Art and science have co-existed throughout history as demonstrated through botanical drawings, diagrams of the earth’s structure, solar systems and maps. This course uses several branches of science including cell biology, botany, geology, astronomy and cartography as a point of departure for subject matter. Basic watercolour techniques will be covered, but the focus of the course is on responding to a scientific subject in an expressive and imaginative way. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JUN 25 - JUL 30, 2PM - 5PM (No class Jul 16, last class Aug 6) ONLINE

The focus of this course is on using the process of artmaking to discover ideas and approaches as opposed to working with a specific end result in mind. You will learn to develop ideas through a variety of collage studies and work with basic drawing materials such as pencils and graphite sticks on a range of surfaces. The great thing about collage is the fluidity of image juxtaposition in terms of developing a design. This course is great for any of you who love to draw but sometimes find yourself wondering “what to draw”. Suitable for all levels. CANCELLED

Learn how to blast through artistic blocks and nurture your innate creativity through the development of a daily writing practice and five projects to activate and mine your subconscious. A useful course for beginners as well as mature artists in any medium. Course delivered through slide lectures, curated readings, seminar discussions, and drawing projects. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, MAY 8 - JUN 12, 10AM - 1PM (No class May 22, last class Jun 19) IN-PERSON

Learn about Oak Meadow ecosystems through field sketches and studio drawings. In this course we will explore how to capture all the elements of an oak ecosystem - birds, flowers, bugs, and the invasive species that threaten them today. We will use our field sketches and drawings as a way to advocate for and learn about these endangered ecosystems. Regular trips to oak meadow spaces, such as Government House and Beacon Hill Park will be made in order to submerge ourselves in the subject and experience hands-on learning. Local initiatives that provide information about oak meadows will be used to gain more knowledge about oak meadows, such as Garry Oak Meadows (https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/es-harbours-pdf/may19-2021-ecosysteminfosheets-garryoak.pdf?sfvrsn=79a94ccd_0). Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, JUN 26 - JUL 31, 2PM - 5PM (No class Jul 24, last class Aug 7) IN-PERSON

This course will reveal how acrylic paints can be used in a variety of ways to approach landscape painting. The instructor will provide examples of historical and contemporary artists who focus on landscape and show how these can be used as inspiration for developing personal compositions. We will also explore plein-air painting and use field sketches created at local landscapes to inform our studio paintings. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JUN 25 - JUL 30, 6PM - 9PM (No class Jul 23, last class Aug 6) IN-PERSON

Are you considering applying to a juried show, writing an exhibition proposal, or composing a grant? This workshop will cover basic tips and advice on writing and how to answer questions in a clear and concise manner, build a timeline, and create a budget. Through the duration of the workshop, you will create a draft proposal, using feedback from the instructor and group to guide you. Resources on where to apply for various grants and places to show your work around the city will be reviewed. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 25 & 26, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This course will introduce you to the many ways of looking at architecture and how to use it as a source for drawings. In addition to practicing technical skills of drafting and perspective drawing, you will also learn to visually represent interior and exterior spaces in conceptual and abstracted ways. This course will include field trips to significant architectural sites in the downtown area. Traditional drawing materials such as pencils, pens, and charcoal will be used throughout this course and students will be encouraged to experiment with mixed media for assignments. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, MAY 10- JUN 14, 2PM - 5PM (No class May 24, last class Jun 21) IN-PERSON

This mixed-media drawing course is inspired by a new book published by Phaidon called “The Ocean”. The course will use a range of sources for inspiration from historical drawings and scientific diagrams, to artists who use the ocean as a main source of subject matter in their work. You will explore beneath and above the ocean’s surface as well as the variety of plants and animals that live there. Materials used include pencils, graphite, pastels, watercolour and ink. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, MAY 9 - JUN 13, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

Do you see people sitting on a park bench or in a café sketching and wish you could do that too? Would you like to draw what you see around you? This course teaches you to draw what you see as you make your way through the city including architecture, interiors of buildings, people, gardens and parks. You will learn some basic drawing techniques, as well as the best materials to carry for sketching on-site. This is a great course to take if you are traveling to an urban destination this summer and would like to do some drawing while you are there. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JUN 27 - AUG 1, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON

This weekend workshop is inspired by Cat Bennett’s book of the same name: Making Art a Practice: How to Be the Artist You Are. This workshop will introduce you to a range of simple, yet fulfilling drawing and painting prompts to get you excited about making art. The focus is on process and discovery and allowing yourself to make art even if you think you are not good at it. One of the things that sometimes stops people from making art, is that they aren't sure what exactly they should be making. During the two days of the workshop you will engage in a few projects that will be a jumpstart to making art a daily practice in your life. Projects will include drawing, painting, mixed media and collage. The most important thing that you will discover from this workshop is that art is its own reward and you will gain the motivation to make art a part of your daily life. Suitable for all levels. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUN 1 & 2, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

In Paint Like an Artist II you will be introduced to a 21st century painter each week. We will review their specific approaches to subject matter as well as application of paint and process. There will be a weekly painting project based on this discussion. This is a great course for those who are curious to learn how early-mid 20th century artists have influenced many contemporary painters. The course will also provide an excellent opportunity to push your painting practice in new directions. Participants can use oil, acrylic, gouache or watercolour. New artists different from previous sessions will be discussed. This course can be taken as a follow-up to Paint Like an Artist I, but it is not necessary to have taken the first one in order to enrol in the second part. New artists will be discussed so feel free to re-take this course. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, JUN 28- AUG 2, 2PM - 5PM (No class Jul 19, last class Aug 9) ONLINE

This course introduces students to the practice of portraiture with a focus on a contemporary approach. Basic ways to draw and paint a portrait will be discussed, and students will also be encouraged to create experimental works based on personal expression. Sessions will include drawing, painting and mixed media, and students will work from models, photographs and imagination. Contemporary artists whose practice includes the portrait as a subject will be discussed in class. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, MAY 9 - JUN 13, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE