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 January 8 unless otherwise noted There is no class on Monday, Feb 19 for Family Day
This class is 7 weeks Course Fee: $220 Members: $195
S1-201: Creative Mentoring - Acrylic /Water-Based Oil - SOLD OUT
Level 2 to 3
Instructor: Robin J Mitchell
Mondays, 9:30am - 12:30pm
In this very hands-on class, Robin shows you how to improve your painting ability with lots of tips and tricks. He will help guide you to improve your own work as he does demos on specific areas - trees, water, clouds, grasses, and still life. Robin will touch on colour mixing and offers guidance, tips and tricks that will take your painting from artistic frustration to happy success. Focus of this class is on what you have already created and would like to improve. Please bring in your own artwork and you’ll get the help to make it a painting you will show with pride. Materials List
" I really enjoyed Robin's class. It was informative and helped to develop my skills. "
" Robin's mentoring class was again an enriching experience. He always prepared a lesson that taught many important skills. "
This class is 6 weeks Jan 8 to Feb 12 Course Fee: $190 Members: $165
Please note that the make-up day for any cancelled classes will be held online.
S2-202: Paint the Town in Watercolour
Level 2 to 3
Instructor: Shelley Prior
Mondays, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Paint the places you know and love in watercolour. Cityscapes are alive with colour, people, vehicles, signs and more. There are hundreds of wonderful compositions right outside your front door. This course is to take away the fear of painting busy places in watercolour. No more avoiding man-made elements due to fear of complexity, straight lines and perspective. Shelley will share ideas for learning how to choose good reference material and edit your composition for maximum effect. Focusing on a point of interest and learning to simplify other architectural elements will help you create vibrant scenes of your neighbourhood in watercolour. 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 6 weeks Jan 8 to Feb 12 Course Fee: $190 Members: $165
Please note that the make-up day for any cancelled classes will be held online.
S2-203: Dramatic Skies in Watercolour
Level 2 to 3
Instructor: Shelley Prior
Mondays, 1pm to 4pm
There's nothing more awe-inspiring than a gorgeous sunset/sunrise, northern lights, stormy clouds or a starry night. They never get old and are often the main attraction in a composition. We're going to paint a variety of landscapes with many types of weather conditions and times of day. Learn to select the right materials, colours, plan your process and execute with confidence for a fresh, rich result in watercolour. No more muddy or streaky skies! Work from provided references or your own. Materials List
" My understanding and technical comfort of in watercolour painting has improved by leaps and bounds, with helpful instructions given by Shelley. "
" Shelley not only knows how to paint with watercolour, but she is a wonderful TEACHER too ! Learned a lot ! "
This class is 6 weeks Start Date January 15 Course Fee: $190 Members: $165
S1-204: Paint the Forest - Impressionist Style in Water-Based Oil
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 trees and forests with expressive brushwork and a keen use of colour. Work alongside Barbara as she demos soft impressionistic woodlands 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 works, in a unique style that is unmistakable. Materials List
"Very knowledgeable, upbeat and encouraging. She was always well prepared for every class. Excellent!"
"Barbara is generous with her time and materials and is always gentle with her feedback. I would highly recommend Barbara as an instructor, as well as this course and any course taught by Barbara."
This class is 7 weeks Course Fee: $185 Members: $160
S1-205: The Art of Play- Abstracts for Beginners in Acrylics
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Carolyn Hassard
Mondays, 6:30pm to 9pm
This course is designed for the beginner painter who would like to discover the expressive and experiential nature of abstract painting. Carolyn will introduce you to techniques and materials as you explore the development of abstract forms and find the balance between spontaneity and control. Learn to subtract, expand, isolate, redefine, and translate from a photo or sketch - to create abstract forms. There are no mistakes in this class, just the freedom and joy to connect with your creative self. Lots of demos, fun and creative explorations! Materials list
" Hands Down…….Carolyn ran the most informative, amazing class! "
" I would definitely recommend this class to anyone looking to expand their minds and skills. "
This class is 7 weeks Course Fee: $220 Members: $195
S2-206: Group of Seven’s Painting Styles - Acrylic or Water-Based Oil
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Susan Del Bianco
Mondays, 7pm to 10pm
In this class you will learn how to reproduce a painting by one of Canada’s most famous and beloved artists, the Group of Seven. Whether you are just beginning or have a little experience, this class helps take the fear out of painting to create your own version of these masterpieces. In the first weeks, Susan will teach you how to break down, simplify and create your own Group of Seven painting. Once your first project is completed, and using the same techniques, you’ll move on to another artist that captures your interest. Lots of one-on-one guidance and encouragement to develop your own creative style. 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."
TUESDAYS
Start date January 9 unless otherwise noted
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-207: The Joys of Drawing for Absolute Beginners
Level 1
Instructor: Saja Rabah
Tuesdays,9:30am - 12:30pm
Drawing is the foundation in visual arts, and anyone can learn to draw! In this class Saja will make basic drawing fun as she starts you out with the essentials: line and contour, shape and form, then moves on to help you understand light and shadow, space and depth, proportion and perspective. She takes a contemporary approach to the basics of drawing and offers creative methods that are easy to follow and understand. This course will expose absolute beginners to the joys of drawing. Materials List
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-208: Painting Foundations in Acrylics
Level 1+
Instructor: Heather deHaan
Tuesdays, 1pm to 4pm
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 colour theory, 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 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: $250 Members: $220
S2-209: The Joy of the Art Journal
Level 1 to 1+
Instructor: Carolyn Hassard
Tuesdays, 1pm to 4pm
A low-pressure way to make art anywhere, anytime with anything, art journalling sparks and nurtures creativity. This course, for novices and established artists alike, will review strategies for generating ideas and will inspire possibilities for developing them intuitively. Carolyn will have you experimenting and playing with materials, media, colour and mark making to launch a dynamic journal / sketchbook that can be a work of art in itself, while also sustaining and enriching your broader art practice. One journaling strategy and one art theory concept will be presented each week in the first 15 minutes to (optionally) add to your repertoire. We will also explore concertinas and binding. A fun and inspiring class that builds confidence in your creative journey. Material List
Carolyn is very encouraging and always full of great ideas!
