This course focuses on the figure as illuminated by a survey of examples from the history of painting. As each new example presents ways to appreciate the possibilities of the figure as a subject matter, it likewise presents new technical challenges in areas such as scale, paint handling, layering and composition. Students combine direct work from a model with other sources including photographs, art historical sources and imagination. Suitable for all levels. WEDNESDAYS, SEP 17 - DEC 10, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

This workshop is an introduction to gouache (pronounced ‘gwash’), an opaque water-based paint valued for its saturated colour and velvety finish. While related to watercolour, gouache has its own unique qualities, and because it's opaque, you can paint light colours over dark or work effectively on tinted or dark papers. We will explore how to mix and blend paint and understand the basics of colour theory all while learning about this versatile medium. Gouache is a great medium for beginner painters because of it is very forgiving and easy to use. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This afternoon workshop is an introduction to chalk pastels with plants as the subject matter. Using inspiration from the work of Jim Dine, you will discover how to use pastels through a process-based method of working. Drawing projects will include layering pastels and conté crayon through wiping, rubbing, erasing and dusting powdered pigment on surface. You will create lively drawings of plants that will be both expressive and personal using a process-based method of working. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE

This course provides students with an introduction to the basic materials and techniques of drawing. Emphasis is on elements such as line, shape, value, space, proportion, perspective and composition. In addition, students are encouraged to explore a range of materials and develop personal expression in their drawing. Subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape, architectural space and student-supplied source material. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, SEP 19 - DEC 12, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

This is a great course for students wanting to learn about, and experiment with a variety of drawing mediums. Using materials such as graphite, charcoal, ink and pastels, students will explore the capabilities of both traditional and unconventional drawing materials. Each class will focus on a different drawing medium and the methods of using that material. In-class projects will include still-life, the figure, nature, working from photographs as well as abstraction. The work of contemporary artists who use drawing in their practice will be introduced and analyzed throughout the course. Students will be encouraged to reconsider the possibilities of what drawing is, while developing a personal sensibility of how to use drawing in their art practice. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 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

This course will focus on combining photography with other forms of artmaking such as painting, collage and photo-manipulation. Students will work with experimental approaches to image making such as print distressing, photo-montage, image transfer, mark making, colouring and painting. Students are encouraged to incorporate their own photographic source materials from mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. This course is about using photography as a point of departure for further creative exploration. Course projects will be supplemented with presentations of contemporary artists who work with similar processes. Weekly discussion of students’ work will also be featured. Some art experience recommended. TUESDAYS, SEP 9 - DEC 9, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON (Tuesday courses start one week before other courses due to two stat holidays)