If you’ve always wanted to draw, here’s an excellent way to begin. Work in a relaxed atmosphere as you develop the basic skills of observational drawing and discover the magic and pleasure of drawing what you see. The fundamentals of light and shade, line, form, and composition will be... Read more

If you’ve always wanted to draw, here’s an excellent way to begin. Work in a relaxed atmosphere as you develop the basic skills of observational drawing and discover the magic and pleasure of drawing what you see. The fundamentals of light and shade, line, form, and composition will be... Read more

If you’ve always wanted to draw, here’s an excellent way to begin. Work in a relaxed atmosphere as you develop the basic skills of observational drawing and discover the magic and pleasure of drawing what you see. The fundamentals of light and shade, line, form, and composition will be... Read more

If you’ve always wanted to draw, here’s an excellent way to begin. Work in a relaxed atmosphere as you develop the basic skills of observational drawing and discover the magic and pleasure of drawing what you see. The fundamentals of light and shade, line, form, and composition will be... Read more

If you’ve always wanted to draw, here’s an excellent way to begin. Work in a relaxed atmosphere as you develop the basic skills of observational drawing and discover the magic and pleasure of drawing what you see. The fundamentals of light and shade, line, form, and composition will be... Read more

This course will focus on elements of landscape including trees, water, skies, and urban architecture, as you learn to convey a sense of outdoor light and space. An introduction to basic perspective will help you along. Photo and sketches provide source material. Various materials to be used:... Read more

The positive brush-mark of black ink on white paper has clarity and graphic presence. The reverse contrast of white gouache on black paper evokes light in darkness and a mysterious quality of space. These two opposite but complementary approaches will be explored through observational and abstract... Read more

Expressive rhythm, colour, and light can be captured with immediacy in the intimate sketchbook format; a confident approach to on-site drawing is the goal. The class will meet in a series of indoor and outdoor settings (depending on the weather) that may include a museum, botanical gardens,... Read more

Begin your exploration by illustrating a simple phrase or poem, and progress toward a more involved comic or graphic project. Learn basic skills of illustration, from initial sketch and design, to addition of ink, line, wash, and watercolour. A unique voice and style emerge as you see your own... Read more

Your stash of unfinished paintings, drawings, or prints, kick start this mixed media recycling process. Generate new, unexpected images; save parts of your work you love, draw, print or collage over the rest. Cut up or scrub out; restructure, rebuild. Prerequisite: previous experience in... Read more

Oil pastel combines aspects of both drawing and painting in one unique medium. Explore techniques that lean toward drawing and graphic strokes as well as colour blending and layering in a more painterly style. Learn wet and dry applications on various smooth and textured drawing surfaces. Discover... Read more

Need more creative activity in your life? Join our VAC Art Circle, a weekly, informal class based on a shared desire to draw, paint, and create. This is all about the fun and satisfaction of making artistic work and you’ll also pick up some skills along the way. Instructor Matt Thompson will... Read more

Need more creative activity in your life? Join our VAC Art Circle, a weekly, informal class based on a shared desire to draw, paint, and create. This is all about the fun and satisfaction of making artistic work and you’ll also pick up some skills along the way. Instructor Matt Thompson will... Read more

This intuitive approach to collage is designed for those who love Washi and the infinite variety of these handmade Japanese papers. We will work with torn and pulled fibres and rich overlays of texture and colour inspired by the Chigeri-e technique, a kind of painting with paper bits. The Japanese... Read more

This confidence-building approach to life drawing begins with the basics of contour, gesture, proportion, and the underlying structure of the figure. Work from live models every week, with step-by-step instruction and guidance. Pencil, charcoal, conté, ink, and pastel contribute to varied,... Read more

Chalk pastel offers a full spectrum of colour and great immediacy of technique in this approach to the model; blending, shading, and layering are accomplished with directness and ease. Natural skin tones, light and contrast contribute to realistic representation, while various coloured and textured... Read more

Starting with a review of basic skills, the focus here is ultimately to develop a more personal voice in figure drawing. Varied line, tonality, mark-making, and coloured media will contribute to expressive content. Clothed and nude models. Prerequisite: two sessions of figure drawing. Read more

Starting with a review of basic skills, the focus here is ultimately to develop a more personal voice in figure drawing. Varied line, tonality, mark-making, and coloured media will contribute to expressive content. Clothed and nude models. Prerequisite: two sessions of figure drawing. Read more

