff at the Vancouver Island School of Art Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS Become an instructor at VISA. The Vancouver Island School of Art is a teaching community that has served Victoria and the surrounding area for the last 20 years. VISA is an independent post-secondary school with a focus on technique, personal expression and contemporary context. The school was founded in 2004 by artist and educator Wendy Welch. From its inception, VISA has always sought out artists in the community who have a unique vision based on their own artistic practice. Instructors are encouraged to propose courses or workshops based on their own practice and interests. The Executive Director is willing to assist in the development of course curriculum, especially to those who are new to teaching. VISA has hired many MFA graduates from UVic and other universities who have since become part of prestigious university faculties. Teaching at VISA is a great way to expand your teaching experience, develop new ideas and share your interests with students whose ages range from 18-90 years. In-person and online positions are available. All our courses are 3 hours long, once a week. They are offered morning (10am-1pm), afternoon (2-5pm) and evening (6-9pm). We prefer that instructors new to VISA start with a workshop or six-week course proposal. Apply online. Apply Now Thanks for applying! Course Length/Delivery Please provide course or workshop title and a brief description 100-150 words) in the box below Upload your first image Max of 3 images in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) Workshop Length/Delivery How did you hear about VISA? Upload your CV Upload CV Upload your CV in DOC, DOX, PDF, or XPS format (max file size 15mb) Please include the name, phone number and email for each reference. Upload your second image Max of 3 images in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) Upload your third image JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) Upload 3 images related to your course or workshop * Upload images below in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) NEW Application deadlines Fall semester (12 week courses, September-December) May 15 Winter semester (12 week courses, January-April) September 15 Spring/Summer semester (6 week course, May-June and July-August) February 15 Some exceptions to these deadlines may apply. Application Requirements BFA in Visual Arts or equivalent 1 year or more teaching experience Personal art practice with exhibition experience Web presence (website or social media) Include a brief bio with teaching, education and reference details Provide a short workshop or course proposal. Class size is limited to 14 students (in-person) and 22 (online) A website or equivalent web portfolio alongside contact info is a must Teaching at VISA is a unique and entirely delightful experience. VISA attracts interest from all walks of life and stages of learning and inquiry. The students there take genuine pleasure in instruction – they both challenge the norms and are ready to be challenged. The atmosphere is one of both serious study and levity. VISA is a place where lasting and meaningful connections are made, and where art comes to life. Dylan Cram, Instructor: Painting, Drawing 20 years ago, I had just completed my MFA and arrived in Victoria from the Prairies. Eager to further both my art and teaching practice, I was fortunate to be introduced to Wendy Welch who was starting Vancouver Island School of Art. It was exactly what I needed; a workshop-based course structure and the opportunity to design my own course curriculum. Without a doubt, my experience at VISA influenced my future accomplishments as a post-secondary educator. Megan Dickie (Associate Professor and Chair, University of Victoria), Instructor (2005-2008 Working at VISA has been a fantastic experience, it is student centred yet the administration and the Director will always have your back, it is an excellent way to be involved in the creative community in Victoria and the region with an eclectic range of students and also the schools' relationship to other institutions. It is a supportive, open and fun way to learn to be a teacher and for me, after ten years of working with VISA, it continues to be a great learning experience and a vital connection to the arts community. I look forward to working with VISA for many years to come. Jeremy Herndl Instructor: Painting (2014-Present) I had the pleasure of teaching at the Vancouver Island School of Art upon graduating from my MFA degree at the University of Victoria where I am now a full-time sessional instructor. VISA offers new instructors a valuable opportunity to develop their teaching skills and presents those starting out in the field with a great chance to shape their own courses and projects. Todd Lambeth, Instructor: Drawing, Painting (2008-2019) VISA offers a unique creative environment, bringing together creatives from across the region and beyond. As an instructor, I enjoy the freedom to construct interesting content for my students to encourage and support them in their artistic pursuits. Another reason I enjoy being part of VISA is the appreciation I feel for the strong sense of community that Wendy continues to build since the school first opened its doors. By offering online classes, this welcoming community extends to anyone who wants to improve their studio practice, expand their skills, and find like-minded folks. Kate Scoones, Instructor (2007-Present) Working at Vancouver Island School of Art is so much fun. There is a real sense of community and a shared love of art by staff and students. The students are dedicated, talented and receptive. The Director, Wendy Welch and the administrative team at VISA are helpful and supportive. I am proud to be part of the school. Tamara Bond, Instructor: Drawing, Design (2020-Present) Teach With Us