This workshop is an introduction to gouache (pronounced ‘gwash’), an opaque water-based paint valued for its saturated colour and velvety finish. While related to watercolour, gouache has its own unique qualities, and because it's opaque, you can paint light colours over dark or work effectively on tinted or dark papers. We will explore how to mix and blend paint and understand the basics of colour theory all while learning about this versatile medium. Gouache is a great medium for beginner painters because of it is very forgiving and easy to use. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

In this day-long workshop you will learn about important women botanical illustrators. Focusing on Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), who was one of the first to include the life cycles of plants and insects in their scientific renditions, these illustrations offered important insights into the natural world. This workshop will be an opportunity to engage with some of these historical botanical drawings and transform them into abstract imagery. You will discover the exciting process of abstraction by analyzing plant details through pencil drawings and then learn how to use these studies for the basis of an abstract composition for a painting. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 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 will focus on different ways of drawing natural subjects including plants, animals, and landscape forms such as water, rocks, grasses, and foliage. You will learn use a variety of drawing materials including graphite pencils, water-soluble graphite, conte crayons, and willow charcoal. Exercises will include ways to increase the illusion of visual depth in drawing and how to create visual drama through light and shadow. This work will make you discover how drawing is an exciting way to connect with the natural world. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This workshop is inspired by the beautiful gouache flower paintings made by Anna Bond at the Rifle Paper Company. Participants will learn the basics of working with gouache while creating their own fantasy flowers and bouquets by developing simple shapes into more complex forms. Emphasis will be on working with colour layering textures and compositions. By the end of the workshop you will have completed two beautiful bouquets, one on white paper and then the other on black. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE

This workshop is designed for people who are interested in capturing the energy of nature using Chinese brush painting. You will be introduced to traditional and contemporary techniques and learn about Chinese ink, rice paper, colour, texture, composition, and the aesthetic principles of Chinese brush painting. You will learn technical skills, such as loading the brush with ink and water, dry and wet brush stroke control through instructor demonstrations, as well as in class discussions and hands-on practice. This workshop focuses on creative exploration of the brush painting medium and expanding your visual vocabulary. You will be encouraged to explore contemporary approaches using this ancient art medium. Some experience in painting will help but is not necessary. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

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 two-part course will cover a variety of approaches to contemporary landscape painting. The first part will cover an overview of landscape painting in the 20th century and focus on new ways that artists are addressing "realism". The 12 sessions of this course will be divided into three sections: Realism and Beyond, Post-Pop Landscapes and New Romanticism. Projects will be supplemented by image presentations of artists including Maureen Gallace, George Shaw, David Hockney, Jules de Balincourt, Mamma Anderson and Anselm Keifer. Students can work in a painting medium of their choice including watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oil. Each session includes a critique of homework projects; a presentation of artists relevant to the topic of the week; and a related hands-on project done during class time. The course is inspired by the book Landscape Painting Now: from Pop Abstraction to New Romanticism by Barry Schwabsky (2019). This book is not a required text for the course. Previous painting experience recommended. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

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 while wandering through a city? Students will learn the basic techniques necessary to draw architecture, interiors of buildings, people, gardens and parks, and be introduced to the best materials to carry for sketching on-site, as well as how to use photography to document ideas for at-home drawing. The course will include walking around downtown as well as going to local parks and public spaces. During inclement weather, class outings will include going inside buildings such as the Atrium, the Empress Hotel and the Royal British Columbia Museum. This is a great course to take for those who will be travelling to an urban location and would like to do some drawing while there. (There will be an additional fee for museum entrance). Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

Do you want to learn how to draw but don't know how to get started? Drawing for the Absolute Beginner is an ideal course for people with little or no experience in drawing. Students will be guided through the drawing process: from finding initial inspiration, to developing strong compositions on their paper, to executing fully developed illustrations. Foundational skills in mark-making, shading, perspective, and depth will be developed through in-class exercises/demonstrations and term assignments. Students will explore different illustrative approaches and experiment with both dry and wet drawing materials such as graphite, charcoal, and inks. Working from both imagination and observation, students will draw from a range of subjects including still-life arrangements, a live model, and photographs. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 17 - DEC 10, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON

In this 12-week course, students will focus on developing a unified series of paintings. Guided research assignments using photography, drawing and creative writing will lead to the cultivation of each student's own topic of choice. Series topics will include formal and conceptual investigations such as use of materials, composition, structure and the development of ideas. Course includes examples of contemporary and modern artists who work in thematic ways, along with assigned readings, weekly critiques and opportunities to share research processes. If you are an artist with a million ideas swirling around, or if you simply don't know where to begin, this course will help you to understand the connections in your life that can lead to the creation of a cohesive body of work. In addition to developing a series, students will learn how to write an artist statement and prepare a submission for an artist residency or gallery. Students can work in a painting media of their choice: acrylic, watercolour, gouache or oil. Previous painting experience recommended. THURSDAYS, SEP 18 - DEC 11, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

This workshop will focus on simplifying landscape images by breaking them down into simple shapes. We will consider what makes for a good landscape reference image and cover ways of using colour theory to play with the illusion of depth in painting. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE