Adult Classes
Please read our refund policy before signing up for any class
Give the gift of creativity with a Gift Certificate
Instructors Bios
Class Levels Explained
Each studio is equipped with a Hepa Filter air purifier and air circulation fan
Monday Classes |
Tuesday Classes |
Wednesday Classes |
Thursday Classes |
MONDAYS
Start date September 11 unless otherwise noted Note: There is no class on Monday, October 9 for Thanksgiving Day
This class is 8 weeks Start Date September 18 Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S2-101: Expressive Watercolour Portraits - SOLD OUT
Level 2 to 3
Instructor: Shelley Prior
Mondays, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Jump into some creative techniques for creating portraits that go beyond capturing a good likeness. Explore 2 and 3 colour portraits, negative painting, splash, drip, stencil, spatter, blossoms and experimental approaches to bring out the character of your subject and be more creative. Express peace, joy, sadness, energy and visually describe a personality with watercolour. This session is designed to give you the freedom to play, discover and have fun. Materials List
"Such a knowledgeable instructor- she devotes time to her students, making suggestions, helping with difficulties"
"Shelley is an excellent instructor and I found her critiques and suggestions very helpful"
This class is 8 weeks Please note: NEW Start Date September 18 Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-102: Impressionistic Florals and Gardens in Water-based Oil - SOLD OUT
Level 2
Instructor: Barbara Chapman
Mondays, 1pm to 4pm
The Impressionists broke new ground for the convincing depiction of light and shadow through their use of colour. In this class, you will paint impressionistic flowers with expressive brushwork and a fearless use of colour. Work alongside Barbara as she demos soft impressionistic florals or bring your own subject matter and she will help you work on your own chosen pieces. Learn how colour relationships, edges, composition, values, and shapes play an important role in conveying a strong visual statement. Lots of individual attention to teach you to see with an impressionist eye that will help you produce magical florals, in a unique style that is unmistakable. Materials List
"Barbara is an excellent instructor, she is very supportive and knowledgeable - she can explain things in a very easy to understand way."
"Barbara has such a lovely and generous manner with her students. She obviously loves what she does."
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-103: From Paper to Canvas - Acrylics
Level 1+
Instructor: Heather deHaan
Mondays, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
This course breaks down the two-step method of translating perception to drawing skills to producing to a painting. Heather will teach you to use reference photos of a variety of subjects- from animals to landscapes to florals. In this course you will practice your sketching and foundational drawing skills by studying value, form and composition. Gain a deeper understanding of colour mixing and blending, layering, pushing past the "messy middle" finishing tricks and much more. Unleash your inner artist and increase your confidence with valuable insights into drawing and painting. Lots of step by step demos combined with individual attention in a friendly setting. Previous experience drawing and painting is an asset. Materials list
"Heather was able to provide me with an ability to start to create drawings that I can be happy with"
"Heather was very warm and encouraging. She kept things very approachable for all skill levels"
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S2-104: Group of Seven’s Painting Styles - Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils
Level 1+
Instructor: Susan Del Bianco
Mondays, 7pm to 10pm
In this class you learn the methods and colour techniques of some of Canada’s most famous and beloved artists. Sue offers a glimpse into the Group of Seven’s iconic style as she covers composition, understand positive and negative shapes and the use of bright, bold colour. In the weeks that follow, guided by Sue and your own inspiration, you will implement the techniques learned. Each season will bring new lessons to learn, so this is a perfect course for continuing your artistic education as you focus on. Materials List
"I enjoyed my course and the instructor, Susan, made it something to look forward to each week"
"I absolutely loved Sue’s course. She was able to break down the paintings into easily manageable pieces so that everyone was successful no matter what level you were painting at"
TUESDAYS
Start date September 12 unless otherwise noted
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-105: Painting Foundations in Acrylics - SOLD OUT
Level 1+
Instructor: Heather deHaan
Tuesdays, 1pm to 4pm
In this class artist/instructor Heather will encourage you to strengthen your drawing skills and core painting skills as she guides you in techniques, composition, colour, brushwork, and more! Learn to trust your intuition and creative process to go outside your comfort zone while you develop your own personal style. Lots of demonstrations and independent painting in a relaxed communal setting. This course is for artists with some basic acrylic painting experience who are interested in being challenged and supported in the creative process. Materials List
"Heather made the experience positive and fun!"
"Heather is such an awesome teacher. Very laid back style, very welcoming and encouraging"
This class is 4 weeks Course Fee: $85 Members: $75
S2-106: Creative Expression in Smartphone Photography
Level 1+
Instructor: Ron Van Zutphen
Tuesdays, 1pm to 3pm
In this class Ron will teach you how to fully utilize and understand all the functions of your smartphone camera in order to explore the techniques needed to improve your creative expression. Learn to take your images from a mere snapshot to a work of art. Learn to use fine art concepts such as composition, lines, framing and other design principles to create more dynamic and artful images. Improving your photography composition skills is also a great way to improve your painting composition skills, and it provides you with your own original reference images for your painting. Come and improve how you look at the world through the screen of your smartphone camera. Lots of new challenges for those who have already taken this course.
Five star instructor whose enthusiasm is contagious. I learned a lot and am having way too much fun putting it all into practice.
Ron was an amazing instructor, is passionate and very constructive. I learned an incredible amount and friends and family are commenting that I have upped my photography skills!
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-107: The Impressionistic Landscape from Concept to Finished Painting - Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils
Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Tuesdays, 7pm to 10pm
In this class you will learn to think, see, plan and approach the landscape painting through a modern impressionist style. Tritan will teach you how the impressionists skillfully contrasted warm and cool colours in their paintings to express the effects and quality of light—forms intrinsic to landscape. Discover how colour relationships, edges, composition, values, and shapes play a part in conveying a strong visual statement. With a focus on light and tone you will bring a luminous quality to your paintings you’ve never thought possible. Demos and lots of individual attention. Material List
"An incredible and knowledgeable instructor! I learned so much"
"Tritan is friendly, well prepared and encouraging"
WEDNESDAYS
Start date September 13 unless otherwise noted
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-108: Abstract by Instinct with Mixed Media - Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils
Level 2 to 3+
Instructor: Judy Mayer-Grieve
Wednesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Creative expression is limitless. Abstract art by instinct with mixed media allows for a full range of individual creative expression through painting, with the optional application of mixed media at student’s discretion. Students are invited to ‘brain storm’ to inspire individual expression through visual art. Demonstrations and guidance by your instructor includes on how to take risks, experiment, play, be curious, use instinct, think critically, let go, analyze and explore is strongly encouraged. Material List
Judy is an excellent teacher, very supportive. I learned a lot and highly recommend her class
Judy’s class is excellent. I look forward to it each term.
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S2-109: The Art of Drawing Well
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
In this drawing course, we explore the foundations and techniques for creating wonderful realistic drawings with pencil. Build on your drawing skills by mastering the principles of using line, tone, light, texture, composition, spatial depth and perspective. Diana breaks down each aspect of drawing into easy-to-follow segments complete with drawing demonstrations. Train your eye to realistically render form and gain a new understanding of weight, balance, the effects of light and shadow. Learn to trust the connection between hand and eye. This class is designed for those who want an opportunity to become better drawers with strong technical skills. Materials List
"Diana is an excellent teacher who takes a great deal of care in her preperation and instruction."
"Diana's teaching style perfect for getting re-started. I look forward to taking further drawing courses with Diana."
