Are you curious about how to paint, but don’t know where to begin? This course is a great introduction to the basics of painting, including brush types, brush handling, mixing, and applying paint to the surface. Other aspects of painting such as creating a dynamic composition and an introduction to colour theory will also be covered. You will paint from still-life set-ups, photographic references, outdoors (plein air), and from your imagination. Acrylics will be used as their fast-drying quality makes them the easier paint for beginners to use. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, MAY 22 - JUN 26, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This course focuses on developing a series of work around a theme. The initial theme of this class is the idea of neighbourhood. As a prerequisite to this course, students must take 12 photographs (minimum), of what they think of as their neighbourhood (interpreted however broadly you want), and bring these with them to the first class. For the preliminary project students paint a triptych from this selection of images, in the style most suited to the individual. We will discuss the elements of painting language and help refine your visual priorities. From this initial project, students develop a body of work based on a theme of their choice. Examples of contemporary artists working in a thematic way will be given throughout the course. Students can work in a painting media of their choice: acrylic, watercolour, gouache or oil. Some painting experience recommended. THURSDAYS, JUL 09 - AUG 13, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Photography has impacted the practice of painting throughout modern art history, and it continues to inspire contemporary artists today. This course will examine how painters use cameras and photographs as tools that influence their artistic visions. Students will examine how artists such as Damian Loeb achieve photorealism, while others such as Justin Duffus use existing imagery as a source of inspiration for their abstracted paintings. The close relationship between painting and photography will be examined by studying precedent artworks, discussing artistic theories, and developing technical painting skills though in-class exercises and assignments. Some painting experience recommended. FRIDAYS, JUL 10 - AUG 14, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Pastel Flowers Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Pastel Flowers 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 Spring Workshops Landscape as Abstraction Learn how to transform complex landscape scenes into basic abstract shapes. Started May 21 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Watercolour: Art and Science Come and see how science has inspired artists over the ages. Started May 19 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Painting with Gouache: Plants & Flowers Learn new ways to approach flowers and plants with gouache. Started May 20 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Painting: The Basics Want to learn how to paint? Start here. Started May 22 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction to Colour Let mysteries of working with colour be revealed to you. Started May 21 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Paint Like an Artist I Online Let artists from art history inspire your art practice. Started May 22 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Nature in the City Spend time in a variety of parks and public spaces learning to draw and paint. Starts Jul 10 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Watercolour: Landscape as Experiment Let the exciting processes of watercolour help you make experimental landscapes. Starts Jul 7 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Painting the Figure Be intimidated no more! You too can learn to paint the figure. Starts Jul 8 275 Canadian dollars $275 VIEW COURSE Load More 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.

Upcoming events at the Vancouver Island School of Art include exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses. Upcoming Events Art Book Sale Click here for more information! Saturday Night Art Lectures Click here to register! 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