An introduction to the art of portraiture for students with some basic drawing experience. Face and head studies help students develop skill in realistic drawing. Expressive and imaginative approaches to the portrait are also explored. Pencil, charcoal, and ink. Live models. Prerequisite: one... Read more

Each week, the studio is available for artists who want to work from the model. When space is available, late registration is possible. Read more

Get acquainted with your paints, paper, and brushes in this introduction to the art of watercolour. Instruction covers wash and glaze techniques, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and use of the white of the paper to establish luminosity. Learn the basics of colour mixing and composition while developing your... Read more

Get acquainted with your paints, paper, and brushes in this introduction to the art of watercolour. Instruction covers wash and glaze techniques, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and use of the white of the paper to establish luminosity. Learn the basics of colour mixing and composition while developing your... Read more

Get acquainted with your paints, paper, and brushes in this introduction to the art of watercolour. Instruction covers wash and glaze techniques, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and use of the white of the paper to establish luminosity. Learn the basics of colour mixing and composition while developing your... Read more

For intermediate and advanced students who would like to further their involvement with the watercolour medium in terms of both technique and expressive content, this course includes segments on landscape, human figure, nature subjects, and abstract painting. Work at your own level toward skill... Read more

Ask any seasoned watercolourist and they will reveal strong preferences and endless curiosity about materials. Falling in love with a new colour, paper surface, or the action of a particular brush may trigger a whole new pleasure in painting; materials speak with that much eloquence. We will explore... Read more

Ask any seasoned watercolourist and they will reveal strong preferences and endless curiosity about materials. Falling in love with a new colour, paper surface, or the action of a particular brush may trigger a whole new pleasure in painting; materials speak with that much eloquence. We will explore... Read more

This intermediate and advanced course offers a strong grounding in the more technical side of watercolour painting: gradation, wash, layering, brushwork, masking, texturing, etc. Includes a closer look at the nature of materials: pigment, brushes and papers. Emphasis will be on personal work.... Read more

The sketch approach encourages spontaneity and directness in on-the-spot observations, from still life objects or flowers, to the studio environment and the model. You will fill a sketchbook or portfolio full of small studies and sketches in watercolour, learn to simplify colour and composition and... Read more

Continue to strengthen your watercolour skills and techniques in relation to transparency, wet-on-wet, dry brush, direct painting, line, and wash, etc. Issues fundamental to all painting – colour dynamics, drawing, and composition – are addressed through directed exercises. Develop skill through... Read more

J.M.W. Turner’s watercolours are known for their flowing colours, bold brushwork, and extraordinary quality of light. Whether landscape, architecture, or seascape, we have long appreciated his innovative technique and dramatic atmospheric sensibility. Through directed studies and analysis of... Read more

Traditional handling of bamboo brushes and the use of ink and colour are the basis of instruction, with examples and demos as inspiration. Specific elements of Chinese landscape painting - trees, rocks, water, sky, buildings, and people - will be practiced individually and then integrated into... Read more

This adventurous painting course explores the range of possibilities between representation and abstraction. Topics include: colour relationships, structural and formal elements, and concepts underlying abstract art. Natural forms and objects provide a stepping off point as you develop your own... Read more

Good composition involves a set of learnable skills coupled with the courage to experiment; your first version is not set in stone. Thumbnail sketches, shifting points of focus, contrast, scale, and colour all contribute to a more dynamic process.  Lorna shares a series of essential exercises,... Read more

This is an introduction to the basic structure and meaning of Chinese characters in the Kai-shu style (regular script). Develop your hand with bamboo brushes and Chinese ink on rice paper through the practice of graceful strokes and forms. Brush techniques will assist further study in Chinese... Read more

This intro class guides students through the first steps in oil painting as a unique medium. Learn colour mixing, basics of composition, and how to develop a painting from start to finish. Class is based on demonstration and one-on-one instruction. Read more

This introduction to the acrylic medium offers step-by-step instruction for beginners. Basic tools and techniques will be covered: paint selection, brushes, preparation of paper and canvas. Various subjects are included, with emphasis on composition and effective use of colour. Read more

This course is inspired by a series of stimulating abstract concepts, which provide the framework for your most adventurous watercolour explorations. Slide shows or demonstrations will illuminate each topic, while studio time allows you to work things out in paint. Designed especially for those... Read more

A dynamic and contemporary approach to acrylic painting in which mediums, gels, image transfer, and glazing are used to enrich your painting style. This is a contemporary take on the versatility of the acrylic medium, emphasizing personal imagery and a process of discovery. Includes hands-on... Read more

This intermediate level course offers a series of projects to fully explore the potential of the oil medium including alla prima and palette-knife styles, underpainting and glazing techniques. Develop your own creative approach as you work with portrait, still life, and landscape compositions.... Read more

Learn how to choose an effective landscape subject and plan a composition with sketches and colour studies. Instruction also includes treatment of light, skies, trees, water, and overall unity of space, colour and paint technique. Personal imagery and expressive painting styles encouraged. Oil or... Read more

Learn how to choose an effective landscape subject and plan a composition with sketches and colour studies. Instruction also includes treatment of light, skies, trees, water, and overall unity of space, colour and paint technique. Personal imagery and expressive painting styles encouraged. Oil or... Read more

A painting course with a special focus on colour tackles a variety of subjects - still life, landscape, abstraction - with the goal of effective colour harmony and contrast. Selecting and mixing of colour families, the colour dynamic of “push-pull”, successful background choices and development... Read more

A painting course with a special focus on colour tackles a variety of subjects - still life, landscape, abstraction - with the goal of effective colour harmony and contrast. Selecting and mixing of colour families, the colour dynamic of “push-pull”, successful background choices and development... Read more

Placing the figure into a meaningful context defines the mood of a painting and opens a world of expressive choices. You may relate to the observed space of the studio or prefer to invent an entirely different environment, taken from photo, sketch, or imagination. Ongoing work from the model... Read more

How do painters stimulate creative ideas and then go on to develop them? How can you work toward an original, personal vision? We will explore a range of effective strategies including collage studies, paint sketches, and working in series. The course will help you become more self-sufficient, in... Read more

This beginner’s class approaches photography as an art practice and gives you the tools to make more personal and interesting images. Basic techniques (exposure, focus, lighting) and an understanding of your digital camera will be taught hand-in-hand with the expressive side of the medium. Course... Read more

This beginner’s class approaches photography as an art practice and gives you the tools to make more personal and interesting images. Basic techniques (exposure, focus, lighting) and an understanding of your digital camera will be taught hand-in-hand with the expressive side of the medium. Course... Read more

Designed for those who wish to work independently, in a supportive environment, with the guidance or mentorship of a faculty advisor, this programme offers directed study beyond that provided in our regular curriculum. For artists as well as students at intermediate or advanced levels, our... Read more

Designed for those who wish to work independently, in a supportive environment, with the guidance or mentorship of a faculty advisor, this programme offers directed study beyond that provided in our regular curriculum. For artists as well as students at intermediate or advanced levels, our... Read more

Relief prints are characterized by bold design work, varied mark-making and lively contrasts. The artist cuts away areas of a drawing on a linoleum or rubber block, inks the remaining surfaces, then transfers the image by hand or with the press onto rag or Japanese print papers. A solvent-free... Read more

Explore a spontaneous form of printmaking using cut paper forms, textured materials, and stencils. Cut cardboard shapes are inked and run through the press resulting in boldly graphic images. Inspiration will be drawn from such diverse sources as Matisse’s playful cut-paper works, Inuit prints,... Read more

Making a mandala can be a powerful experience, bringing together potent personal imagery with colour and design within the geometry of the circle. No artmaking experience is needed, just an interest in discovering the transformational energy of the mandala. Guided meditation and visualization will... Read more

For watercolour artists, the nude offers a chance to use the medium to maximum effect. Studies begin with graceful, fluid wash and progress toward specific definition of form, light and shadow. Warm/cool earth-tone palettes and more saturated colour combinations will be explored through spontaneous... Read more

If you’ve always wanted to try painting on canvas and can’t make the time, this is a great place to start. You will be guided through the painter’s process: the enjoyment of mixing colours, handling a brush, and designing your own composition. You will go home with a finished work on canvas... Read more

This 3-hour workshop is designed to whet your interest in watercolour painting and comes complete with a minimalist take-home set of materials. You will be guided through a simple watercolour painting, from start to finish, while learning the basics of brush and wash technique. For beginners. Read more

A limited palette frees the painter to focus on the fundamentals of portraiture: proportions, shapes, and values. Demos and specific exercises as well as direct observation from a model will help you integrate and sharpen observational skills. Workshop includes a brief historical review of... Read more

Join Le Frame Shoppe owner Matt Wetmore for a lively bilingual presentation and demo, on the basics of custom framing. You will learn how to navigate frame styles, archival materials, and various matting techniques, in preparation for exhibition and sale. Admission free; please reserve. Read more

Michel Martino, of Support Surface, Montreal, shares his expertise on building handmade stretcher frames and mounting canvas, whether raw, primed, or linen. Proper stretching technique will be demonstrated for do-it-yourselfers, but he will also explain and show the range of custom products... Read more

This introduction to basic metal construction and lost wax technique allows you to evolve your skills over time. You will learn to saw, file, form, solder, and produce several sterling silver pieces during the session. Make a simple ring, chain, earrings or pendant; returning students may progress... Read more

This introduction to basic metal construction and lost wax technique allows you to evolve your skills over time. You will learn to saw, file, form, solder, and produce several sterling silver pieces during the session. Make a simple ring, chain, earrings or pendant; returning students may progress... Read more

This introduction to basic metal construction and lost wax technique allows you to evolve your skills over time. You will learn to saw, file, form, solder, and produce several sterling silver pieces during the session. Make a simple ring, chain, earrings or pendant; returning students may progress... Read more

This introduction to basic metal construction and lost wax technique allows you to evolve your skills over time. You will learn to saw, file, form, solder, and produce several sterling silver pieces during the session. Make a simple ring, chain, earrings or pendant; returning students may progress... Read more

This introduction to basic metal construction and lost wax technique allows you to evolve your skills over time. You will learn to saw, file, form, solder, and produce several sterling silver pieces during the session. Make a simple ring, chain, earrings or pendant; returning students may progress... Read more

This introduction to basic metal construction and lost wax technique allows you to evolve your skills over time. You will learn to saw, file, form, solder, and produce several sterling silver pieces during the session. Make a simple ring, chain, earrings or pendant; returning students may progress... Read more

Continue your jewellery training as you explore intermediate and advanced metal construction techniques and develop a personal sense of design. Projects of varying complexity may be carried out, according to skill level and experience.  Instruction includes demonstration of technique, creative... Read more

Continue your jewellery training as you explore intermediate and advanced metal construction techniques and develop a personal sense of design. Projects of varying complexity may be carried out, according to skill level and experience.  Instruction includes demonstration of technique, creative... Read more

For students currently registered in our jewellery programme, extra studio time is offered on Sundays, at the end of the session. Deadline for registration: one week prior, subject to availability. Read more

For students currently registered in our jewellery programme, extra studio time is offered on Sundays, at the end of the session. Deadline for registration: one week prior, subject to availability. Read more

For students currently registered in our jewellery program, extra studio time is offered on Sundays, at the end of the session. Deadline for registration: one week prior, subject to availability. Read more

Learn fundamental wheel-throwing techniques for both functional and sculptural pottery forms, from bowls and cups to teapots and decorative forms. Surface treatment and decorative techniques are explored and explained. Course includes demonstrations, theory, and critiques of individual work. All... Read more

Learn fundamental wheel-throwing techniques for both functional and sculptural pottery forms, from bowls and cups to teapots and decorative forms. Surface treatment and decorative techniques are explored and explained. Course includes demonstrations, theory, and critiques of individual work. All... Read more

Learn fundamental wheel-throwing techniques for both functional and sculptural pottery forms, from bowls and cups to teapots and decorative forms. Surface treatment and decorative techniques are explored and explained. Course includes demonstrations, theory, and critiques of individual work. All... Read more

Learn the techniques of hand-building with clay. Beginners will get acquainted with pinched pots, coiling, slab-building, and hollowing. More advanced students will concentrate on personal projects according to their needs making functional or sculptural pieces. Decorative and pictorial techniques... Read more

Learn the techniques of hand-building with clay. Beginners will get acquainted with pinched pots, coiling, slab-building, and hollowing. More advanced students will concentrate on personal projects according to their needs making functional or sculptural pieces. Decorative and pictorial techniques... Read more

Learn the techniques of hand-building with clay. Beginners will get acquainted with pinched pots, coiling, slab-building, and hollowing. More advanced students will concentrate on personal projects according to their needs making functional or sculptural pieces. Decorative and pictorial techniques... Read more

Improve throwing skills and create more complex forms by altering, cutting, joining and incorporating hand-built elements into your pieces. Surface treatments will include raw clay approaches such as texturing and various methods of engobe and stain application as well as overlapping and resist... Read more

For students who have a foundation in throwing or handbuilding and would like to explore and develop the process of ceramic creativity. Students will be guided in the technical aspects of functional or sculptural production. Subsequently, we will consider the place of ceramic creation in history,... Read more

Learn mixed techniques of throwing, hand-building, and basic mould-making by exploring the inspiring work of three ceramic artists. A list of ceramic artists will be presented in the first class, and three will be chosen by the class. Through the investigation of major works of important ceramic... Read more

Students will learn a variety of image transfer techniques for use in the studio without specialized equipment, including tissue transfers, monoprints, laser resists, as well as silkscreen exposure and printing. We will explore how to prepare images for each technique and set up a simple light unit,... Read more

Art offers an enriching experience that stimulates curiosity, experimentation, and creativity in young children. Painting, assembling, layering, and collaging provide many opportunities to enhance and stimulate imagination. Creating and playing with gouache, watercolour, clay, collage, and... Read more

Art offers an enriching experience that stimulates curiosity, experimentation, and creativity in young children. Painting, assembling, layering, and collaging provide many opportunities to enhance and stimulate imagination. Creating and playing with gouache, watercolour, clay, collage, and... Read more

A spirit of adventure, exploration, and experimentation guides this multi media class, where students learn fundamental skills to create both two- and three-dimensional art projects. Students will have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of media, which may include clay, plaster, acrylic... Read more

A spirit of adventure, exploration, and experimentation guides this multi media class, where students learn fundamental skills to create both two- and three-dimensional art projects. Students will have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of media, which may include clay, plaster, acrylic... Read more

This course will help to develop a strong foundation of drawing skills and techniques through contemporary and popular culture approaches. Students will be introduced to the basics of line, shading, form rendering, perspective, and composition. Working from both imagination and still life, students... Read more

This course enables students to consolidate their art making skills, to sharpen their observation skills, and to experiment with new media. Students will work in both two- and three-dimensional media, which may include clay, plaster, acrylic paint, printmaking, watercolour, ink, pastel, and... Read more

This course enables students to consolidate their art making skills, to sharpen their observation skills, and to experiment with new media. Students will work in both two- and three-dimensional media, which may include clay, plaster, acrylic paint, printmaking, watercolour, ink, pastel, and... Read more

With a focus on drawing from observation, learn the fundamental skills necessary to achieve a strong drawing foundation and develop a personal style and visual language. Drawing from still life, live model, nature, and imagination, using a wide range of drawing media, from pen and ink to conte and... Read more

Want to learn how to use a wide range of media - drawing, painting, sculpture, fibre arts, and printmaking? Or, mix them together to express your ideas in new ways? This dynamic class introduces you to different contemporary artists and other sources of inspiration while exploring the creative... Read more

This workshop will introduce the basics of illustration and design while exploring styles such as anime and manga. Join us in learning how to work from concept, to colour, to completion! We will look at techniques employed by artists working in various fields of illustration, focusing on the figure.... Read more

For students planning to pursue studies in Fine Arts, the teen portfolio programme provides one-on-one mentoring to help create a portfolio for advanced studies. Teens will be paired with experienced artists and teachers who will guide them in the process of developing a body of work, selecting... Read more

Discover a space to creatively work together as a family. This monthly workshop offers fun & dynamic project ideas, introducing techniques in a range of mediums such as clay, drawing, printing, and painting. We will delve into creative play by exploring and building from imagination. Be... Read more

Monotype is the print technique that combines aspects of direct painting with the special character of the printed image, enabling an artist to experiment freely with colour, composition and brush marks, while developing an evolving series of work. Water-based printer’s inks will be used, offering... Read more

A spirit of adventure, exploration, and experimentation guides this multi media class, where students learn fundamental skills to create both two- and three-dimensional art projects. Students will have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of media, which may include clay, plaster, acrylic... Read more