Encaustic painting—an ancient art form using molten beeswax, damar resin, and pigments—has seen a vibrant resurgence in contemporary mixed-media practice.

This class introduces participants to the expressive possibilities of encaustic wax while integrating image transfer, texture, carving and mixed media techniques. Students will learn about the tools, materials and safety considerations when painting with wax alongside foundational techniques as they paint four miniature paintings over four weeks.

Structure: Demonstration + guided practice + independent creation

Class Size: 8 participants for individualized instruction

Class Goals:

·Explore safe studio practices for heating, fusing, and layering wax

·Learn core encaustic techniques: smooth and textured surfaces, incising and image transfer

·Incorporate mixed-media elements such as pastel and shellac

·Create four miniature encaustic artworks while learning the basic techniques

Target Audience:

Adults and teens (16+) interested in painting, mixed media, or experimental art processes.

No prior experience with encaustic is required. All materials included to complete 4 pieces.

Expected Outcomes:

Participants will leave with:

·A solid understanding of encaustic fundamentals

·New skills in mixed-media techniques adaptable to future projects

·Four completed miniature encaustic artworks

·Confidence to continue exploring encaustic independently

Welcome to "The Sketchbook Club" - an exciting online art class designed for adults to unleash their creativity and hone their drawing skills in a supportive environment.

In this weekly 1.5-hour Zoom session, participants will embark on a six-week artistic journey led by our experienced instructor, Carla Olson. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative exploration, this class offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of sketching.

Each week, students have the freedom to either follow along with the instructor's guided drawing sessions or pursue their own artistic visions. With webcams (laptop, tablet or phone) required, Carla will provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring that every stroke of your pencil is met with encouragement and constructive feedback. You can turn your camera on and off as you work, giving Carla a chance to give feedback.

As a community of aspiring artists, we collaborate to generate fresh drawing ideas each week, fostering a dynamic and inspiring learning environment. At the end of each session, there's dedicated time for Q&A and feedback, where Carla addresses queries and provides insights to further enhance your skills.

Can't make it to the live session? Don't worry! All classes will be recorded and made available for the week, allowing students to catch up on missed sessions at their convenience while still experiencing the essence of the live class.

Join us at "The Sketchbook Club" and unlock your artistic potential in a fun and engaging online setting! Open to artists 16+

(supplies to bring to class: Graphite pencils - H, 2B, 4B, 8B Sketchbook- Canson Mixed Media 9x12 pad, Coloured Pencils -Prismacolour scholar or above - and any other drawing materials you wish to try)

Dive deep into the theory behind what makes up a successful painting with local artist Deltra Leona McNeil Powney. These classes are designed to build on each other each week to improve observation. Students will explore the physicality of acrylic paint, and learn about the elements, and principles of design through exercises, and the creation and completion of at least 4 small paintings approximately 8x10” within 6 weeks.

A material list will be provided

What students can expect during class time:

-Classes will consist of slides of contemporary masters, old masters works and local artists who's work speaks to the concept focus for that session.

-I will introduce concepts and demonstrate techniques, materials and tools

-There will be opportunity for full work sessions.

-When time allows exercises and prompts will be provided to create work outside of class or during class.

-Literature will be provided during class time for ideas and inspiration on visual theory.

-You will be asked to bring various visual reference material to class to paint from such as man made, organic objects, and photographs.

Please Note

-The order of and class content may be subject to change depending on the needs of the students.

Material List:

Surfaces: 10, 8×10” or smaller canvases or canvas boards

Paint: (smaller tubes of each pigment is recommended)
Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Medium Red, Alizarin Crimson Red, Cadmium Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Burnt Umber, Titanium White.
Mediums: Gloss Gel Medium. NOTE: Students are invited to bring paint and mediums that they may already have. Note that the colours suggested are predictable colours I will be demonstrating with.
Brushes: Various sized synthetic brushes including Filberts, Rounds, and Flats aprox 1/4” to 1.5” wide, and detail brushes.
Palette with large mixing area: Please not do not use individual compartment palettes.
Other materials: Pencil, vine charcoal, suitable art clothes, cloths or paper towel, notebook, water container, spray bottle.
What students can expect during class time:
-An introduction to visual theory
-demonstrations of techniques, overview of materials and tools.
-Exercises and prompts that explain techniques and concepts.
Please Note
-Class content may be subject to change depending on the needs of the students

-15 hours of instruction

Join The Drawing Fundamentals—an engaging 6-week in-person art class designed for all skill levels! Led by Carla Linton, an experienced instructor with over 5 years of teaching art, this class caters to each student's artistic journey. Together, we shape the curriculum based on the group's interests, ensuring a personalized and inspiring experience.

