This course explores drawing from the 1960s to the present day, focusing on how contemporary artists use drawing as a tool for expression, experimentation, and conceptual exploration. Through image presentations and discussions, students will examine the work of influential artists who have expanded the boundaries of drawing in diverse and innovative ways. Weekly projects will encourage a variety of techniques and materials, from traditional to mixed and experimental media. The course concludes with a final project that reflects each student’s personal engagement with a contemporary approach or idea. This course provides an ideal way to learn about art history and drawing practice at the same time. Suitable for all levels. THURSDAYS, JAN 8 - APR 2, 10AM - 1PM ONLINE

This course focuses on creating dramatic or subtle effects of light in painting. Students will explore various kinds of tonal ranges in painting by making works that focus only on dark values, others that contain only light values, as well as works that have a wide range of contrasting values of both light and dark. Students will learn how glazing can complicate effects of light and how colour can be used to affect our perception of light and shadows. An understanding of value, which includes light and shadow, leads to strong and dynamic paintings. Some painting experience recommended. TUESDAYS, JAN 6 - MAR 31, 6PM - 9PM ONLINE

This continuation of Landscape Painting Now I focuses on contemporary landscape concepts such as constructed realities, abstracted topographies and complicated vistas. Instructor will present a selection of artists each week based on these themes including, Gillian Carnegie, Mark Tansey, Cecily Brown, Andreas Erikson, Luc Tuymans and Francis Alys to name a few. Students will select one artist per week to do further research on and make a landscape painting based on something they learned from this artist. Students can paint in a medium of their choice including watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oils. It is not necessary to have completed Landscape Painting Now I, however some painting experience is recommended. FRIDAYS, JAN 9 - APR 3, 2PM - 5PM ONLINE

This workshop will provide hands-on examples on how to use geometric abstraction to create exciting designs and compositions. You will be led through a series of cut paper and watercolour painting exercises to discover the possibilities of this dynamic approach to design. The workshop will include a short presentation on 20th century and contemporary artists working within the realm of geometric abstraction. Shape, colour and composition will be the focus throughout the workshop, and you will be encouraged to work at your own pace. You will leave workshop with two completed works on paper, and a series of sketches or small compositions to fuel future work. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1:30 - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

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

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

This course will encourage you to explore our country’s unique geography through a variety of expressive drawing materials. Each week you will focus on a different natural feature, from rugged coastlines to vast prairies, learning techniques to capture texture, light, and atmosphere. For inspiration we will look at the work of contemporary Canadian artists who have depicted both the land and life as a Canadian. Through exercises, demonstrations, and discussions, you will develop your drawing skills while deepening your appreciation for Canada’s natural beauty. Suitable for all levels. TUESDAYS, SEP 9 - DEC 9, 2PM - 5PM IN-PERSON (Tuesday courses start one week before other courses due to two stat holidays)

This one-day workshop begins by creating thumbnail sketches based on your selected reference photos. Experimental drawing/mark making techniques follow with ink, marker and graphite. Then you will learn the secrets to gluing your drawings flat while you collage them and finish your compositions using acrylic paint and coloured pencils. This workshop will introduce you to many mixed-media techniques as well as offer a creative way to think of artmaking as a form of play. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 10AM - 4:30PM IN-PERSON

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