Adult Classes:

Introductory Drawing:

This introductory drawing course is open to all wanting to hone their drawing skills or to try something new! The course will cover subjects of the still life, the nude figure, environment, and different approaches to drawing built through observation. A variety of drawing techniques and drawing media will be explored through exercises in studio work, as well as through discussions. This course is suitable for those working on their portfolio for admissions to NSCAD. 

Introductory Acrylic Painting:

This class is a great place to start for both the beginner painter and for those looking to build technical knowledge and practice! Introductory Acrylic covers paint handling, tonal painting and blending, colour theory and colour mixing, composition, characteristics of acrylic paint and mediums, lighting, as well as content and narrative. Exercises include studies in still-life, landscape, and more! 

Landscape Painting:

This class is open to painters of all levels and will focus on the technical challenges involved in painting landscape as well as introducing ways of thinking critically about the subject. We will cover a range of techniques allowing students to improve their understanding of perspective, colour, light, composition and space. Students will learn to work with acrylic paint, learn methods of painting from photos and drawings, and participate in group discussions of their work. We will also look at examples of work from prominent historic and contemporary artists.

Painting like the Impressionists:

Want to learn to paint like Monet? Through a series of studio projects and demonstrations students will explore impressionist painting techniques. We will look in detail at the work of several key figures in the movement including Monet, Renior, Morisot, Sisiley, Degas, Cassatt, Pissarro and others. Projects are designed to build confident brush handling and strengthen students understanding of alla prima applications, plein air painting, colour theory, and observational skill. In our final project students will complete a reproduction of an impressionist painting of their choice. Presentations and group critique will be a central part of this class. It is recommended that students have taken an introductory painting course prior to registering, or have equivalent experience.

Observational Portrait and Figure:

This class is ideal for returning students looking to further explore drawing and painting. The first half of this 8 week course will focus on drawing while the in second half we will be working with acrylic paint. In Portrait and Figure, we’ll take on a series of projects designed to build direct observational skill and confident material handling. We will explore working from photos, portraits from life, self portraits using a mirror, and figure studies using a live model. We’ll look at relevant examples of historic and contemporary art. Students will participate in group discussions of their work and can expect to leave the course with a better understanding of gesture, composition, colour and light, proportion, simplifying complex forms, and the theoretical issues involved in representing the figure. Introductory Acrylic and/or Introductory Drawing are recommended prior to this class. 

Acrylic Painting II (Intermediate Acrylic Painting): 

This class is great for returning students and anyone looking to further develop their painting skills. Acrylic Painting II builds on the topics introduced in Introductory Acrylic. Students will work on a variety of exercises including tonal studies, colour theory, complex still life (painting materials like fabric and glass), preparatory exercises for painting, and painting from direct observation. We’ll have a chance to work with still life, landscape, portrait, and figure. Projects are designed to strengthen students understanding of of paint application and develop confidence in their ability to take on complex challenges with acrylic paint.  

Drawing II:

Drawing II builds on the content introduced in Intro Drawing. In this course we’ll continue to develop our understanding of direct observational techniques while exploring additional methods and concepts including: working with mixed media (inks, watercolour, coloured pencil, chalks, oil pastel), large scale drawing, preparatory studies & sketchbook work, reduction of form & abstraction, nude figure studies from a live model, and drawing outdoors or on site. Projects will include a variety of subjects starting with still life and moving onto landscapes & environments, portraits, and figure. This is a great follow up for returning students looking to further enrich their drawing experience!

Youth Classes:
Pre-University Drawing & Painting (Ages 14-18):

This class is designed to provide students with a fundamental overview of painting and drawing with a strong focus on developing observational skill. It will cover perspective and measuring techniques, working from life vs working from photos and drawings, modeling light and shadow, colour theory and colour mixing, and each class will introduce students to both contemporary and historic artists relevant to the days lesson. Additionally, the class will cover all of the classic painting themes, still life, landscape, portraiture, clothed figure, and an introduction to abstraction. Starting with drawing and moving into acrylic paint, students will tackle 10 different projects with the potential to form the basis of a portfolio.

Summer Camps (1 Week - Youth Courses):

Level Up! - Drawing and Painting Skill Building Camp:

This camp is all about mastering those drawing and painting abilities! Whether you’re working towards applying for art school, or just looking to learn more - this week long camp is for you! We’ll take on fun and challenging projects throughout the week including drawing with charcoal, graphite, ink, and pencil. Students will also and learn how to work with acrylic paint & watercolour. Everything we do in this class could be potentially be used in a portfolio. We’ll cover a wide range of subjects including still-life, portrait, landscape and figure. 

Draw & Paint "En Plein-Air": 

Summer is the best time to get outdoors and explore! This camp will introduce students to the practice of painting “en plein air” (or painting from life outside). We’ll start with drawing and painting exercises indoors before moving outside to work from life. While this camp focuses on landscape, we’ll also take on projects exploring still life, portrait, and collage!