Adult Programs
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.
Explore the world of acrylic pouring and the fundamentals of art including colour and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment alongside like-minded peers.
Perfect for all skill levels.
Some materials provided.
Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques. Through instructor‘s demonstrations and painting exercises, students will build an understanding of colour theory, layering techniques, and composition.
No experience required.
Further your knowledge of basic techniques 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 program.
Join us in the studio to explore acrylic paints as a fluid tool for creating expressive, abstract paintings. This program offers artist demonstrations, personalized guidance, and critiques to help you enhance your understanding of colour and composition.
Open to all experience levels.
Some materials included.
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 students will cover a new drawing theme with a series of still lifes to sharpen their drawing skills.
Suitable for all skill levels.
No class on March 12, 2025.
Take your acrylic pouring skills to the next level. Designed for those with prior experience in fluid acrylic techniques, this program focuses on further developing your mastery of colour, composition, and pouring method with artist demonstrations, guidance, and critiques.
Prerequisite: Acrylic Pouring: Beginner art class or workshop.
Some materials included.
No class on March 13, 2025 due to March Break.
Learn the technique of oil painting while exploring topics such as: studio safety, composition, colour mixing, and energetic brush strokes. This course is perfect for beginner and experienced painters who would like to add oils to their skill set.
No class on March 13 and 20, 2025.
Learn the fundamentals of landscape painting while exploring its beauty. 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. This course is suitable for both beginner and seasoned landscape painters.
No class on March 13 and 20, 2025.
Students will start by learning the structure of the head and using shading techniques to create value and form. Next, they’ll study the fundamentals of portrait painting with a simple palette of three colours plus white. Topics include brush drawing, mixing accurate skin tones, layering paint, and capturing a likeness while working from a professional model.
Participants may choose to draw or paint.
No class on March 14, 2025.
Explore different drawing tools and the essential elements of life drawing, while learning about proportion, structure, and movement of the human body. This program will begin from the inside-out, building your drawing and observational skills, leading up to drawing a professional nude model.
Suitable for all skill levels.
No class on March 14, 2025.
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 their practice.
No experience required.
Why buy a Valentine’s Day card when you can create one by hand? In this workshop, students will learn to draw beautiful script letters and use them to design their one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day card. Students will leave with their finished cards and a set of take-home worksheets to continue their practice.
No experience required.
Explore the world of acrylic pouring and the fundamentals of art including colour and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment alongside like-minded peers.
Perfect for all skill levels.
Some materials provided.
Join us to learn how to transform a clear glass vase into a stunning work of art and then design a unique abstract painting on canvas. Tap into your artistic side and take home two beautiful, personalized creations to showcase.
Some materials provided.
In this workshop, students will practice uppercase letters and learn how to use these in combination with lowercase letters and words. They will also enhance their calligraphy by experimenting with style variations and simple flourishes. Students will receive a set of take-home worksheets to continue their practice.
Designed for anyone who has taken a beginner-level calligraphy program.
Explore the world of acrylic pouring and the fundamentals of art including colour and composition. Create stunning abstract art in a supportive studio environment alongside like-minded peers.
Perfect for all skill levels.
Some materials provided.
Rediscover the art and joy of handwriting in this engaging workshop. Explore various styles and applications while learning essential tips to refine your handwriting. Perfect for those looking to refresh their cursive skills. This workshop also includes a creative project to showcase your progress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Register for Program
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.