What to Expect Each Class:

• Tailored Learning Time: Each class starts with focused lessons on chosen fundamentals, ensuring a strong foundation in key techniques.

• Guided Project Time: Dive into a group project, following step-by-step demos to create a frame-worthy piece by the end of the course.

• Individual Practice Time: Enjoy dedicated time to work on personal art projects. Bring your favorite materials or experiment with new ones!

Supportive Environment:

• One-on-One Guidance: Sign up for individual assistance, critiques, or discussions to deepen your understanding and improve your work.

• Positive Critiques: Share your art in a constructive, uplifting atmosphere. Mid-course and final (optional) critique sessions offer valuable feedback on your progress.

This class isn't just about learning—it's about building a supportive community and carving out time in your busy life to focus on your craft. Come join us and connect with fellow artists of all levels as you develop your skills and creativity!

(supplies to bring to class: Graphite pencils - H, 2B, 4B, 8B Sketchbook- Canson Mixed Media 9x12 pad, Coloured Pencils -Prismacolour scholar or above - and any other drawing materials you wish to try)

Continue what you learned in a previous session or join for the first time. New projects each session.

For intermediate students or those with some painting experience, students can choose to work in either watercolour or acrylic. Cindy will help you further develop your painting skills with demos and technical assistance. Paint seasonal landscapes, mountains and florals, or a project of your choice. Receive demonstrations and hands-on individual assistance with technique and composition.

12 students max.

8 Mondays: 12:45-3:45 p.m.

Sept 28-Nov 23 2026, no class on Oct 12

Instructor: Cindy Barratt

Join local artist Lisa Matthias for a 4-week daytime watercolour course designed as an open, exploratory introduction to the medium. This class is ideal for beginners as well as those looking to reconnect with watercolour in a relaxed studio setting. Working with natural and everyday subject matter, we’ll explore core techniques including washes, gradients, layering, and brush handling, while developing confidence through observation and experimentation.

Enjoy colour theory, close looking, responsive mark-making, and a sense of discovery in the process of painting. Each session will combine guided demonstrations with open studio time, supporting both skill-building and personal exploration at your own level.

Expect a supportive, engaging atmosphere where you can develop foundational watercolour techniques, strengthen your observational skills, and build a small series of studies over four weeks.

Supply List - Watercolour

Suggested Paints (a tray of watercolour cakes is great; if you want to get tubes, here are some suggested colours):

Primaries:

• Ultramarine Blue

• Cerulean Blue

• Cadmium Red Medium

• Alizarin Crimson

• Cadmium Yellow Medium

• Lemon Yellow

Earth tones:

• Yellow Ochre

• Burnt Sienna

• Raw Umber

Accents:

• Payne’s Grey

• Permanent Rose or Quinacridone Rose

• Dioxazine Violet or Quinacridone Violet

Greens:

• Viridian Green

• Sap Green

Suggested Brushes:

• Round #4

• Round #6

• Round #10

• Liner/detail brush (#1 or #2)

• 1/2" flat brush (for washes and edges)

• Small old brush for masking fluid

Paper & Palette:

• Watercolour paper pad, 140 lb, cold press, ~9x12" (Canson XL, Strathmore, or Arches)

• A simple plastic palette or plate with wells for mixing

Other Essentials:

• Masking fluid

• HB pencil

• White eraser

• Two water containers (one for rinsing, one for clean water)

• Paper towel or clean rag

• Painter’s tape

Optional:

·         Small board for taping down watercolour paper

·         Apron/painting shirt

·         Sketchbook/notebook

Explore the exciting world of printmaking and come away with a collection of one-of-a-kind prints!