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 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

This workshop will focus on expressive abstraction where you will use organic shapes and dynamic mark-making to build up a composition. You will experiment with abstracting images from photographs, as well from your own imagination and memory. Through a series of drawing and watercolour exercises, you will explore line, colour, and markmaking, while learning how to combine them in new ways to create strong compositions. Workshop will include a short presentation on 20th century and contemporary artists who use expressive abstraction as a way of picture-making. This workshop will provide a great way to develop ideas for future paintings. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

In this course, students will be encouraged to connect to their unconscious through drawing. Students explore what happens when they try to let go of conscious thinking and work more intuitively in their art practice. During each class, students will practice automatic drawing (similar to what the Surrealists were doing in the 1920s), free-form drawing and 'no-editing' exercises. The creation of ink blots and doodling will be used as starting points for picture making. The course will also include meditation exercises and drawing inspired from dreams. Drawing materials and process will focus on mixed media and collage. By doing this work, students will explore what lies below the surface in their unconscious while finding new images and techniques for their art practice. This class is ideal for those who love to draw and are curious to see what new images might come up during these explorations. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON

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

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 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 course explores drawing from the 1960s to the present day, focusing on how contemporary artists use drawing as a tool for expression, experimentation, and conceptual exploration. Through image presentations and discussions, students will examine the work of influential artists who have expanded the boundaries of drawing in diverse and innovative ways. Weekly projects will encourage a variety of techniques and materials, from traditional to mixed and experimental media. The course concludes with a final project that reflects each student’s personal engagement with a contemporary approach or idea. This course provides an ideal way to learn about art history and drawing practice at the same time. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

This course will focus primarily on contemporary painting because the twentieth century brought radical changes in art which were accompanied by fierce debates regarding the place of painting in contemporary culture. This course will examine how and why the medium of painting has not only persisted in the twenty-first century, but expanded and evolved alongside changes in art, technology, politics, and other factors, developing a unique energy and diversity. Course will include group discussions, image presentations, hands-on activities and gallery visits. This is a required course for Certificate of Visual Arts students, however anyone interested in what is going in the art world today is welcome to register. Contemporary Art I is not a prerequisite for this second part of this course. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 2PM - 5PM 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, FEBRUARY 7, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON