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

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 workshop introduces you to painting birds using a combination of ink and watercolour, a favourite of illustrators, journallers and plein air sketchers. These two wet mediums complement one another, resulting in a beautiful, loose, layered and whimsical results. You will practice a variety of techniques with reference materials for three very different Canadian birds: the Saw Whet Owl, the Red-headed Finch and the iconic Common Loon. Nature sketch artist Val Lawton will guide you throughout the sketching process, starting with subject’s basic shapes, identifying the creature’s form, then moving on to rendering the birds’ fluffy, feathery or sleek textures. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This workshop will focus on different ways of drawing natural subjects including plants, animals, and landscape forms such as water, rocks, grasses, and foliage. You will learn use a variety of drawing materials including graphite pencils, water-soluble graphite, conte crayons, and willow charcoal. Exercises will include ways to increase the illusion of visual depth in drawing and how to create visual drama through light and shadow. This work will make you discover how drawing is an exciting way to connect with the natural world. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

In this course, students will explore different ways of depicting the city through drawing. Students will use a range of drawing materials including graphite pencils, charcoal, conté crayon, watersoluable graphite and pastels. Students will learn the use of linear and atmospheric perspective, ways of depicting movement, and fragmented points-of-view. Source material includes student-supplied photographs, found online images, film stills, as well as memory and imagined spaces. An emphasis will also be on a range of formats from small to large scale as well as long or wide surfaces. This course will encourage students to see their everyday urban environment in a new way. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

Drawing Introduction II continues the focus on basic materials and techniques of drawing. In this second part of the course, the emphasis is on learning to use materials and methods to develop a personal expression in drawing. Students will explore a range of materials and approaches including using colour in drawing. As with Drawing Introduction I, subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape, architectural space, narrative, and student supplied source material. Prerequisite: Drawing: Introduction I or some drawing experience. FRIDAYS, JAN 9 - APR 3, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

Join Thomas Guerrero for this Saturday afternoon photo walk. Thomas is the writer of Sidewalking Victoria, an informative photography blog written from a pedestrian's perspective. In this afternoon workshop, Thomas will highlight specific areas of the downtown area and focus on specific photographic themes at each stop. Examples are photographing the intersection of lines, both real and shadows, at the foot of the Johnson St Bridge; taking advantage of taking photos at different levels in Bastion Square, and capturing the reflections in windows along Fisgard St in Chinatown. You will learn ways to create a thematic approach to photography as well as discover some fascinating locations in the downtown area. Meet at the school. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This art history course begins with an introduction to some of the 19th century movements that contributed to major breakthroughs and innovations in 20th century art. Starting from Romanticism, through to Realism, Impressionism, Cubism, the course will proceed to cover early 20th century Abstraction, Constructivism and Surrealism, to mid-century Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Conceptual Art to the Contemporary period starting in the 1980s. The course will also reflect on how art history is enriched by non-Western and feminist interventions. Students will be encouraged to become knowledgeable participants in the ongoing debates about what art is, who it's for, and who gets to benefit from it. Course format is based on lectures and class discussions. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 10AM - 1PM IN-PERSON

In this course students will explore a range of themes inspired by art history and trends in contemporary art. These themes will include genres such as landscape, portraiture, still life, and various approaches to abstraction, as well as broader themes such as formalism and conceptualism. These themes will give students an opportunity to practice painterly techniques such as colour mixing, glazing, underpainting, and various approaches to mark-making. Experimenting with a range of themes is an excellent way for students to discover their own direction and personal interests as they develop a painting practice. Students can use acrylic or oil. Some painting experience recommended. WEDNESDAYS, JAN 7 - APR 1, 6PM - 9PM IN-PERSON

Artists have been intrigued by skies and clouds for centuries and in this workshop, we will carry on the tradition of using the sky as a subject for painting. The work of several artists including J.M.W. Turner and John Constable will be examined as a source of inspiration. You will learn to create the appearance of various cloud types -cumulus, cirrus, and stratus using wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry watercolour techniques. You will create a series of watercolours that focus on creating moody skyscapes. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

This course introduces students to the elements of design (line, value, shape/volume, texture, space and motion), and the principles of design (process, unity, emphasis and focal point, scale and proportion, and balance and rhythm. Weekly assignments are given in conjunction with a visual presentation of the subject matter discussed. Students assemble a reference book with emphasis on small-scale collage exercises to develop an understanding of how design can be applied across mediums such as drawing, painting, textiles, photography or graphic design. Suitable for all levels. FRIDAYS, JAN 9 - APR 3, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON

Cezanne is a 19th century artist known mostly for his still life and landscapes painted in oil. However, his preferred medium was watercolours which he used for preliminary studies for paintings, as well as finished works onto themselves. His delicately rendered watercolours made ample use of the paper as part of the compositions. In this workshop you will learn to approach watercolour landscapes in the manner of Cezanne, where the focus is on breaking the landscape into a series of unique shapes and letting the space of the paper be an important component of the composition. This workshop will provide a great way to learn some art history while discovering new approaches to landscape painting. Suitable for all levels. See supply list SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1:30 - 4:30PM ONLINE