Art Courses & WorkshopsVancouver Island School of Art

The Vancouver Island School of Art, a private post-secondary contemporary art school, offers a range of Art Courses & Workshops focused on technique, personal expression, and contemporary context.

The Vancouver Island School of Art provides an extensive selection of courses, each tailored to different interests and skill levels. Here are some of the key courses offered:

• Contemporary Drawing: This course invites students to explore diverse approaches and techniques in contemporary drawing. Over six weeks, students will delve into conceptual frameworks, analyze contemporary artists' methods, and challenge conventional notions of drawing. Sessions include collage, deconstructing photographs, and experimenting with unconventional techniques.
• Painting: The Flower as Art: Running for six weeks, this course uses flowers as a subject to inspire experimental painting projects. Students will explore contemporary botanicals and floral patterns, drawing inspiration from historical and modern painters. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages creative experimentation.
• Calligraphy for Beginners: Over six weeks, students will learn the basics of calligraphy in a structured and supportive environment. The course covers fundamental techniques and practices, perfect for those new to the art form.
• Collage: Paper as Paint: This six-week course allows students to use paper as a medium to create dynamic and expressive artworks. Various collage techniques and styles will be explored, offering a fresh approach to traditional art forms.
• Nature in the City: In this six-week course, students will capture the essence of urban nature through observational drawing and painting. Emphasis is placed on the unique beauty found in cityscapes, encouraging students to find inspiration in their surroundings.

In addition to regular courses, the Vancouver Island School of Art offers a variety of workshops designed for intensive, short-term learning. These workshops cater to different artistic interests and are suitable for all skill levels:

• Making Art a Practice: This weekend workshop, inspired by Cat Bennett’s book, helps participants make art a regular part of their lives. Through simple and fulfilling exercises, students will engage in drawing, painting, mixed media, and collage. The workshop emphasizes process and discovery, motivating participants to integrate art into their daily routines.
• Colour and Expressive Portraiture: This workshop explores the use of color in portrait painting, teaching techniques to create vibrant and expressive artworks. Participants will gain insights into color theory and application over the course of a weekend.
• Linocut Printing: In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the art of linocut printing, a printmaking technique involving carving designs into linoleum blocks. The workshop covers the entire process, from design to final print.
• New Takes on Old Masters: Over the course of a weekend, students will reinterpret classic masterpieces with a contemporary twist. This workshop combines historical techniques with modern ideas, encouraging innovative approaches to traditional art.
• Egg Tempera Painting: This workshop introduces students to the traditional method of egg tempera painting, known for its luminous quality and fine detail. Participants will learn the historical background and practical application of this ancient technique.