This course explores different approaches to painting the human figure. We'll begin with a foundation in simplified anatomical structure, building a painting up from the inside - from the skeleton, through the muscles, to the skin and clothing. Each session will explore different painterly approaches through examples from art history. These approaches include a focus on line, simple shapes, the illusion of form, ways of using colour, and the relationship between figure and ground. We will cover various ways of handling paint including wet-on-wet, dry brush, blending techniques, layering, and glazing. The course will combine the direct observation of figure models with working from photographic and art historical sources. Demos will be conducted using acrylic paints, but you are welcome to work in other painting mediums. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, JUL 08 - AUG 12, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This course will help to develop an understanding of how to paint the ocean. Source material will include working from life, photographs, and memory. Some elements of colour theory (mixing, schemes, how to achieve depth) and sketching fundamentals will be covered to help develop strong painting compositions. Prepare to practice capturing water s changing forms, textures, and movement by learning how to use a variety of painting techniques. Some contemporary and historical paintings of oceans will be looked at to help inform our own paintings. One class will be held on location at Dallas Road Beach to practice capturing a real-life ocean scene. Acrylic and/or oil painters welcome. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JUL 07 - AUG 11, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This workshop is for people with some experience using colour but would like to bring their knowledge to a deeper level. You will learn to use colour with more intention and control by understanding its underlying principles more fully. We will explore the inter-relationship of value, hue, and chroma and examine how our perception of colour is affected by surrounding colours. Exercises include translucent and opaque applications, glazing, colour palette-creation, and different kinds of colour contrasts. While both oil and acrylic painters are encouraged to participate, demos will be given using acrylic paint. Some experience with painting and colour is recommended. See supply list. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 25 & JULY 26, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Learn to discover the beauty and mystery of the natural world in local urban parks around the city. You will learn basic drawing and painting techniques using watercolour pencils and/or watercolour travel sets, which are easy to use and practical to transport. The course will take place in a different location each week such as Beacon Hill and Songhees Park. This course is great for those wanting to develop a sketching practice as well as for people who just want to spend time observing nature. Both acrylic and oil painting plein air set-ups are welcome, but please be prepared to transport your work to and from the location. No class on July 17, last class on August 21. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, JUL 10 - AUG 21, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

In this workshop, you will be introduced 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. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

Cyanotypes are hand-made, one of a kind prints made using photo-sensitive chemicals and the light of the sun or a UV lamp. In this workshop, students will learn how to make unique cyan-hued prints using found objects, plants, and photographs. We will examine how cyanotypes can mix with other media such as printmaking, drawing and collage, as well as its use as a photo-printing technique. The process of making cyanotypes can be unpredictable and can yield surprising results; as such the workshop will embrace play and experimentation as a part of the process of making. Discussions will include the historical uses of cyanotype as well as contemporary applications. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This workshop will cover different applications and approaches to drawing with oil pastels. We will also cover basic colour theory, blending, and layering techniques. Subjects will include still life, landscape, and portraiture. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

The unique qualities of watercolour make it an ideal medium to create experimental landscapes. In this workshop, participants will make three small-scale landscapes that will focus on a variety of watercolour techniques, including mark making with brushes, mixing colours on the paper, and creating tonal graduations and glazing (layering of colours to create depth and brightness). Discussion of colour and composition will also be covered. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE