The Varley Art Gallery offers a wide range of adult classes and workshops designed to cater to different skill levels and artistic interests. Register to expand your artistic horizons and connect with a community of fellow art enthusiasts.
Watercolour - Beginner to Intermediate
Watercolour - Beginner to Intermediate

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.

09/11/2024 - 10/30/2024
Varley Art Gallery
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages 18 to 99
Every Wed
$378 for Residents
Register
Intro to Oil Painting: Beginner to Intermediate
Intro to Oil Painting: Beginner to Intermediate

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!

09/12/2024 - 11/07/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
18-99
Every Thu
$378.00 For Residents
Register
Landscape Painting
Landscape Painting

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.

09/12/2024 - 11/07/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
18-99
Every Thu
$378.00 For Residents
Register
Portraiture: Drawing or Painting
Portraiture: Drawing or Painting

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.

09/13/2024 - 11/08/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
18-99
Every Fri
$378.00 For Residents
Register
Intro to Acrylics: Painting for Pleasure
Intro to Acrylics: Painting for Pleasure

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.

09/13/2024 - 11/01/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
18-99
Every Fri
$378.00 For Residents
Register
Life Drawing
Life Drawing

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!

09/13/2024 - 11/08/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
18-99
Every Fri
$378 For Residents
Register
Acrylic Pouring Workshop
Acrylic Pouring Workshop

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.

09/18/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
16+
$40
Register
Watercolour: Intermediate to Advanced
Watercolour: Intermediate to Advanced

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.

09/18/2024 - 11/06/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
18-99
Every Wed
$378.00 For Residents
Register
Acrylic Pouring Workshop
Acrylic Pouring Workshop

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.

10/23/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
16+
$40
Register
Brush Calligraphy: Beginner Workshop
Brush Calligraphy: Beginner Workshop

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.

09/29/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
16+
$40
Register
Still Life: Watercolour Workshop
Still Life: Watercolour Workshop

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!

10/20/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
18-99
$40.00 For Residents
Register
Brush Calligraphy: Intermediate Workshop
Brush Calligraphy: Intermediate Workshop

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.

10/27/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
16+
$40.00 For Residents
Register
Pouring to Collage Workshop
Pouring to Collage Workshop

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.

11/03/2024 - 11/10/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
18 to 99
Every Sun
$80.00 For Residents
Register
Acrylic Pouring Workshop
Acrylic Pouring Workshop

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.

11/27/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
16+
$40
Register
Try it! Intro to Art
Try it! Intro to Art

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!

11/06/2024 - 11/27/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
18-99
Every Wed
$189.00 For Residents
Register
Acrylic Pouring
Acrylic Pouring

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.

11/07/2024 - 11/28/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
18-99
Every Wed
$189.00 For Residents
Register
Acrylic Pouring Workshop
Acrylic Pouring Workshop

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.

12/11/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
16+
$40
Register
Hand Lettered Holiday Ornaments Workshop
Hand Lettered Holiday Ornaments Workshop

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.

12/01/2024
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
16+
$40.00 For Residents
Register

Register for Program

Markham's Program Registration and Facility Booking System

Registration:
Sign up for classes by clicking the button to the left or call the City of Markham’s Contact Centre at 905.475.4731 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

Members and Seniors Save:

Become a Varley member and save 10 % on all programs at the Varley. Seniors save 30%.

Accessibility
If you, or your child require accommodations, contact Public Program Coordinator, Rachel D’Oliveira Fell at rdoliveirafell@markham.ca.