This course introduces students to the greatest hits of "fine art" by charting the history of Western Europe from Medieval times through the early modern period (1300-1800). Gothic art, the old masters (and mistresses!), and the emergence of printing, guide us through the major changes brought about by the Enlightenment and the Reformation. Focus is on Western art, religion and philosophy, but will be presented from a secular perspective of critical pluralism. Course includes lectures, curated readings, class discussions, and exhibition design. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, SEP 18 - DEC 11, 10AM - 1PM 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 beginners. All supplies included SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

In this course students will explore a range of themes inspired by art history and trends in contemporary art. These themes will include genres such as landscape, portraiture, still life, and various approaches to abstraction, as well as broader themes such as formalism and conceptualism. These themes will give students an opportunity to practice painterly techniques such as colour mixing, glazing, underpainting, and various approaches to mark-making. Experimenting with a range of themes is an excellent way for students to discover their own direction and personal interests as they develop a painting practice. Students can use acrylic or oil. Some painting experience recommended. WEDNESDAYS, JAN 7 - APR 1, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON

Drawing Introduction II continues the focus on basic materials and techniques of drawing. In this second part of the course, the emphasis is on learning to use materials and methods to develop a personal expression in drawing. Students will explore a range of materials and approaches including using colour in drawing. As with Drawing Introduction I, subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape, architectural space, narrative, and student supplied source material. Prerequisite: Drawing: Introduction I or some drawing experience. FRIDAYS, JAN 9 - APR 3, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

This art history course begins with an introduction to some of the 19th century movements that contributed to major breakthroughs and innovations in 20th century art. Starting from Romanticism, through to Realism, Impressionism, Cubism, the course will proceed to cover early 20th century Abstraction, Constructivism and Surrealism, to mid-century Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Conceptual Art to the Contemporary period starting in the 1980s. The course will also reflect on how art history is enriched by non-Western and feminist interventions. Students will be encouraged to become knowledgeable participants in the ongoing debates about what art is, who it's for, and who gets to benefit from it. Course format is based on lectures and class discussions. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 10AM - 1PM 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

In this course, students explore how paint can be used to create effects of light, and how various subjects create different kinds of visual space. Based around thematic projects, this course will cover how translucent layers of paint allow light to come from inside the painting, how glazes complicate space and the contrast of light, and how light operates in conjunction with hue and chroma to affect the illusion of visual depth. Subjects include photographs, still life, collage, and non-objective abstraction. Each project is contextualized through historic and contemporary examples. Students can work in either acrylic or oil paint. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

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

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

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 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