Vancouver Island School of Art Winter 2023 Course and Workshops

V I S A

ancouver sland chool of rt

2023 Courses and Workshops

V I S A

ancouver sland chool of rt

www.vancouverislandschoolart.com

Whether you want to take only one art course or complete a full-time program, there is a place for you at our school. We have courses for people with absolutely no experience as well as courses for artists who might want to learn new skills. Our classes are small -usually around 8-14 students per class. Our demographics vary from 18-80 so every course you take at VISA is a small microcosm of the world at large.

​When you take a course at our school you will find that you are part of a community. it is a great place to meet people and make friends. Within no time, you will feel right at home in our contemporary classroom space located in one of Victoria’s treasured downtown heritage buildings.

About us

Winter 2023 Courses

ART FUNDAMENTALS

DESIGN: PRINCIPLES & ELEMENTS

This course explores the principles and elements of design to develop an understanding of how they can be applied across a variety of mediums such as drawing, painting, collage and photo-based practices. Focus will be on composition, surface treatments and typography, with further exploration of design components within a fine art context by looking at practicing artists and ideas.

Suitable for beginners. Fridays, Jan 13 - Apr 7, 2pm - 5pm Tamara Bond $475 In-person

UNDERSTANDING COLOUR I

Understanding Colour is a thorough introduction to colour theory and its translation into painting practice. The use of colour as a basic element of visual art is a fundamental component of painting, but a good knowledge of colour is also helpful in graphic design, interior design and photography. The aim of this course is to prompt students to be mindful of the endless complexity and diversity available through an awareness of colour.

Wednesdays, Jan 11 - Apr 5, 2pm - 5pm Neil McClelland $475 In-person

ART HISTORY, THEORY

ART HISTORY: FLOWER AS FORM AND METAPHOR

This art history course takes the use of the flower in Egyptian through to Renaissance art and design as a starting point, and continues to 17th century Dutch flower painting, Baroque painting, and the 19th century including Realism and Impressionism. The 20th century will include Early Modernism and Abstraction, to mid-century Pop, to 21st century contemporary artists working with the flower or flowers as subject matter in paintings, sculpture, video and installation.

Tuesdays, Jan 10 - Apr 4, 2pm - 5pm Wendy Welch $475 Online

CONTEMPORARY ART II

In this continuation of Contemporary Art I, the course will begin in the 1990s with a discussion of the different roles that art plays for the artist and for the community. Other topics include the spectacle and the everyday; narrative and abstraction; the economics of the art market; and art in the age of surveillance capitalism.

Required Textbook: Tony Godfrey, The Story of Contemporary Art, The MIT Press (Nov 10 2020). It is not necessary to have completed Contemporary Art I to enroll in the second part of the course.

Thursdays, Jan 12 - Apr 6, 2pm - 5pm Wendy Welch $475 In-person

DRAWING

DRAWING AND FILM NOIR

This course uses the melodramatic genre of film noir, a movement in Hollywood that dominated cinema in the 1940s, as a point of departure for drawing subject matter. Students will view segments from a range of film noir productions in class and choose still images as a source for drawings. These films characteristically use high contrast and a variety of effects such as the shadows made by Venetian blinds across a room, and unusual camera angles and perspectival views. Students will incorporate these components to make compelling and dramatic drawings with an emphasis on dark/light contrast. Drawing materials will include pencil, charcoal, conte ink as well as using collage and a mixed media approach.

Mondays, Jan 9 - Apr 3, 6pm - 9pm Dylan Cram $475 In-person

DRAWING: INTRODUCTION I

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 beginners.

Thursdays, Jan 12 - Apr 6, 6pm - 9pm Meghan Krauss $475 In-person

DRAWING: INTRODUCTION II

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. As with Drawing Introduction I, subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape, architectural space and student supplied source material. Prerequisite: Drawing: Introduction I or some drawing experience.

Tuesdays, Jan 10 - Apr 4, 10am - 1pm Neil McClelland $475 In-person

MIXED MEDIA, SCULPTURE

COLLAGE AND GOUACHE

Collage and gouache together form a vibrant duo of expressive colour exploration and the thrill of cut paper. Gouache is an opaque water-based paint favoured by many contemporary artists who appreciate its lush saturated colour and ease of use. While images and information swirl around us, collage offers a perfect medium for our time. Emphasis in this course is on gaining an understanding the characteristics and limitations of both gouache and collage while creating dynamic pieces with a focus on colour, composition and personal expression.

Tuesdays, Jan 10 - Apr 4, 2pm - 5pm Kate Scoones $475 In-person

COLLAGE: EXPERIMENTAL LANDSCAPES

This course investigates the use of collage and mixed media techniques to explore the essence of the landscape genre. The focus is on working from both imagination and observation of the natural world. Emphasis is on experimentation and discovery through the process of artmaking. The use of hand decorated papers, acrylic paints, mediums and image transfer techniques will all be covered.

Fridays, Jan 13 - Apr 7, 10am - 1pm Tony Bounsall $475 Online

DIGITAL COLLAGE

In this course, you will learn how to create digital collages with photographs and photographic imagery from start to finish. Course will include lectures on contemporary digital artists for inspiration as well as demonstrations on various methods. Themes such as the botanical, landscapes and surrealism will be discussed. Requirements include: a basic knowledge of digital photography and image handling (importing, organizing, etc.). Some experience with Adobe Photoshop is a benefit. You will need a computer with Photoshop installed. Adobe Bridge, Lightroom, and a graphics tablet are also recommended, but not essential.

Thursdays, Jan 12 - Apr 6, 10am - 1pm Meghan Krauss $475 Online

KNITTING & FELTING: TIME AND PLACE

Students will learn basic knitting and felting techniques in this craft-focused course. These skills will be expanded to include working with repurposed wool and pre-made woollen items. The themes of time and place-making will be discussed along with presentations of contemporary artwork. Students will have opportunities to learn and develop skills in sculpture, performance and site-specific installation. Previous experience with the craft skills and art mediums are not necessary; students will be supported and challenged at their skill level.

Tuesdays, Jan 10 - Apr 4, 6pm - 9pm Corrie Peters $475 In-person

PAINTING

LANDSCAPE PAINTING NOW II

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. Students can paint in a medium of their choice including watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oils. Recommended Textbook: Barry Schwabsky Landscape Painting Now: From Pop Abstraction to New Romanticism. It is not necessary to have completed Landscape Painting Now I, however some painting experience is recommended.

Fridays, Jan 13 - Apr 7, 2pm - 5pm Wendy Welch $475 Online

PAINTING: INTRODUCTION I

Students develop an understanding of the basic elements of painting such as shape, space and composition as well as how to develop a full colour palette in this introductory level course. There is also a focus on the material qualities of paint including mixing and application to surfaces. Students are encouraged to develop their own language and approach to painting as they learn basic techniques. Classes include hands-on demonstrations, the use of still life, found imagery, live models and photographs. Students can work in acrylics or oils. Suitable for beginners.

Fridays, Jan 13 - Apr 7, 10am - 1pm Dylan Cram $475 In-person

PAINTING: INTRODUCTION II

Building on a basic knowledge of paint handling and colour, this course presents students with a range of projects that explore possible approaches to painting in terms of subject matter, style and technique. Students work from a range of historical models, including abstract and representational painting to gain a better sense of the ideas, methods, and formal issues that can support their own vision. Class projects are accompanied by slide presentations. Prerequisite: Painting: Introduction I or some painting experience.

Wednesdays, Jan 11 - Apr 5, 6pm - 9pm Dylan Cram $475 In-person

PAINTING NATURE

This twelve-week course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of how to capture the myriad of elements that make up the natural world. Subjects will range from individual objects such as leaves and trees, to intimate and expansive landscapes. This course covers basic colour theory and composition, as well as a variety of techniques and approaches to paint nature. Projects will include painting from photo references, real life and the imagination. The projects will be supplemented with examples of contemporary artists working with themes related to nature. Some painting experience is recommended.

Mondays, Jan 9 - Apr 3, 10am - 1pm Katharine Brooks Heinimann $475 In-person

Winter 2023 Workshops

JANUARY

JAN 28 BLACKWORK EMBROIDERY

Blackwork embroidery is a traditional embroidery technique that was often used to add geometric and floral embellishments to the affluent classes’ clothing in Spain and England. Today, Blackwork is used as a unique way to shade realistic embroidery projects using black thread and a counted thread technique.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Regan Shrumm $75 Check website for supply list. In-person

FEBRUARY

FEB 4 MAPPING WITH THREAD

This workshop will explore three fibre techniques in connection to mapping. These include basic hand sewing skills, using thread to create structure on dissolvable fabric, and using scissors to remove parts of a patterned fabric to make a new surface. Students will learn these techniques through the creation of samplers with contemporary fibre art maps used as an inspiration. At the end of this workshop, students will have learned to integrate fibre art techniques with concepts of mapping and will leave with three examples of work.

SATURDAY 10am - 4:30pm Corrie Peters $185 Some materials included. Check website for supply list. In-person

All workshops are suitable for beginners

FEB 4 WATERCOLOUR: EXPERIMENTAL LANDSCAPES

The unique qualities of watercolour make it an ideal medium to create “experimental landscapes”. In this workshop, participants will make three smallscale landscapes that will focus on a variety of watercolour techniques including mark making with brushes, mixing colours on the paper, creating graduations and glazing (layering of colours to create depth and brightness). Discussion of colour and composition will also be covered.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Wendy Welch $75 Check website for supply list. Online

FEB 11 OIL PAINTING PRIMER

You will explore the enormous potential of oil paint in this 3-hour workshop. Oil paint is a slow-drying and very forgiving medium, ideal for beginners because you can redo any brushstroke. Smelly solvents are a thing of the past; we will explore non-toxic methods for thinning paint and cleaning brushes. The focus will be on creating the lush, textured mark-making, rich colour, and subtle effects that only oil paint can achieve.

SATURDAY 10am - 1pm Neil McClelland $95 All materials included. In-person

FEB 11 IMAGE TRANSFER

Image Transfer will introduce you to range of techniques to transfer your photographs onto a prepared hardboard surface and to incorporate them into your paintings, collage or mixed media artwork. You will discover how to blend, distress and create composite images by hand (as opposed to through a digital process). Artists, photographers and anyone curious about photo-based mixed media will find this workshop of interest.

SATURDAY 10am - 1pm Tony Bounsall $75 Check website for supply list. Online

FEB 18 FABRIC BRICOLAGE

In the arts, “bricolage” refers to the “construction or creation of a work from a diverse range of things that happen to be available”. In this course, students will learn techniques in fabric manipulation through origami folding methods. Sculptural sensibilities will be used to create adaptable tessellations and modular forms formed from fabric manipulation. Participants will use a range of materials to produce unique compositions in a mixed media format. By the end of the workshop, each participant will yield a sample or a sketch to illustrate the technique, form and individual aesthetic choices based on the demonstrations.

SATURDAY 10am - 4:30pm Everett Wong $135 Check website for supply list. In-person

FEB 18 FLOWER PATTERNS WITH GOUACHE

Gouache is an opaque water-based medium that creates a rich velvety surface when dry and has the unique ability to work extremely well on black watercolour paper. The focus of this workshop will be on creating whimsical patterns with botanical elements such as flowers and leaves on a black surface, ranging from the simple to the complex. The step-by-step and easy-to-follow instructions will help you fall in love with this medium in no time.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Wendy Welch $75 Check website for supply list. Online

FEB 25 COLLAGE: FINDING THE FANTASTICAL

Collage offers endless ways to combine images in an imaginative and fantastical way. The spontaneity and immediacy of collage is ideal for creating unique and personal images, often resulting in surprising and stunning compositions. This workshop will explore the possibilities of collage with emphasis on the whimsical, the absurd and the fantastic. Let this afternoon workshop free your creative inhibitions and release your playful side.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Kate Scoones $95 All materials included. In-person

MARCH

MAR 4 PAINTING: ELEVEN WAYS TO GENERATE IDEAS

Not sure what to paint next? This workshop discusses eleven ways to come up with ideas for paintings. Exercises will include drawing and writing exercises, online search strategies, collage, and collaborating with your fellow participants.

SATURDAY 10am - 1pm Neil McClelland $75 Check website for supply list. Online

MAR 4 DRAWING FLOWERS WITH INK

Drawing with a dip pen and ink is one of the most satisfying ways to draw flowers because of the wonderful range of line quality that can be achieved with this tool. The workshop will also cover working with a bamboo brush and ink wash as well as how to use chalk pastels to give a colourful glow. There will also be a collage element to add a sense of play and delight to your ink drawings.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Wendy Welch $95 All materials included. In-person

MAR 11 LINOCUT ON FABRIC

Linocut is a great way to try a very basic method of printmaking. In this workshop you will discover the necessary techniques to do one of the boldest forms of relief printing. You will learn how to print onto fabric using a lino-cutting tool and Lino Speedy Cut Plate to design your own printed textiles using inspiration from nature around us. The resulting projects could be used for pillows, bags, or artworks onto themselves.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Regan Shrumm $95 Some materials included. Check website for supply list. In-person

MAR 18 HOW TO MIX MEDIA

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.

SATURDAY 10am - 4:30pm Tony Bounsall $185 All materials included. In-person

MARCH 18 PASTELS AND PLANTS

This afternoon workshop will provide 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, charcoal and conté crayon through wiping, rubbing, erasing and dusting powdered pigment on surface.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Wendy Welch $75 Check website for supply list. Online APRIL

APR 1 PAINTING: INVENTED LANDSCAPES WITH A LIMITED PALETTE

In this workshop you will create a quick series of small landscape paintings limiting your palette to three colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel (triadic colour scheme). Key concepts taught include: using a limited palette and colour mixing to create different moods or atmospheres.

SATURDAY 10am - 1pm Neil McClelland $75 Check website for supply list. Online

APR 1 THE CONTEMPORARY BOTANICAL

The inspiration for this workshop comes from the fantastical and intricate botanical drawings from the 16th through to the 19th century. The workshop begins by drawing a series of plant studies from observation that will be used later as a source for design development and transformation to create an imaginative watercolour painting.

SATURDAY 1:30pm - 4:30pm Wendy Welch $95 All materials included. In-person

APR 8 DRAW LIKE A SURREALIST

If you like the idea of incorporating intriguing textures and graphic imagery into your art then this short workshop is for you. We will be working with several drawing techniques such as frottage, entopic graphomania and automatic drawing used by Surrealist artists such as Max Ernst, Andre Masson and Gherasim Luca. These Surrealist methods push beyond the rational to the imaginary and fantastical.

SATURDAY 10am - 1pm Tony Bounsall $75 Check website for supply list. Online

APR 8 TEXTILE COLLAGE: MATERIALS AND MOTIFS

Join textile artist Shannon Wardroper for a day of travelogue, lecture, demo and hands-on experimentation introducing you to the techniques and materials she uses to create her large scale contemporary textile work. Shannon will discuss methods that she has learned in her travels and life abroad such as printing, traditional Japanese wax resist work, appliqué, embroidery and ghost printing. Students will practice some of these layering techniques with a hands-on project using silk fabric.

SATURDAY 10am - 4:30pm Shannon Wardroper $185 All materials included. In-person

Please note that

and workshops are IN PERSON or ONLINE. The online offerings are delivered using the easily downloadable Zoom platform in real time. Participants have access to recordings after each class or workshop is completed. Most courses are accompanied by a blog with the all the class information such as slide presentations, hand-out and and lines (including links to recorded weekly classes). In-person courses and workshops are in the classroom at VISA. All workshops are suitable for beginners.

Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St., Victoria BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 or info@vancouverislandschoolart.com

Victoria’s downtown art school

Vancouver Island School of Art

302-733 Johnson Street (across from the Johnson St Parkade) Victoria BC V8W 3C7

250.380.3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com www.vancouverislandschoolart.com facebook: visadowntown instagram: @visaartschool

VISA is the only independent art school in the Province of British Columbia with transfer agreements to university art programs: Emily Carr University of Art + Design Vancouver Vancouver Island University Nanaimo Registered Charity #86392 1433 RR0001

VISA is designated with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB)

VISA has a Education QualityAssurance designation (necessary for international student registration)

V I S A

ancouver sland chool of rt