This course provides students with an introduction to the basic materials and techniques of drawing. Emphasis is on elements such as line, shape, value, space, proportion, perspective and composition. In addition, students are encouraged to explore a range of materials and develop personal expression in their drawing. Subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape, architectural space and student-supplied source material. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

This course guides students through the complexities of colour theory with weekly exercises that focus on making colour swatches. The systematic assignments explore the full range of colour mixing and a multitude of colour combinations. Topics covered include value, complements, temperature, and how colours change depending on context. By the end of the 12-week course, students will gain a thorough understanding of the colour wheel and how colour theory can be put to immediate use in their paintings. The colour assignments culminate in a completed personal workbook that becomes a long-term source book. Students can work in acrylic, watercolour or gouache. Oil paint is possible but challenging due to the slow drying time. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

This two-part course will cover a variety of approaches to contemporary landscape painting. The first part will cover an overview of landscape painting in the 20th century and focus on new ways that artists are addressing "realism". The 12 sessions of this course will be divided into three sections: Realism and Beyond, Post-Pop Landscapes and New Romanticism. Projects will be supplemented by image presentations of artists including Maureen Gallace, George Shaw, David Hockney, Jules de Balincourt, Mamma Anderson and Anselm Keifer. Students can work in a painting medium of their choice including watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oil. Each session includes a critique of homework projects; a presentation of artists relevant to the topic of the week; and a related hands-on project done during class time. The course is inspired by the book Landscape Painting Now: from Pop Abstraction to New Romanticism by Barry Schwabsky (2019). This book is not a required text for the course. Previous painting experience recommended. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

Upcoming events at the Vancouver Island School of Art include exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses. Upcoming Events FA25 Student Art Exhibition FA25 Student Art Exhibition 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

FA25 Student Art Exhibition Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses FA25 Student Art Exhibition 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. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Fantastical Gardens with Gouache Be inspired to use gouache by learning how a range of artists visit the garden as subject. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Now I Bring your landscape painting to a new level by looking at contemporary landscape artists. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Painting Inspired by Photographs Discover how you can use photography as a tool to make exciting and dramatic paintings. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Painting: Light and Space Enhance your paintings by understanding how to use light and space in an effective way. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Painting: Series Development Learn to develop a body of work based on a singular theme. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 VIEW COURSE Painting the Figure This online course will use the timeless subject of the human figure as a source of painting. Ended 575 Canadian dollars $575 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 F25 Student Work WI26 In-person Courses WI26 Online Courses See what we are up to.