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

Using the overarching theme of flora and fauna, this course provides a “sampler” of art materials and processes of art-making. Each class we will start by drawing a native plant or animal together that lives and grows on Lekwungen Territory. The following approaches and media will be covered over the 12-week period: drawing with pencil, pencil crayon, chalk pastels, ink, oil pastel, mixed media (combining all of these together), collage, as well as making a zine. Course includes drawing from your imagination using pastel and mixed media; layering pencil crayon to create detailed drawings of plants and animals; and using nature walks as inspiration to create a narrative in a book format. We will be looking at Kinngait artist Shuvinai Ashoona’s drawings, the exhibition Forestrial Brain by Jim Holyoak and Matt Shane, collage artist Mary Delany, painter Ann Craven, the drawings of Pitseolak Qimirpik, and work by local artist Shawna Kiesman. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, SEP 22 - DEC 15, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

In this introductory painting class, students will explore a wide range of painting styles and techniques. This course will focus on methods of paint application, colour theory, composition, and the material qualities of paint. While practicing foundational skills, students will develop an understanding of the painting process, learning how to start and develop a strong work of art. Both representational and abstract methods of painting will be explored through term assignments and in-class exercises/demonstrations. Projects will include painting from still-life arrangements, photography, and the figure. Students can work in acrylic and/or oil paints in this course. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 16 - DEC 16, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON (Due to two statutory holidays Wednesday courses start Sep 16)

Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria 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. Started 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 Started 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 Started 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.

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