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

Gouache is an opaque water-based medium that dries with a velvety finish. This course will use historical and contemporary examples of flower and plant paintings to inspire exciting approaches to the endless potential of botanical subject matter. Work will be done both on white and black watercolour paper. Emphasis will be on technique and developing a creative composition using gouache paint. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, MAY 20 - JUN 24, 2PM - 5PM(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

This six-week course focuses on the concept of slow photography, encouraging patience, careful observation, and a deeper connection to both natural and urban environments. It is a mindful, hands-on course blending historical and experimental techniques with tactile and mixed-media approaches. Techniques explored include cyanotypes, pinhole photography, hand-tinting, and mixed-media storytelling, allowing participants to create unique, expressive works. Whether returning to photography after a break or looking to expand your practice, this course provides space to slow down, observe thoughtfully, and create with intention. Cyanotype paper and Polaroid film are included in the tuition. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, MAY 19 - JUN 23, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This imaginative drawing course explores some of the themes that have influenced artists throughout history. For examples, we will consider Rembrandt s ink washes, early botanical illustrations, dramatic light and shadow in the Baroque, approaches to colour in Impressionism, and multiple perspectives in Cubism and Futurism. Classes include brief lectures/slide presentations that introduce the various themes. This is an excellent course for artists wishing to explore new themes in their work. Some drawing experience recommended. THURSDAYS, JUL 09 - AUG 13, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

In this course, you will discover how your illustrative aspirations and love of cinema can collide to fuel imaginative and compelling drawings. While focusing on a different genre of film each week, students will use drawing to analyze and represent various aspects of cinema through drawing, such as production design, narrative structures, cinematography, and sound design. Through group discussions on film theory, explorations of various drawing materials and techniques, and regular screenings of film scenes, students will develop an understanding of how drawing is used within the cinematic industry and beyond. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, MAY 22 - JUN 26, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This workshop will provide all the information you need to use the colour wheel as an effective tool and resource for your painting projects. Exercises will include using various colour combinations and theories of colour harmony. You will learn to create colour schemes based on analogous and complementary colours, as well as how the of use cool and warm colours can enliven your paintings. You will also explore how to mix and blend colours, and discover how our perception of colour is affected by surrounding colours. Knowing how to make use of the colour wheel will give you innumerable options for your future paintings. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 06 & JUNE 07, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

In this thematic six-week course you will create a body of new drawings using your personal experiences, memories, and reflections as source material. We will examine several contemporary artists who similarly use a diaristic approach to ground our discussions of selfhood and drawing. We will utilize traditional and exploratory drawing materials as we explore and celebrate personal experience and memory through art. Daily drawing exercises will complement several larger projects that you will develop in relation to weekly discussion topics. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, MAY 21 - JUN 25, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) ONLINE

In Paint Like an Artist II, you will be introduced to a 21st century painter each week. We will review their specific approaches to subject matter as well as application of paint and process. There will be a weekly painting project based on this discussion. This is a great course for those who are curious to learn how early mid 20th century artists have influenced many contemporary painters. The course will also provide an excellent opportunity to push your painting practice in new directions. Participants can use oil, acrylic, gouache or watercolour. This course can be taken as a follow-up to Paint Like an Artist I, but it is not necessary to have taken the first one to enrol in the second part. New artists will be discussed so feel free to re-take this course. No class Aug 14, last class on August 21. Previous painting experience recommended. FRIDAYS, JUL 10 - AUG 21, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) ONLINE

Learn to reveal the richness of coloured pencils as a contemporary drawing medium in this six-week online course. Through a guided series of drawing assignments, you will gain a deeper understanding of coloured pencils and how they can be implemented in your art practice. Selected readings, group discussions, and thematic exercises will all lead to the production of a self-directed final project. Contemporary artists to be studied include Annie Pootoogook, Graham Little, Winnie Truong, and Ingrid Calame. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JUL 09 - AUG 13, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) ONLINE

This course uses soft pastels with nature as a source of inspiration. Pastel drawings will include plants, flowers, landscapes, and other natural forms such as shells and rocks. You will be encouraged to work in an imaginative and inventive way that pushes the subject beyond mere representation. Chalk pastel techniques and information about design and colour will be covered. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, JUL 08 - AUG 12, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Are you curious about how to paint, but don’t know where to begin? This course is a great introduction to the basics of painting, including brush types, brush handling, mixing, and applying paint to the surface. Other aspects of painting such as creating a dynamic composition and an introduction to colour theory will also be covered. You will paint from still-life set-ups, photographic references, outdoors (plein air), and from your imagination. Acrylics will be used as their fast-drying quality makes them the easier paint for beginners to use. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, MAY 22 - JUN 26, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON