In this course you will learn many ways of creating the illusion of three-dimensional form with a wide range of shading techniques in a variety of drawing mediums. You will learn to use charcoal and conté to develop shadows, blending stumps to develop mid-tones, and erasers to pull out highlights. You will explore ways of using loose networks of overlapping cross-hatching as well as gradually building up value with different amounts of pressure. We will also use water-soluble graphite and brushes to create washes. Each project will be contextualized through examples of work by historical and contemporary artists. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, MAY 20 - JUN 24, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) CANCELLED

Learn to discover the beauty and mystery of the natural world in local urban parks around the city. You will learn basic drawing and painting techniques using watercolour pencils and/or watercolour travel sets, which are easy to use and practical to transport. The course will take place in a different location each week such as Beacon Hill and Songhees Park. This course is great for those wanting to develop a sketching practice as well as for people who just want to spend time observing nature. Both acrylic and oil painting plein air set-ups are welcome, but please be prepared to transport your work to and from the location. No class on July 17, last class on August 21. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, JUL 10 - AUG 21, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This imaginative drawing course explores some of the themes that have influenced artists throughout history. For examples, we will consider Rembrandt s ink washes, early botanical illustrations, dramatic light and shadow in the Baroque, approaches to colour in Impressionism, and multiple perspectives in Cubism and Futurism. Classes include brief lectures/slide presentations that introduce the various themes. This is an excellent course for artists wishing to explore new themes in their work. Some drawing experience recommended. THURSDAYS, JUL 09 - AUG 13, 10AM - 1PM(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! 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) 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) 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

Physical location of the Vancouver Island School of Art including telephone and email address and hours of operation. Contact Us LOCATION 302-733 Johnson St Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 Phone: 250.380.3500 Email: info@vancouverislandschoolart.com CONNECT WITH US OFFICE HOURS Summer Hours start May 19th: Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:30am-5:00pm Please note that due to Covid-19 protocol classrooms will only be open for students five minutes before start of class (9:55 for morning classes, 1:55 for afternoon classes and 5:55 for evening classes). This will give the staff time to sanitize classrooms prior to start of class. If you would like to drop by and visit the school or the Slide Room Gallery, please call or email to inquire about gallery hours. HOLIDAY HOURS The school is closed on Statutory Holidays. Please note our location is wheelchair accessible. ADD TO CART 3 Hour Online Workshop $65 (materials not included) Purchase a gift card ADD TO CART 3 Hour Classroom Workshop $95 (all materials included) ADD TO CART 6 Hour Classroom Workshop $185 (all materials included) Give the gift of art We offer a variety of online and classroom workshops as well as drop-in drawing and watercolour sessions that are suitable for complete beginners or for more experienced artists who want to hone up on a skill or try something different. You can purchase an e-gift card online . Gift certificates can also be purchased by contacting the office and are available in any denomination you would like. Contact the office for a customized gift certificate. If you are on a budget for a gift, you could purchase one of our Drop-in Draw by Drawing sessions for $20, or a Watercolour Mondays session for $25.

Faculty and board biographies Tamara Bond BA Visual Arts, Emily Carr University of Art + Design Tony Bounsall BA (Photography) Toronto Metropolitan University Kate Brooks-Heinimann BFA Emily Carr University of Art + Design Desiree DeRuiter BA Visual Arts University of Victoria Renee Duval MFA Concordia University Fine Arts Diploma (with honours), Emily Carr College of Art and Design Thomas Guerrero BA History and Anthropology, University of Victoria Jenny Hainsworth BA Linguistics UBC David Kaarsemaker MFA University of Ottawa BFA Concordia University Maddy Knott MFA University of Victoria BFA NSCAD Meghan Krauss MFA University of Windsor BFA University of Saskatchewan Val Lawton BA University of Victoria (Canadian History) MA University of British Columbia (Library Science) James Letkeman MA Architecture University of British Columbia BFA University Of Victoria Andy Lou MFA University of North Texas John Luna MFA University of Calgary BFA University of Victoria Tim McCormack MA (Interdisciplinary Studies), York University Fine Arts Diploma, OCAD Leah McInnis MFA University of Victoria BFA Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design Chantal New BA in Art and Design MFA West Dean College UK Corrie Peters MFA University of Manitoba BFA Concordia University BA in Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria Kate Scoones BFA University of Victoria Andrea Simmonds MFA Emily Carr University of Art and Design BA Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, QC Xane St Phillip MFA University of California, Santa Barbara BFA University of Victoria Natasha Van Netten Diploma of Fine Art, Vancouver Island School of Art Lucia Volker BFA Emphasis in Printmaking, University of Utah Diploma of Interior Design, Pacific Design Academy Wendy Welch MFA University of Victoria BFA Concordia University Kelly Zantingh BAH Studio Art University of Guelph Jessica Ziakin BA History in Art and Psychology University of Victoria MA Art History and Visual Studies University of Victoria Our Faculty All of our regular faculty members have graduate degrees in art (MFA or MA), exhibition record and teaching experience Our Faculty & Board Lindsay Shojania Chair Jan Redekop Treasurer David Good Director Kathleen Greenaway Director Kirsten Petersen Director Russ Reynolds Director Eric Metcalfe Honorary Board Member Gary Pearson Honorary Board Member Our Board Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS