-
Sometimes the hardest part of a painting is knowing how to finish it. Do you have a painting that has been sitting unfinished because you can't quite figure out what it needs? Perhaps you have a small painting that you really like and would love to develop into a larger work. Or maybe you've simply reached a point where you are no longer sure what to do next. This class is designed to help you solve those problems.Bring a painting you are struggling with, an unfinished work, or a smaller painting that you would like to develop on a larger scale. We will look at the work together and discuss what is working, what might need changing and what possibilities you have for moving the painting forward. This will be a collaborative and interactive class, with everyone having the opportunity to look at the paintings being worked on and offer ideas and suggestions. There is a great deal to learn from seeing how another artist approaches a problem. I will also bring some of my own unfinished paintings. The painting shown with this class is one of mine — it is unfinished, and I am not completely happy with it. I will work on this painting during the class and share my thought process as I try to resolve it. You will see how I identify the problems, consider different solutions, make changes and work toward a painting that I am more satisfied with. Sometimes we learn just as much from figuring out what isn't working as we do from creating a successful painting. This class is about learning how to look at your work with fresh eyes, make decisions with confidence, and discover ways to bring a painting to a satisfying conclusion.
-
Out of stockWe all love the painting process and all that delicious colour, but it really starts with a good foundational drawing, whether it's a sketchbook watercolour, or a masterpiece. Don't underestimate the power of good design and structure! This course is different from a regular drawing class, as it's designed with the painting process in mind. We'll be learning about composition, perspective, proportion, structure and more, through studies and practice. If your wondering if your drawing skills are holding back your painting, this will help elevate your understanding and accuracy of the design before you even pick up a brush. Supplies - standard sketchbook (8x10" or similar), hb pencil, eraser, pencil, ink pen (eg. pigma, staedtler, size .3)
-
Out of stockThere is something wonderfully inviting about a boathouse sitting along the edge of a lake. Whether old and weathered or bright and beautifully maintained, these simple structures offer wonderful opportunities for painting. In this class, we will explore boathouses, lakes and the surrounding shoreline, using photographs as our starting point. We will look at how to simplify buildings and structures, while using light, shadow, colour and atmosphere to create paintings with greater depth and interest. Our scenes will include water, trees, sky and shoreline, along with a few people and other small details to bring the paintings to life. I will also show you how I adjust the lighting and shadows from the original photographs to create a stronger and more interesting composition. Boathouses are a great way to become more comfortable with adding buildings and structures to your paintings without becoming overwhelmed by complicated details. Five paintings will be created during this class, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore different compositions and approaches. Click HERE for the Supply List
-
Get seen, get selling! What comes next, after you've painted and accumulated many works of art? It's not luck. Successful artists develop skills beyond their craft. In this course, we'll break down various steps to take to turn your passion into profit. Social media, events, galleries, art fairs, competitions, connecting with the right buyers and more. Shelley has a large following and is known in international art circles. Shelley will help you evaluate your individual goals and find the right path for you. For all painting media, sculpture, fibre arts, photography etc. Supplies - just a notebook and pen/pencil -- really!
-
Back AGAIN by popular demand! Dedicated time to just paint with others in Studio One. Get out of the house, and take your Monday evenings to create anything you wish in this completely informal setting for optimal comfort and focus. This studio time, open to members and non-members, is the perfect opportunity to work on pieces from classes you're taking, or whatever you like. These precious hours involve no formal instruction whatsoever, but feel free to offer / receive feedback and encouragement from others, (as you wish).
-
In this 6-week colour focused course, you’ll learn to mix and paint with acrylic paints according to the rainbow. By focusing on one colour each week, we’ll explore its possibilities in depth by creating (almost) monochromatic paintings of a range of different subjects - think Picasso's paintings from his Blue Period or Van Gogh's Self Portrait (1889). We’ll study what colours harmonize well with each other, value and contrast, colour schemes, and more! You’ll leave this course with a thorough understanding of how to use just a singular colour to achieve depth and emotion. Materials List - Fall Crazy for Colour Acrylic Painting Class - Maia Lee-Thomas
-
This course focuses on drawing and sketching real-life subjects in the form of everyday objects as well as specialized cast statues. The cast statues include depictions of statues and wall decals from the renaissance, casted using white plaster cast. These objects and casts will inspire students to create vividly authentic sketches, allowing them to enrich their artistic talents. With attention to value, form, perspective and proportion, you’ll be sure to learn skills that will further your artistic journey and develop works fueled by technical skill.
-
Every Friday, OAS members gather in both of our studios to paint, connect, trade ideas, and encourage / admire each other's work. The cost is free of charge for all our members, and the experience is priceless. Studios open at 9 am and people linger until mid afternoon.
-
Every Friday, OAS members gather in both of our studios to paint, connect, trade ideas, and encourage / admire each other's work. The cost is free of charge for all our members, and the experience is priceless. Studios open at 9 am and some people linger until mid afternoon.
-
This course is designed for level 2+ students who wish to further develop their painting skills through personalized instruction. Students will strengthen their understanding of color theory, color mixing, light, values, composition, realism, and painting techniques while creating professional-quality artwork. Click HERE for the materials list fall 2026 Mehrzad Jaberi
-
Out of stockLondon is filled with wonderful subjects for painters — from iconic buildings and familiar streets to quiet corners, villages and landscapes beyond the city. In this class, we will explore a selection of London scenes, surrounding towns and villages, landscapes and a seascape. You will learn how to simplify what may initially appear to be complicated subjects into a series of simple shapes and values. We will pay particular attention to light, shadow and colour, discovering how these elements can transform a painting and give buildings and landscapes a sense of atmosphere and place. Rather than trying to paint every detail, we will concentrate on identifying the important shapes and relationships that make a scene work. A new painting will be started in each class, with some additional work to be completed at home. This will give you the opportunity to build a small collection of paintings while developing your understanding of composition, colour and light. (i.e., Five paintings will be created during this class, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore different compositions and approaches.) Click HERE for the Materials List
-
In this fun, energetic course, you will learn a different strategy each class, adding 2 paintings to the series per week. Abstract painting is fun for new and seasoned artists, as well as for either representational or non- representational artists. In this course you will paint ‘in the moment’ - no plans or expectations - enjoying the dance of shape, texture and colour, relying on your ‘gut’ for inspiration. It’s spontaneous, intuitive and fun, and requires a spirit of risk. Abstraction is an open and playful approach to art making that can evolve into a discreet pursuit or aid in fostering creativity generally. Click HERE for the Materials List for Abstract Art (acrylic)
