Collage is both an art technique and a resulting work of art. It can also be a catalyst for further experiments in drawing or painting. Working with simple everyday tools such as scissors, glue and found materials often yields surprising and satisfying results. A brief slide presentation covers the history of collage as well as the work of many contemporary collage artists. The essential principles and elements of colour and composition form the basis of class projects. This workshop will allow you to discover how a sense of play and experimentation can lead to exciting works of art. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This afternoon workshop is an introduction to chalk pastels with plants as the subject matter. Using inspiration from the work of Jim Dine, you will discover how to use pastels through a process-based method of working. Drawing projects will include layering pastels and conté crayon through wiping, rubbing, erasing and dusting powdered pigment on surface. You will create lively drawings of plants that will be both expressive and personal using a process-based method of working. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE

This workshop introduces you to painting birds using a combination of ink and watercolour, a favourite of illustrators, journallers and plein air sketchers. These two wet mediums complement one another, resulting in a beautiful, loose, layered and whimsical results. You will practice a variety of techniques with reference materials for three very different Canadian birds: the Saw Whet Owl, the Red-headed Finch and the iconic Common Loon. Nature sketch artist Val Lawton will guide you throughout the sketching process, starting with subject’s basic shapes, identifying the creature’s form, then moving on to rendering the birds’ fluffy, feathery or sleek textures. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

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 Art Fundamentals Art History, Theory Fall Workshops Winter Workshops Colour in Painting Learn how to use colour by studying master artists work throughout history Started Jan 7 575 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 Started Jan 9 575 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 Started Jan 6 575 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 Started Jan 7 575 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 Started Jan 6 575 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 Started Jan 6 575 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 Started Jan 7 575 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.

Watercolour Flowers: Blue Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Watercolour Flowers: Blue Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Chinese Brush Painting Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Chinese Brush Painting Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS