Archives: Public Programs

Learn the basics of printmaking while designing and printing unique cards to take home. No experience needed—just bring your creativity!  Artist/Instructor: Sarka Buchl-Stephenson

Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques. Through artist’s demonstrations and painting exercises, you’ll build an understanding of colour theory, layering techniques, and composition. No experience required. Materials not included. Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff *No class on May 21, 2025.

Build your creative skill set with the class that puts the “fun” in the FUNdamentals of drawing! Learn how to use a variety of drawing tools while exploring topics such as: line, form, value, light, shadow, and perspective. Each week we will cover a new drawing theme with a series of still lifes to sharpen […]

In a relaxed and inclusive environment, you’ll be guided through a variety of media, learning how to draw and paint. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises will be provided. No experience required; just come with an open mind and leave your fears at the door. Designed for participants who have not previously registered for a Varley Art […]

Have you always wanted to paint with oils? Learn the technique of oil painting, and the art of painting a still life, while exploring topics such as: studio safety and clean up, composition, colour mixing, and energetic brush strokes. Perfect for beginner and experienced painters who would like to add oils to their skill set. […]

Discover the beauty of painting landscapes in this hands-on program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of landscape painting. Explore topics such as: oil painting safety, composition, value, and design, as well as focused lessons on how to paint sky, trees, clouds, buildings, shrubs, flowers and more. With step-by-step instructor guidance and critiques, this […]

Paint pouring has never been so popular. Join us in the studio with established artist and instructor Olivana Tonon to explore acrylic paints as a fluid tool for creating expressive, abstract paintings. Open to all experience levels, this program offers artist demonstrations, personalized guidance, and class critiques to help you enhance your understanding of colour […]

Discover the art of Portraiture! We will focus on the fundamentals of portraiture to understand the construction of the face and head by using a simple step by step drawing method. Next, we will use shading to create value and form, and together we will work towards capturing a likeness while drawing a professional model. […]

Simplify your portraiture palette and learn the art of mixing skin tones with only 3 colours + white in this advanced portrait painting program. Using the “Zorn” palette, we will explore an easy system to quickly and accurately mix warm and cool flesh tones in oil or acrylic paint. Topics include brush drawing, mixing accurate […]

Whether you are new to painting or returning to your practice, this program is a great way to relax and enjoy the painting process. Work in acrylics on paper and canvas along side the instructor as she guides you through beginner techniques to create landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings from reference images. No experience required. […]