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

Artists have been intrigued by skies and clouds for centuries and in this workshop, we will carry on the tradition of using the sky as a subject for painting. The work of several artists including J.M.W. Turner and John Constable will be examined as a source of inspiration. You will learn to create the appearance of various cloud types -cumulus, cirrus, and stratus using wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry watercolour techniques. You will create a series of watercolours that focus on creating moody skyscapes. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This course introduces students to the elements of design (line, value, shape/volume, texture, space and motion), and the principles of design (process, unity, emphasis and focal point, scale and proportion, and balance and rhythm. Weekly assignments are given in conjunction with a visual presentation of the subject matter discussed. Students assemble a reference book with emphasis on small-scale collage exercises to develop an understanding of how design can be applied across mediums such as drawing, painting, textiles, photography or graphic design. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, JAN 9 - APR 3, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

Cezanne is a 19th century artist known mostly for his still life and landscapes painted in oil. However, his preferred medium was watercolours which he used for preliminary studies for paintings, as well as finished works onto themselves. His delicately rendered watercolours made ample use of the paper as part of the compositions. In this workshop you will learn to approach watercolour landscapes in the manner of Cezanne, where the focus is on breaking the landscape into a series of unique shapes and letting the space of the paper be an important component of the composition. This workshop will provide a great way to learn some art history while discovering new approaches to landscape painting. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE

This workshop will introduce you to the building blocks of colour: value, hue, saturation, and explore how to use them. You will learn how to match and mix colours as well as how our perception of colour is affected by surrounding colours. You will also explore how to build different kinds of colour palettes and how colour can be used to increase the illusion of visual depth through both abstract and representational subject matter. The demos will be conducted using acrylic paint, however, you can choose to work in any colour medium that suits you, including acrylics, watercolour, gouache, pastels or coloured pencils. (Oil paint is not recommended due to the slow drying time). Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This workshop will focus on mixing yellow paint and all its myriad variations found in yellow flowers, such as the sunflower and the daffodil. You will paint along with the instructor using reference photos using both drawing and direct painting as starting points. Workshop will culminate in painting a fantastical monochromatic bouquet that includes all these flowers and some greenery. This is a great workshop to learn about colour mixing and flower painting. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE

This workshop will focus on expressive abstraction where you will use organic shapes and dynamic mark-making to build up a composition. You will experiment with abstracting images from photographs, as well from your own imagination and memory. Through a series of drawing and watercolour exercises, you will explore line, colour, and markmaking, while learning how to combine them in new ways to create strong compositions. Workshop will include a short presentation on 20th century and contemporary artists who use expressive abstraction as a way of picture-making. This workshop will provide a great way to develop ideas for future paintings. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This course uses the complexity of the natural world and the theme of landscape as a compelling source of inspiration for painting. Students will develop skills and an excitement for painting through their connection to nature. The course will cover ways to select and simplify subject matter, as well as how to create a strong sense of colour, light and atmosphere in paintings. Class presentations focus on examples of historical and contemporary artists who use the genre of landscape as a way of exploring a personal vision in paint. Group critiques and one-on-one feedback and guidance will be provided for all painting styles. Students are welcome to use oil or acrylic paint. Previous painting experience recommended. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

This hands-on painting course uses examples from art history to focus on how artists use colour. Students will make studies from reference paintings and then allow the artists’ approaches to colour to inform their own work. The course begins with the use of colour in the early Renaissance, and then moves through work by artists in the Baroque and Rococo eras, Impressionism, early Modernism, and Pop Art, concluding with exploring the diverse approaches to colour in Contemporary Art. This course will provide a great way to discover how art from the past can inform paintings that are being made today. Students can work in acrylic or oil. Some painting experience recommended. WEDNESDAYS, JAN 7 - APR 1, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the ideas and approaches that define contemporary drawing practices. Moving beyond traditional representation, students will focus on drawing as a means of personal expression and communication. Techniques such as ink drawing, collage, and photo-transfer will be introduced, encouraging exploration of diverse materials and surfaces. The work of contemporary artists will inspire a range of projects exploring themes such as nature, the body, memory, architecture, and narrative. This course provides an ideal entry point for students who want to go beyond ‘creating a likeness’ in drawing and offers the perfect opportunity to develop an innovative, idea-driven approach to drawing. Some drawing experience recommended. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON (No class on January 13)

Building on a basic knowledge of paint handling and colour, this course presents students with a range of projects that explore possible approaches to painting in terms of subject matter, style and technique. Students work from a range of historical models, including representation and abstraction to gain a better sense of the ideas, methods, and formal issues that can support their own vision. Course will include painting from a model as well as a range of other choices for subject matter. Class projects are accompanied by slide presentations. Prerequisite: Painting: Introduction I or some painting experience. WEDNESDAYS, JAN 7 - APR 1, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that is easy-to-use and a great medium for beginners. Students will discover the excitement of working with gouache through a range of weekly projects. This course is inspired by the artist, illustrator, and writer Maira Kalman. The focus is on using objects and experiences that are part of your everyday life, as well as using popular culture and current events as subject matter. Composition, working with text, and ideas surrounding meaning and content will be addressed with each project. Course will include presentations of other artists working with ‘the everyday’ as a source as well as examples of artists who work with gouache. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE