Explore various approaches to depicting the human face and head using a range of basic drawing materials. We will cover simplified anatomy to establish underlying structures, ways of simplifying the image before building towards details, and various approaches to rendering light and shadows. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

This two-part course will cover a variety of approaches to contemporary landscape painting. The first part will cover an overview of landscape painting in the 20th century and focus on new ways that artists are addressing "realism". The 12 sessions of this course will be divided into three sections: Realism and Beyond, Post-Pop Landscapes and New Romanticism. Projects will be supplemented by image presentations of artists including Maureen Gallace, George Shaw, David Hockney, Jules de Balincourt, Mamma Anderson and Anselm Keifer. Students can work in a painting medium of their choice including watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oil. Each session includes a critique of homework projects; a presentation of artists relevant to the topic of the week; and a related hands-on project done during class time. The course is inspired by the book Landscape Painting Now: from Pop Abstraction to New Romanticism by Barry Schwabsky (2019). This book is not a required text for the course. Previous painting experience recommended. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

Printmaking with Acrylics will introduce you to a painterly printing technique known as monoprinting. Monoprints get their name because you make one individual print at a time; a method that offers a lot of opportunity for experimentation through process. You will be working in both additive (adding paint) and subtractive (removing paint) techniques. Golden’s "Open” acrylics allows for plenty of working time even though you are using a water based medium, and the final images dry quickly and may be augmented with other acrylic paints. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

Do you want to learn how to draw but don't know how to get started? Drawing for the Absolute Beginner is an ideal course for people with little or no experience in drawing. Students will be guided through the drawing process: from finding initial inspiration, to developing strong compositions on their paper, to executing fully developed illustrations. Foundational skills in mark-making, shading, perspective, and depth will be developed through in-class exercises/demonstrations and term assignments. Students will explore different illustrative approaches and experiment with both dry and wet drawing materials such as graphite, charcoal, and inks. Working from both imagination and observation, students will draw from a range of subjects including still-life arrangements, a live model, and photographs. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 17 - DEC 10, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON

This two-part course follows the trajectory of contemporary art from the 1980s to the present. The course begins with an overview of what contemporary art is and how and why it came about. Topics covered include play and humour; minimalism and conceptualism; identity and narrative, as well as politics and culture. In addition, a range of genres will be covered including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, video and social practice. Students will be assigned short readings and discussion questions each week related to the textbook and other reference materials. The course includes lectures, discussions, as well as in-class hands-on projects. To obtain a good grasp of the subject matter, it is important to have the textbook. Suitable for all levels. Required textbook: Rudd, Natalie, Contemporary Art (Art Essential Series), Thames and Hudson, 2023. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 17 - DEC 10, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

In this 12-week course, students will focus on developing a unified series of paintings. Guided research assignments using photography, drawing and creative writing will lead to the cultivation of each student's own topic of choice. Series topics will include formal and conceptual investigations such as use of materials, composition, structure and the development of ideas. Course includes examples of contemporary and modern artists who work in thematic ways, along with assigned readings, weekly critiques and opportunities to share research processes. If you are an artist with a million ideas swirling around, or if you simply don't know where to begin, this course will help you to understand the connections in your life that can lead to the creation of a cohesive body of work. In addition to developing a series, students will learn how to write an artist statement and prepare a submission for an artist residency or gallery. Students can work in a painting media of their choice: acrylic, watercolour, gouache or oil. Previous painting experience recommended. THURSDAYS, SEP 18 - DEC 11, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

This workshop will focus on simplifying landscape images by breaking them down into simple shapes. We will consider what makes for a good landscape reference image and cover ways of using colour theory to play with the illusion of depth in painting. Suitable for all levels. See supply list. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE