This course explores the creative use of photographs as an initial inspiration for your painting compositions, themes and personal expression. Students will learn methods for selecting, editing, and finally, departing from a photograph with artistic freedom. Class presentations and assignments focus on the translation of photographic imagery into the language of painting. This course also covers issues of originality when using found images along with the various ways contemporary painters use photos to stimulate their work. Group critiques, one-on-one feedback and guidance will be provided for all painting styles. Students are welcome to use oil or acrylic paint. Some painting experience recommended. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, SEP 9 - DEC 9, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE (Tuesday courses start one week before other courses due to two stat holidays)

This contemporary craft based course will offer hands-on demonstrations and assignments structured to develop skills in visible mending, felting, crochet and weaving. The class will introduce contemporary artists, current writers and thinkers working with textiles, and what it means to mend, unravel and weave in our lives and art practices. Students will be supported and challenged at their individual skill level to develop projects that combine the learnt textile techniques with conceptual content. No previous experience necessary. No previous textile experience necessary. TUESDAYS, SEP 9 - DEC 9, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON (Tuesday courses start one week before other courses due to two stat holidays)

This course will cover the fundamentals of painting with gouache while exploring how artists have painted the garden in the last 150 years from Monet, van Gogh, Klimt to Charles Burchfield, Ross Bleckner, Shara Hughes and others. Gouache is a water-based opaque paint that dries to a velvety surface. Unlike watercolour, gouache is very forgiving and great for the beginner artists. Discover the excitement of a new medium while learning about the ways historical and contemporary artists approach the garden as subject matter. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, SEP 9 - DEC 9, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE (Tuesday courses start one week before other courses due to two stat holidays)

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. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Fantastical Gardens with Gouache Be inspired to use gouache by learning how a range of artists visit the garden as subject. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Now I Bring your landscape painting to a new level by looking at contemporary landscape artists. Started Sep 19 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting Inspired by Photographs Discover how you can use photography as a tool to make exciting and dramatic paintings. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Started Sep 18 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Light and Space Enhance your paintings by understanding how to use light and space in an effective way. Started Sep 19 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Series Development Learn to develop a body of work based on a singular theme. Started Sep 18 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting the Figure This online course will use the timeless subject of the human figure as a source of painting. Started Sep 17 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... 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 Paint like an Artist II Pastel Flowers Student Work 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

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