I'll be signing up for Carolyn's class again next term. It's a pleasure to be in her class.
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S2-210: The Art of the Landscape in Acrylics/Water-Based Oil
Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Tuesdays, 7pm to 10pm
In this class you will explore the tradition techniques of landscape painting. Learn how to simplify your sketch in order to capture the essential aspects of your chosen scene. Tritan will emphasize the fundamentals of a good painting such as perspective, light and form, colour, and composition. Lots of demos and encouragement to take your painting from start to finish. Material List
"An incredible and knowledgeable instructor! I learned so much"
"Tritan is friendly, well prepared and encouraging"
WEDNESDAYS
Start date January 10 unless otherwise noted
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-211: Pushing the Envelope of Abstraction Acrylics/Water-Based Oil
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 4 weeks Course Fee: $125 Members: $110
S2-212: The Art of Drawing Well
Level 1+ to 2
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Drawing is often a first step for developing a painting, but drawing and drawing well is also a pleasurable and fulfilling end in itself. In this class Diana will teach you all about rendering forms, shading, quality of line, how to control values and organize the overall composition. Learn successful techniques through demos and individual instruction. This class best suited to those who have some drawing skills or want to improve. 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 8 weeks Course Fee: $170 Members: $150
S1-213: Still Life Paintings - Making Small Works of Art in Acrylics
Level 1+
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 4 pm
There are many steps required to learn the fine art of realism. In this class you will learn to draw and paint and see like an artist. Tritan will take you through the steps to paint a small successful still life: developing a concept, setting it up, and building your painting while keeping design and story in mind. Learn to draw the important shapes, shadows, and highlights and fit them in your composition. Understand how to approach surfaces such as metal, wood, glass, and porcelain. The basics of painting: composition, values, edges and paint quality will be stressed. Each step builds on the previous one, so you constantly refine your skills. Lots of demos and one on one. Best suited to those who have some drawing and painting knowledge. 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
S2-214: Canadian Winter Landscape in Watercolour
Level 1+
Instructor: Diana Lee
Wednesdays, 1pm to 4pm
Explore the magical effects of watercolour as you paint a winter wonderland. The winter season with its unique conditions of, snow, ice and light is a beautiful time of year. 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 so much more. Although much of the landscape is covered in white - it isn’t truly white, snow often reflects the colours in the sky and wonderful shades of blue in cast shadows. Learn to use light, shadow, and reflected colour to describe to the viewer the contours of the landscape. Diana will build confidence in how to handle this medium and help you develop your own unique style. 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 Start Date Feb 7th Course Fee: $125 Members: $110
S2-215: Draw with Confidence: From Basic to Brilliant
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."
"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 Feb 7th Course Fee: $125 Members: $110
S2-216: Plants and Flowers in Watercolour
Level 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. 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 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S2-217: Watercolour for Beginners
Level 1
Instructor: Diane McEntee
Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Watercolour has a mind of its own. In this course, Diane, takes you on a watercolour adventure where you learn to simplify and control the fascinating interaction between water, paint, and paper. From florals to scenery, learn several tools and techniques watercolourists use to develop and enhance their paintings. Take advantage of photographic inspiration while practicing how to eliminate unnecessary details. This class will build confidence in how to handle this medium (which can at times be intimidating and frustrating) and help you develop your own unique style. 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 January 11 unless otherwise noted
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-218: Landscape Painting w/ optional Mixed Media - Acrylic/Water-Based Oil
Level 3 to 4
Instructor: Judy Mayer-Grieve
Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
This landscape class, with the option of adding mixed medium, 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. 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 thoroughly enjoyed my recent class with Judy Mayer-Grieve. She was positive and helpful."
"Judy 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
S1-219: Sketching to Painting for the Artist - Acrylic/Water-Based Oil - SOLD OUT
Level 2 to 3
Instructor: Robin Mitchell
Thursdays, 1pm to 4pm
Painting and sketching can be enjoyable and easy, but too often we get bogged down with details. In this class Robin shows you how to sketch a scene quickly and easily, then use these sketches as a foundation for a painting or keep as drawn memories of your vacations. He will teach you how look at a scene and deconstruct its elements quickly. Learn to capture basic shapes; locate the source of light; divide the scene into planes for accurate perspective and colour values. Understand key concepts and artistic principles to render the setting, mood, people, and activity accurately and easily and how to employ them into your paintings. Materials List
" I really enjoyed Robin's class. It was informative and helped to develop my skills. "
" Robin's mentoring class was again an enriching experience. He always prepared a lesson that taught many important skills. "
This class is 8 weeks Course Fee: $250 Members: $220
S1-220: Folk Art Painting - Acrylics
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
S2-221: The Impressionistic Landscape from Drawing to Finished Painting - Acrylic/Water-Based Oil
Level 2
Instructor: Tritan Braho
Thursdays, 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. 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.
The OAS is a registered Canadian charitable organization.
We are wheelchair accessible and scent free.
