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, OCTOBER 17, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Are you curious about oil painting but uncertain how to get started? This one-day workshop introduces you to the fundamental materials and techniques of oil painting. You will discover why most of the painters exhibiting in New York contemporary art galleries choose to use this flexible and forgiving medium. Techniques covered include creating layers with an underpainting and building up a surface with a limited colour palette. You will work on two paintings during the day: one based on a photo reference, the other, an abstraction of the composition of the first painting. You will leave the workshop with enough information to help you become a competent oil painter. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This course focuses on drawing as an intentional mode of communicating with and connecting to nature. Through a series of directed projects, students develop their drawing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world. Emphasis will be given to material exploration, mark-making, collaborations and research practices. Topics include micro/macro worlds, ways of seeing, deconstructing narratives of landscape and artmaking in the Anthropocene era. Examples of contemporary and modern artists will be given each week in addition to suggested readings and group critiques. Some drawing experience recommended. FRIDAYS, SEP 25 - DEC 18, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) ONLINE

While Canada is known for the landscape paintings of the Group of Seven and Emily Carr, there was also a very strong abstract art movement throughout the 20th century. Among some of the groups of note include the Automatistes (Montreal 1940s and 1950s), Painters Eleven (Toronto 1950), and Emma Lake and the Regina 5 (1960s). The course will present various regions and the abstract painting that was produced there including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Toronto and Montreal. This hands-on painting course will provide an overview of Canadian historical and contemporary artists whose practice revolves around abstraction. Assignments will be based on the work of the various artists presented throughout the course. The course is inspired by the book “Abstract Painting in Canada” by Roald Nasgaard. Also covered in the course will be artists left out by the author of the book such as: Wanda Koop, Elizabeth McIntosh, Sylvia Tait, and Shirley Wiitasalo. A great course for people who are curious about Canadian painting and abstraction. Some painting experience is required. FRIDAYS, SEP 25 - DEC 18, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) ONLINE

This drawing course focuses on some of the current themes in contemporary drawing such as: mark making, mapping, science, nature, architecture, ornament, narrative and nostalgia. A mixed media approach will be encouraged to implement imaginative explorations in image making. Students use basic drawing materials such as pencil, charcoal, ink and watercolours, as well as a range of drawing surfaces including new and found papers. This course provides an ideal way to explore a range of subject matter while trying out different drawing materials. Some drawing experience recommended. THURSDAYS, SEP 24 - DEC 17, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) ONLINE

This course provides students with an introduction to the basic materials and techniques of drawing. Emphasis is on elements such as line, shape, value, space, proportion, perspective and composition. In addition, students are encouraged to explore a range of materials and develop personal expression in their drawing. Subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape, architectural space and student-supplied source material. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 16 - DEC 16, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) IN-PERSON (Due to two statutory holidays Wednesday courses start Sep 16)

This workshop will focus on simplifying landscape images by breaking them down into simple shapes. You will discover what makes for a good landscape reference image and learn ways of using colour theory to play with the illusion of space in painting. This workshop will help you find ways of adding depth and visual drama to your landscape paintings and drawings. The demos will be conducted with acrylic paint, but you can work in any colour medium such as 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, NOVEMBER 21, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This workshop will focus on creating artworks inspired by ornithology—the study of birds—with a whimsical twist. You will use collage as a starting point to develop a composition because collage offers an immediacy that allows you to begin a work without necessarily having a specific idea. You will create two artworks in the duration of the workshop: a collage based on an Audubon image, followed by a watercolour painting influenced by your collage. This workshop will awaken your imagination while revealing the freedom of collage-making and how to use watercolour to interpret forms. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1:30 - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This course guides students through the complexities of colour theory with weekly exercises that focus on making colour swatches. The systematic assignments explore the full range of colour mixing and a multitude of colour combinations. Topics covered include value, complements, temperature, and how colours change depending on context. By the end of the 12-week course, students will gain a thorough understanding of the colour wheel and how colour theory can be put to immediate use in their paintings. The colour assignments culminate in a completed personal workbook that becomes a long-term source book. Students can work in acrylic, watercolour or gouache. Oil paint is possible but challenging due to the slow drying time. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, SEP 22 - DEC 15, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

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 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31 & NOVEMBER 1, 1:30 - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This workshop gets its name from the landscapes of Charles Burchfield who always attempted to capture the sound of nature in his paintings. Burchfield’s work will be used as a source for subject matter and you will discover how to see the natural world in his eyes: a cacophony of shapes and marks. Looking at the work of Burchfield will give you the ability to look at the natural world with new eyes and interpret it in a way to make interesting paintings. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1:30 - 4:30PM(PDT) ONLINE

This course explores many ways of handling effects of light and shadow in painting. Explore how light can both appear to come from within the painting itself or seem to be projected onto the surface. Apply painting through additive and subtractive techniques using opaque and translucent applications. Consider how the interaction of colours affects our perception of hue, value, and chroma, increasing or diminishing the light in an image. Experiment with warm and cool hues, glazing techniques, and underpaintings. Understanding how to control the light in your paintings will allow you to create strong, dynamic images. Some painting experience recommended. THURSDAYS, SEP 24 - DEC 17, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON