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) **Since the first class has occurred this course is pro-rated to tuition fee of $525

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 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

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! Pleasure is essential (Sep 2026) Contemporary art makes you think (Sep 2026) What is a Canadian landscape? (Sep 2026) Drawing will make your life better (Aug 2026) What should I paint? (Jul 2026) What is mark making? (Jun 2026) The love of line (May 2026) The tyranny of perfection (Feb 2026) Where will creativity take you? (Feb 2026) Limits make you more creative (Jan 2026) My gift to you (Dec 2025) The more you look, the more you see (Nov 2025) 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 Fall 2026 Spring Summer 2026 Winter 2026 Fall 2025 Spring/Summer 2025 Winter 2025 Fall 2024 Spring/Summer 2024 Winter 2024 Fall 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 Winter 2023 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

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 Started 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. Started 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.

Fall Market Garden with Watercolours Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Fall Market Garden with Watercolours Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS