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 two-day workshop will take you through the journey of making a painting from start to finish. You will begin by making compositional sketches from a photograph of your choice. From the sketches you will make small painted studies and develop a colour scheme. Then you will move on to building up a painting by exploring translucent applications of paint, glazing techniques, and developing layers of underpainting. This step-by-step process will give you confidence in your painting ability and give you an idea of how to start a painting and bring it to a developed finish. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUG 15 & AUG 16, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

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 course will explore abstract painting through the lens of landscape. We will experiment with ways of creating the illusion of visual depth, simplifying forms into basic abstract shapes, and isolating your visual priorities. You will also discover various experimental approaches such as sanding, scraping, translucent applications, and thick impasto to create a range of dynamic surfaces. Starting from simple exercises you will learn to see and translate the shapes and forms in nature into a fresh and exciting composition for your painting. Acrylic paint will be used for this course due to its versatility and fast-drying capabilities. Some painting experience is recommended. THURSDAYS, MAY 21 - JUN 25, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This six-week course will explore experimental approaches to illustrative mark-making through creative work with gesture, alternative tools, and diverse drawing materials. Each week the instructor will expand on the range of marks made through exercises and assignments that focus on line, value, texture, pattern, and composition variance. Using a variety of drawing materials such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, and ink, you will develop a large repertoire of personal marks that can be used in many types of drawings. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JUL 09 - AUG 13, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) 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

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 microbiology, 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, MAY 19 - JUN 23, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This hands-on studio course focuses on recognizing and responding to persistent themes and images in your work and the processes required to bring them to life. Using imagination, memories, experiences, and ideas, students will work in the place between direct observation and intuition. With various drawing subjects presented in class, students are guided through exercises that include a range of techniques and methods for developing visual ideas and building strong compositions. This course is a great introduction to the expansive subject matter that can provide inspiration for drawing. Some drawing experience recommended. WEDNESDAYS, JUL 08 - AUG 12, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) 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 provide hands-on examples on how to use geometric abstraction to create exciting designs and compositions. You will be led through a series of cut paper and watercolour painting exercises to discover the possibilities of this dynamic approach to design. The workshop will include a short presentation on 20th century and contemporary artists working within the realm of geometric abstraction. Shape, colour, and composition will be the focus throughout the workshop, and you will be encouraged to work at your own pace. The first day will focus on generating compositional studies and material exploration, while the second day will be spent working on two small pieces that relate to each other, based on the work created on day one. You will leave the workshop with two completed works on paper, and a series of sketches or small compositions to fuel future work. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 11 & JULY 12, 1:30 - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

The world of plants and animals provides endless subject matter for creative inspiration. It is especially important in these stressful times to notice the beauty of the natural world. In this course, you will explore various drawing techniques and materials to depict animals and plants. You will learn about contour lines, various shading techniques, basic colour theory, and how to combine materials. Subjects will be drawn from photographs and from life. Each project will be contextualized through examples of work by historical and contemporary artists. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, JUL 08 - AUG 12, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) ONLINE

Join Thomas Guerrero for this Saturday afternoon photo walk. Thomas is the writer of Sidewalking Victoria, an informative photography blog written from a pedestrian's perspective. In this afternoon workshop, Thomas will highlight specific areas of the downtown area and focus on specific photographic themes at each stop. Examples are photographing the intersection of lines, both real and shadows, at the foot of the Johnson St Bridge; taking advantage of taking photos at different levels in Bastion Square, and capturing the reflections in windows along Fisgard St in Chinatown. You will learn ways to create a thematic approach to photography as well as discover some fascinating locations in the downtown area. Meet at the school. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON