Art Classes

Adult Classes

Each studio is equipped with a Hepa Filter air purifier and air circulation fan

In-Studio Classes:

MONDAYS

Start date April 10 unless otherwise noted Note: There is no class on Monday, May 22 for Victoria Day

This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220

S2-301: Glowing Watercolours

Level 3 to 3+
Instructor: Shelley Prior
Mondays, 9:30am - 12:30pm

In this session we will explore how to avoid flat, lifeless watercolours. We will learn about planning, glazing and creating that gorgeous glow that makes watercolour amazing. You will gain further knowledge of light, shadow, colour temperature and transparency to help you create watercolour paintings that are alive with light and colour. The concepts in this class can be applied to a variety of subject matter. 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 Course Fee: $250 Members: $220

S1-302: Painting Foundations in Acrylics

Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Heather deHaan
Mondays, 6:30pm to 9:30pm

This course is designed for artists with some basic acrylic painting experience who are interested in being challenged and supported in the creative process. Artist Instructor Heather will encourage you to strengthen your core painting skills in composition, colour, brushwork, techniques and more! This course is designed to get you moving beyond the “comfort zone” in your practice. Get a refresh on basic color theory, with time to explore and develop your own personal style as you learn to trust the creative process and your intuition. New paintings weekly with lots of demonstrations and independent painting in a relaxed communal setting. 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

S2-303: Adventures in Painting Styles Water-soluble Oils or Acrylics

Level 1 to 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 developing skills, your own individual style and creativity. 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 April 11 unless otherwise noted

This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220

S1-304: Painting Flowers in the Impressionist Landscape - Water-based Oil or Acrylic

Level 1+ to 2
Instructor: Wendy Pride
Tuesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm

"April Showers Bring May Flowers". If you have wanted to paint distant fields of flowers, gardens along the path, or lilies in the pond, this is the course you have been waiting for. Learn to mix vibrant and subtle floral colours and essential greens; placing these beautiful spots of colour onto the canvas in a thoughtful and impressionistic way. The importance of colour relationships, values, edges, and brushwork in creating a variety of flower included compositions from photographs will be highlighted. Wendy will share essential floral painting tips taught to her by the late OPA master floral painter and author, Joyce Pike. Materials List
Please note: There is no class on April 25th- it will be made up on June 6th

"Wendy was so well prepared with lessons, graphics and examples"

" It was obvious that she is an experienced artist with deep knowledge about art and painting. She was kind, enthusiastic and supportive. "

This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220 - SOLD OUT

S1-305: From Paper to Canvas - Acrylics

Level 1+
Instructor: Heather deHaan
Tuesdays, 1pm to 4pm

This course is designed to integrate drawing skills with painting. Heather will teach you how to develop and refine a drawing, to see and draw shapes, forms and planes, and to capture light and shade. You will build on these key lessons in drawing then learn how to translate this information onto canvas. Explore colour mixing and blending, tone, form, texture & composition using a range of techniques. Unleash your inner artist and gain confidence and valuable insights into drawing and painting. Lots of demos and individual attention. Materials List to folllow

"Heather made the experience positive and fun!"

"Heather is such an awesome teacher. Very laid back style, very welcoming and encouraging"

This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $170 Members: $150

S2-306: 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.

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

S2-307: Painting Landscapes in Impressionism - Water-Soluble Oils or Acrylics

Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Tuesdays, 7pm to 10pm

In this class you will focus on the use of light to paint exciting, luminous impressionistic paintings. With exercises that promote learning to see with an impressionist eye, Tritan will explore the use of light and shadow to create interesting compositions and achieve dynamic results. Discover how colour relationships, edges, composition, values, 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. Painting from photographs you will learn to think, see and plan the landscape in a modern impressionist style. Every season will bring new lessons to learn, so this is a perfect course for continuing your artistic education as you focus on developing skills, your own individual style and creativity. 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 April 12 unless otherwise noted

This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220

S1-308: Abstract by Instinct with Mixed Media - Acrylic /Water Based Oil -SOLD OUT Instructor: Judy Mayer-Grieve

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

S2-309: The Art of Drawing Well

Level 1 to 2
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

S1-310: Making Small Still Life Works of Art - Acrylics Instructor: Tritan Braho

Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Wednesdays, 1 pm to 4 pm

Still Life is the most practical subject matter for learning and teaching the basic techniques of drawing and painting. The art of still life is to depict everyday objects in ways that lets the viewer see them differently. Working from still-life arrangements, Tritan will teach you how to create compelling compositions, achieve depth, and render realistic textures. You will learn to keep it simple, as sometimes a single object beautifully painted is more compelling and visually interesting than a number of objects crammed together. Learn the the tips and tricks that captures the inanimate beauty of the everyday from first marks to final details. Every season brings new lessons to learn, so this is a perfect course for continuing your artistic education as you focus on developing skills, your own individual style and creativity. 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 This class starts April 12 Course Fee: $125 Members: $110

S2-311: Beginning Watercolour, You Can Do It!

Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 1pm to 4pm

If you have always wanted to try watercolour but been afraid to, or become discouraged, take heart! In this class Diana will teach you all the techniques, tools and tricks to start you on your way to becoming the watercolour artist you have always wanted to be. Learn the basics of watercolour painting including—paint, brush, paper, value, colour mixing, wash, wet-in-wet, wet-over-dry. Gain an understanding of how colour moves, layering, light, and composition.A wonderful opportunity to gain quality insights and dispel your fears as you venture into the beautiful world of watercolour painting. Each season will bring new lessons to learn, so this is a perfect course for continuing your artistic education as you focus on developing skills, your own individual style and creativity. 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 May 10 Course Fee: $125 Members: $110

S2-312: Painting Florals in Watercolour

Level 1 to 2
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 1pm to 4pm

In this class Diana will teach you all you need to know to get started with painting flowers in watercolour in simple, easy steps. She will give you a good grounding in this medium and teach you all the techniques, tools and tricks to start you on your way to becoming the watercolour artist you have always wanted to be. Learn the basics of watercolour painting including—paint, brush, paper, value, colour mixing, wash, wet-in-wet, wet-over-dry. Gain an understanding of floral details, leaves and textures, layering, light, and composition. A wonderful opportunity to gain quality insights and dispel your fears as you venture into the beautiful world of watercolour painting. 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"

THURSDAYS

Start date April 13 unless otherwise noted

This class is 4 weeks This class starts April 13 Course Fee: $125 Members: $110

S1-313: Ekphrastic Poems - Acrylic /Water Based Oil

Level 3 to 4
Instructor: Judy Mayer-Grieve
Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm

Art and Literature are bound together in several ways, and great works of literature have inspired impressive art. These classes are designed to explore how poetry can come to life in spontaneous visual expression and how visual art and themes arises through the inspiration of poetry. Each week a different student is asked to read a favourite short poem and then inspired by this poem you are encouraged to spontaneously draw or paint your impressions. Discussion with presentations to follow. Visual expression could include images, shapes and / or colours. This class is for experienced painters that wish to be challenged to think outside the box and really get creative. 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 4 weeks This class starts May 11 Course Fee: $125 Members: $110

S1-314: Mixed Media / Abstract Painting Class- Acrylic /Water Based Oil

Level 3 to 4
Instructor: Judy Mayer-Grieve
Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm

This mixed media / abstract class is offered to the more advanced student who likes to push boundaries and techniques and enjoys a sense of play while learning more about personal creative growth in visual art. Mixed media is optional and can include a variety of materials and subject matter. Please discuss this with your instructor. Judy encourages your individual creative expression and development. Prepare for excitement and fun. Push your creative comfort levels to new heights. Large canvas / surfaces are encouraged but not necessary in this invigorating painting class! Composition, colour balance and consistent techniques is the foundation for this class. Material List

"I have taken this class many times because Judy is a supportive, knowledgeable teacher who has helped me grow significantly as an artist."

"Judy’s class is excellent. I look forward to it each term"

This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220

S1-315: Whimsical Folk Art Painting in Acrylics

Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Susan Del Bianco
Thursdays, 7pm to 10pm

This class is an adventure into the whimsical world of folk art painting. Sue will provide you with a strong foundation in folk art painting with exercises on colour mixing, brush techniques, paint application and blending. 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. 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. Each season will bring new lessons to learn, so this is a perfect course for continuing your artistic education as you focus on developing skills, your own individual style and creativity. 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

S2-316: Interpreting the Landscape in Impressionism - Acrylics

Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Thursdays, 7pm to 10pm

In this class you will focus on the use of light to paint exciting, luminous impressionistic paintings. With exercises that promote learning to see with an impressionist eye, Tritan will explore the use of light and shadow to create interesting compositions and achieve dynamic results. Discover how colour relationships, edges, composition, values, 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. Painting from photographs you will learn to think, see and plan the landscape in a modern impressionist style. Demos and lots of individual attention. Each season will bring new lessons to learn, so this is a perfect course for continuing your artistic education as you focus on developing skills, your own individual style and creativity. 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?

Class Levels:

Level 1 Beginner: You have little or no prior art experience.

Level 2 Beginner+: You have basic experience and some training in the medium. You are looking to develop technique, design and compositional skills.

Level 3 Intermediate: You understand the techniques and tools of the medium. You have good drawing and design skills, and the ability to work independently.

Level 4 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. The OAS does not offer monetary refunds, discounts, make-up classes or credits for students who are unable to attend scheduled classes.
If you have questions about these policies please call before you enroll. All cancellations must be made in writing via email 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.