Building on a basic knowledge of paint handling and colour, this course presents students with a range of projects that explore possible approaches to painting in terms of subject matter, style and technique. Students work from a range of historical models, including representation and abstraction to gain a better sense of the ideas, methods, and formal issues that can support their own vision. Course will include painting from a model as well as a range of other choices for subject matter. Class projects are accompanied by slide presentations. Prerequisite: Painting: Introduction I or some painting experience. WEDNESDAYS, JAN 7 - APR 1, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

In this course you will be introduced to 20th century painters and their influences each week. We will review their specific approaches to subject matter as well as application of paint and process. Artwork shown will include representation and abstraction. There will be a weekly painting project based on this discussion. This is a great course for people who want to learn more about some major artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as those who want to push their painting practice in new directions. Participants can use oil, acrylic, or watercolour. Artists discussed in this course will vary from previous courses of the same title, so feel free to take it again to learn about more art. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, MAY 22 - JUN 26, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) ONLINE

This course will use the medium of watercolour to explore the different ways artists in the 20th and 21st centuries approach contemporary landscape painting. A wide range of artists will be studied, and their techniques will be discussed and explored. Many ways to use watercolour will be reviewed to encourage a free and more experimental approach to painting. Paintings made in the course can also be used as studies for larger scale acrylic or oil paintings. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JUL 07 - AUG 11, 2PM - 5PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Have you always wanted to learn to draw but were not sure where to start? This course will introduce you to foundational drawing techniques to develop your understanding of visual communication and help you discover your own artistic voice. Assignments and various in-class exercises will cover topics such as line, shading, perspective, composition, and how to work with a range of drawing materials. This is a great course for people completely new to drawing. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, MAY 20 - JUN 24, 10AM - 1PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

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 uses the complexity of the natural world and the theme of landscape as a compelling source of inspiration for painting. Students will develop skills and an excitement for painting through their connection to nature. The course will cover ways to select and simplify subject matter, as well as how to create a strong sense of colour, light and atmosphere in paintings. Class presentations focus on examples of historical and contemporary artists who use the genre of landscape as a way of exploring a personal vision in paint. Group critiques and one-on-one feedback and guidance will be provided for all painting styles. Students are welcome to use oil or acrylic paint. Previous painting experience recommended. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

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

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

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, 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 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