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-110: A Painting a Day- Making Small Works of Art - Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils
Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Wednesdays, 1 pm to 4 pm
In this class you will embrace the importance of daily practice to improve your creativity. Working with small canvases you will discover that painting each day is a powerful way to rapidly sharpen your skills in all areas of painting- from drawing to design to colour. Tritan will help you discover approaches to simplify the process of painting and ways to stay inspired and motivated. Understand the basic principles of design –composition, value, colour, and shape – and how to apply them to these smaller vignettes.He will take you through the exercises you need to challenge yourself, hone your skills and strengthen your artistic development. Lots of demos and individual attention. Material List
"I have NEVER learned so much in such a short time span as I did in Tritan’s class"
"Just finished Tritan’s still life class. He clearly has a passion and genuine enthusiasm for art and for teaching, and I feel he went over and above to ensure every student received individualized instruction"
This class is 4 weeks Course Fee: $125 Members: $110
S2-111: Capturing the Colours of the Fall Landscapes in Watercolour
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 1pm to 4pm
Capture the beauty of the autumn landscape and its jewel like tones. Diana will teach you how to make the most of watercolour's unpredictable nature as you practice brush control, laying washes and reserving highlights and methods such as dry brush and spattering paint. She will cover techniques on how to achieve a good landscape painting: composition, perspective, light and shade, colour, and how to paint skies, tree, water. Improve your creative skills and techniques to paint beautiful watercolour landscapes with confidence. Lots of demos and individual attention. Materials List
"Diana is an excellent teacher who takes a great deal of care in her preperation and instruction."
"Wonderful class with a great teacher. I learned a great deal and look forward to other classes given by Diana"
This class is 4 weeks Start Date October 11 Course Fee: $125 Members: $110
S2-112: Plants and Flowers in Watercolour
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 1pm to 4pm
Find creative inspiration to capture the beauty of plants and flowers in watercolour. Diana will teach you techniques that will capture the forms and colours of blossoms and leaves. She gives step-by-step instruction to help you build the skills you need to realistically paint plants and flowers: leaves, veins, stems, and branches. Learn how to add detail to create convincing texture, add depth and how to depict the light, luminosity and delicate character of flowers to your art. Lots of tips for creating composition, understanding and seeing value, transferring photo references. Lots of demos and individual attention. Materials List
"Diana was so nice and very knowledgeable on the subject of watercolour. She was very patient and able to answer all our questions"
"Wonderful class with a great teacher. I learned a great deal and look forward to other classes given by Diana"
This class is 4 weeks Course Fee: $125 Members: $110
S1-113: The Joy and Mystery of Colour- Oils or Acrylics
Level 2 to 3
Instructor: Barbara Chapman
Wednesdays, 7pm - 10pm
In this class Barbara teaches you how to control the effects of colours upon one another and how the use of colour creates space, mood, and movement in a painting. Gain a good understanding of the colour wheel, colour bias, impressionist and modern palettes, colour relativity and colour harmonies. Discover how to expand from a limited palette without getting overwhelmed as you learn to use your own unique combinations with complimentary colour and harmony in your paintings. Lots of demos and exercises to expand your working knowledge of colour. Lots of individual attention. Materials List
"Barbara was absolutely fantastic. She is a very generous and kind instructor that guided and allowed us to find our own genuine voice in painting expression."
"Barbara was such a positive role model and as a second time student I felt very thankful for her teaching style and kindness!"
This class is 6 weeks Start Date Sept 27 Course Fee: $190 Members: $165
S2-114: Watercolour Fundamentals - SOLD OUT
Level 1
Instructor: Diane McEntee
Wednesdays, 7pm - 10pm
In this class, Diane takes you in a step-by-step process to discover the beauty of the wonderful medium of watercolour – even if you’ve never picked up a brush before. In an easy, relaxed class atmosphere Diane will teach you about different types of paper, brushes, paints and setting up a palette. Learn traditional watercolour techniques such as wash, wet into wet, dry brush, value and composition and much more. Gain skills as you waken your inner artist in this fun, informative class! Lots of individual attention. Materials List
" Diane - a great artist and teacher - very regularly walked around to check on each of us and helped us individually. A very nice touch! "
" I've taken level 1 beginner courses before in watercolour - this was the best course I've taken. She is particularly good at encouraging students. "
THURSDAYS
Start date September 14 unless otherwise noted
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-115: Interpretative Landscapes in Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils
Level 3 to 4
Instructor: Judy Mayer-Grieve
Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Using photographic, memory or imaginative references, an interpretive landscape painting is a creative and subjective representation of nature that goes beyond simple observation, aiming to evoke a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty and power of the natural world. Every student in this class is encouraged to follow their unique personal preferences and vision. Principles such as composition, design, colour value, and a fearless approach to landscape painting is highly encouraged and supported. Demonstrations and reviews of accomplished contemporary landscape artists will be discussed in this class. Material List
"I thoroughly enjoyed my recent class with Judy Mayer-Grieve. She was positive and helpful."
"udy is an excellent teacher, very supportive. I learned a lot and highly recommend her class."
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-116: Folk Art Painting - Acrylics - SOLD OUT
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Susan Del Bianco
Thursdays, 7pm to 10pm
This is a class for anybody interested in learning to paint simplistically, joyfully. You will learn to draw and paint subjects that include quaint homes, pets, florals and more in the folk art style but with a colourful, modern twist. Sue will provide you with a strong foundation in folk art painting with exercises on colour mixing, brush techniques, paint application and blending. Painting folk art will bring a smile to your day as you learn to capture the warm, simplistic and whimsical style that typifies folk art painting. Folk art painting - requires no previous artistic training or drawing skill. Materials List
"What fun. Never painted before - really enjoyed learning with Susan"
"I enjoyed my course and the instructor, Susan del Bianco, she made it something to look forward to each week."
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S2-117: The Play of Light in Impressionistic Landscapes - Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils
Level 2
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Thursdays, 7pm to 10pm
Impressionist landscape painting with a focus on light, bring a luminous quality to your paintings you’ve never thought possible. In this class you will learn to think, see, and plan a light filled landscape in a modern impressionist style. Tritan will have you participate in small, enriching exercises that promote learning to see with an impressionist eye. Discover how colour relationships, composition, shadows, light and shapes play a part in conveying a strong visual statement. Understand how the impressionistic masters interpreted their landscapes with a minimum of imagery. Tritan will encourage and inspire you to discover your inner Impressionist. Demos and lots of individual attention.Materials List
"Tritan is not only an accomplished artist but also great teacher. Week after week he generously supported us based on our level. "
" I had a wonderful experience with Tritan. He is encouraging and provides valuable and honest feedback on my paintings."
Gift Certificates are available
Unsure if you are a beginner or intermediate?
Level 1 Beginner: You have little or no prior art experience.
Level 1+ Advanced Beginner: You have some experience and training in the medium. You are looking to develop technique, design and compositional skills.
Level 2 Intermediate: You understand the techniques and tools of the medium. You have good drawing and design skills, and the ability to work independently.
Level 3 Intermediate to Advanced: You have experience, confidence, and competency in the medium and well developed design skills. You are looking for artistic growth, technical and conceptual challenges and critiques.
OAS Class Refund Policy :
In the event that the required number of registrants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the class up to one day prior to the starting date.
Payments for classes cancelled by the OAS will be fully refunded. Student withdrawals made at least 7 days prior to class start will be subject to a $25.00 administration fee.
Please note: Due to the nature of our operation there will be absolutely no refunds given after the 7 day period before the starting date of a class.
All withdrawals must be made in writing and sent to info@oakvilleartsociety.com
The Fine Print :
- When you signup online you will receive a class confirmation emailed to you
- Registrations should be received a minimum of one week prior to class start
- Adult classes are geared to ages 18+.
- Adult students provide their own supplies and plastic table cloths (readily availabe at the $ store).
- Please note that NO turpentine/linseed oil based solvents will be permitted. Oil painters must clean their brushes with vegetable oil or soap & water. Alternately, water-based oil paints are available at all art suppliers.
- Start dates are estimates only and may be subject to change.
- All students have the right to learn in a positive and creative environment. If any student disrupts the learning of others, or is disrespectful towards others, he or she will be given one warning by the instructor. In the case of a child the parent/guardian will be notified in writing by the program coordinator. Failure to correct the disruptive behaviour will result in the student's removal from the course with no reimbursement of fees.
- The OAS does not offer make-up classes for students who are unable to attend scheduled classes.
- Payment must accompany registration. You may pay for your classes and workshops through our secure payment gateway. These are secured transactions and your credit card information is never stored. If you wish, you may ask to have a Paypal invoice sent to you.
- Weather-related closures will be posted on Twitter
The OAS is a registered Canadian charitable organization.
We are wheelchair accessible and scent free.
