Adult Programs

Custom ornaments make a wonderful gift for friends and family! In this two-hour workshop, students will learn how to draw beautiful script letters and use them to decorate their own acrylic ornaments. Students will leave the workshop with their finished ornaments as well as a set of worksheets to continue their hand lettering practice at home. All materials will be provided. A supply fee of $15 must be paid to the instructor at the start of the workshop.

Have you always wanted to paint with oils? Learn the art of oil painting without solvents and chemicals, while exploring topics such as studio safety and clean up, colour mixing, and energetic brush strokes! This workshop is perfect for beginner and experienced painter who would like to add oils to their skill set.

Discover the beauty of painting snow covered landscapes in this hands-on workshop for oil and acrylic painters. Learn about layering paint in loose impressionistic brush strokes, capturing the beauty of pearly white snow and snow shadows in luminous paint. With step-by-step instructor guidance and critiques, this course is suitable for both beginner and seasoned landscape painters. Demonstrations will be in oil paint.

The workshop will begin by learning about the structure of the human head and how to place the features into position, while using shading to create value and form. Then, register for the afternoon session “Portraiture Drawing Practice with a Model,” for additional instruction and practice with a live sitter. All skill levels welcome.

The morning portraiture workshop will continue in the afternoon with a professional model. We will use the fundamental portraiture skills we learned in the morning, for an afternoon of drawing from life. Please note: “Introduction to Portrait Drawing” is required for the afternoon session. All skill levels welcome.

Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques.

Through artist’s demonstrations, exercises and lots of time painting, you’ll build an understanding of colour theory, layering techniques and composition.

No experience required. Materials not included.

Have you always wanted to paint with oils? Learn the technique of oil painting while exploring topics such as: studio safety and clean up, supplies, composition, colour mixing and energetic brush strokes! We will cover the step by step processes of painting a modern still life using the “alia prima” painting method, in which an oil painting is finished in one sitting. This course is 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 course 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 course is suitable for both beginner and seasoned landscape painters. Materials not provided.

Discover the art of portraiture! We will begin by learning about the structure of the head while using shading to create value and form. then, using a simple palette of three colours plus white, we will learn about the essentials of portrait painting. Explore topics such as: drawing with a brush, mixing accurate skin tones, layering paint, and capturing a likeness when drawing or painting a professional model.

Whether you are new to painting or returning to your practice, this course is a great way to relax and enjoy the painting process. Work in acrylics on paper and canvas as our instructor guides you through beginner techniques to create landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings from reference images.

Master the skill of drawing the human form! We begin in the studio with drawing lessons and demonstrations on the proportion, volume, structure, and movement of the human body. Together we will practice to better understand how to see and draw from life. We will alternate 4 in class insrtuctional workshops with 4 practice sessions with a live model, using the tools we have learned to capture what is before us. This class is suitable for the beginner and advanced artist who would like to sharpen their life drawing skills!

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of art including, color and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels. Some materials provided.

Painting in watercolours is both exciting and rewarding. Further your knowledge of basic techniquea with colour, value, and design theories by painting flowers and still lifes from reference photos. Participants should have completed an introductory level course, or have some experience with watercolours before signing up for this intermediate level class. Materials not provided.

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of art including, color and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels this workshop offers a hands-on experience to unleash your creativity!  Some materials provided.

Brush pen calligraphy can be used to add a personal touch to everything from greeting cards to event signage. In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of modern brush pen calligraphy, including how to hold a brush pen, form basic strokes, and connect these strokes to form lowercase letters and words. Students will receive a set of take-home worksheets to continue practicing. No experience is needed. Materials not included.

Celebrate the beauty of fall in our still life watercolor workshop! Capture the vibrant hues and cozy charm of autumn leaves, pumpkins, and seasonal treasures as you learn essential techniques in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Perfect for all skill levels, this workshop will bring your autumn-inspired creations to life!

This workshop  is designed for anyone who has taken a beginner-level brush pen calligraphy class and is ready to take their skills to the next level. In this three-hour workshop, students will practice uppercase letters and learn how to use these in combination with lowercase letters and words. They will also learn how to enhance their calligraphy by experimenting with style variations and simple flourishes. Students will receive a set of worksheets that they can take home to continue their practice. Materials not included.

Discover the art of combining acrylic pouring with collage in this unique two-day workshop. You’ll learn how to transform your abstract pours into dynamic, layered collages, using various mediums, and techniques. Connect with fellow creatives in a hands-on studio setting and take home a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Some materials not provided.

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of art including, color and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels. Some materials provided.

All are welcome to our ‘try-it!’ 4-week studio series with artist, instructor, and teacher, Sarka Buchl-Stephenson. In a relaxed and inclusive environment, you’ll be guided through a variety of printmaking techniques. Demonstrations, and hands-on exercises will be provided. No experience required; just come with an open mind and leave your fears at the door. Most materials included. These workshops are designed for participants who have not previously registered for a Varley Art Gallery program. Come out, and try it!

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 four week course offers artist demonstrations, personalized guidance, and class critiques to help you enhance your understanding of color and composition. Some materials included.

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of art including, color and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels. Some materials provided.