Art Classes
Salt Spring Island Painters Guild is dedicated to promoting artistic expression and creativity in the local community. We offer a variety of art classes for painting and drawing, suitable for artists of all skill levels. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the techniques and methods used in creating beautiful works of art. Come and join us and discover the joy of creating art in a supportive and friendly environment.
Become a Member here in order to register for classes:
Once you have purchased your Annual Membership
you can register for the following classes:
Cancellation Policy
Refunds for withdrawal from an instructed or mentored workshop will be issued if one withdraws at least 14 days prior to the instructed workshop. To cancel your registration, 14 days prior to the workshop, contact the registrar. Exceptions for refunds (medical or family emergency) post 14 days will be considered at the discretion of the registrar at ssipg@hotmail.com.
Foundation: Freehand Drawing/Rendering the Figure (and face)
Date: January 10, 2024
Time: 09:30 – 4:00
Instructor: Don Hodgins, AFCA
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: any and all
Medium: all
Price: $55
Max Participants: 14
Drawing the human figure, including the face, is a stimulating and (sometimes) satisfying endeavour. As with most everything else, there are some methods, tips, techniques and styles that help you to get a good result. This applies to both life drawing, and drawing as the first step in a painting. In this class, Don will show you the stuff he knows and coach you through some drawings of your own. Your day will unwind like this: * Slide presentation – drawing ‘heroes’ styles to get you in the groove. * Slide presentation (why freehand draw, picking a style, how to draw the figure, measuring, identifying shapes - forgetting nouns, what to include, what to exclude…) with a whole bunch more of style examples (none of which include the ‘academy method’), * Drawing from projected images (e.g., pencil/charcoal on paper) – you will draw with measuring, placing guide marks, outline drawing, adding values (shades), * Break for lunch * 2-hour session with a live model (some short poses, one pose for 60 minutes), this is a chance for you to explore styles and a variety of mediums (water soluble pencils, pastels, paint, water soluble charcoal, pen & ink, whatever fires your imagination), * Brief wrap-up discussion of what you have learned and drawn during the day. Don will bring in many examples of his work, from life drawing and as step one in preparing a painting. There will also be handouts of the slides for each of you. Materials: if you have been drawing for a while, bring whatever materials you usually use, or check below. -Pencils (2H, B 3B), charcoal, conté crayon, pastel, ink pen, etc. -Drawing paper (something a little better than newsprint) or sketch book, but not a tiny sketch book, at least 9” x 12” or larger -Something painterly – water soluble coloured pencils (Don will demo with these), water soluble charcoal pencils, watercolour paints, pastels, acrylic or oil paint (being realistic about how far you get with oil or acrylic paint mediums in a couple of hours) -Appropriate support for whichever medium(s) you choose (please use decent watercolour paper for water-soluble materials). -You also need to decide on how to support your support: we have some easels available or bring a piece of plywood to which you can clip your paper or pad. Instructor: Don is a signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and has successfully entered over forty juried exhibitions at the FCA, and has had his artwork in the Sooke Fine Arts Show and the Sidney Fine Art Show on several occasions. He has also been a juror for the FCA for several years. And, well, he draws a lot.
Transforming the Mundane to the Compelling
*Due to weather, rescheduled for March 27
Date: January 17, 2024
Time: 9:30 – 4:00
Instructor: José Campbell
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: All
Medium: All
Price: $40
Max Participants: 16
Have you ever entered a gallery and been instantly captured by one painting? Using the fundaments of composition, we will try to discover how the artist achieved this effect. Then create our own “compelling” painting. The focus will be on using the artist’s tools: placement, value, colour, shapes, texture, lines and direction. Several large set-ups will be available for those who prefer working from life. Bring your easel to give the flexibility of angles and better access. There is a huge advantage working from life, but if you prefer, reference photos will be available. You are welcome to bring your own photo. Participants will complete several thumbnail sketches working out placement and determining large value masses. Remember squint to see value masses. Using the best thumbnail sketch, do a simple drawing onto the canvas. Then start to paint. Throughout the painting process, check to see if you’re using the “artist’s tools”, (mentioned above). The instructor will demo as needed as well as being available for one-on-one guidance. Materials: -Standup easel, (for water colours tables are available) -Sketch book & pencils or pens -1 or 2 canvases, canvas paper or water colour paper – maximum size 11” x 14” -Board to support your paper -Painting kit - paints & brushes (colours-2 yellow, 2 reds & 2 blue –1 warm & 1 cool) -If using oils – odorless mineral spirits (in a sealed container & used sparingly) -Paper towel and bag to dispose all paint related garbage
Open painting session: Clothed Figure (live model)
Date: January 24, 2024
Time: 9:30- 3:30pm
Mentor: no instruction (Jeannie Paynter will mentor)
Location: Artspring
Levels: All
Medium: All
Price: $45
Max Participants: 14
Come and take your inspiration from a female model in costume! We will select a dress from the local theatre community’s costume hoard, and set up the model with a colourful backdrop. Medium and style and level are open to all, including drawing. Bring your ideas, or come with an open mind and take your cue from the set-up. There will no instruction, but the mentor is always happy to answer questions. There will be a few short ‘warm-up’ poses to sketch, then one sustained pose for painting. This will be a six hour session. The model will be present for 5 hours which allows for about 3 hours of posing time. Photography will be permitted for reference. Materials List: Please bring your own supplies. Our Guild easels will be available, but there are a limited number of these, so if you have your own portable, it would be good to bring it. Suggested supplies: Media and support of your choice, sketchbook, camera, brushes/tools, and solvent (water is available), portable easel if available.
Foundations – Watercolour Basics
Date: January 31, 2024
Time: 9:30-3:00
Instructor: Julie Bowen
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: All
Medium: Watercolour
Participants: Max 16
Price: $45
Watercolour can be a rewarding and frustrating medium to use – sometimes through the course of a single painting. But with some practice, and some understanding of the interactions between paint, water and paper, watercolour can be a very versatile and somewhat more predictable painting medium. This class will focus on exercises to practice different types of washes, ways of layering washes, tools for maintaining the white of the paper, and explore the different qualities of watercolour paint (opacity, granulation, transparency etc) and what opportunities come from these qualities. Along with the happy accidents that occur in watercolour, there are the accidents that one wants to undo such as unwanted edges, blooms, and unwanted marks or blots. Techniques to tackle these will also be explored in demos and exercises. The afternoon will be given over to working on a painting that uses some of these techniques. A couple of options of photos will be available to paint from, but feel free to bring your own. Materials: -Drawing materials (sketch book or pad, hard and soft pencils) -Watercolours – best to have a wide range of artist quality paints. -Watercolour paper pad for the exercises of at least 140lb (can be a smaller size), and loose or a pad of paper for the afternoon painting (larger size). Bio: A recent transplant to Salt Spring Island, I have been painting wildlife in watercolour for many years. My style leans toward realism and I strive to capture some aspect of the character of the bird or animal I am painting. I am currently represented by Two Horse Gallery in Hunstville, Ontario. Website: https://juliebowenartist.com
Foundation: Colour, Intensity and Perspective Management
Date: February 7, 2024
Time: 09:30 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Don Hodgins, AFCA
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: any and all
Medium: all
Price: $45
Max Participants: 16
Most successful paintings deploy a sophisticated use of colour, with variations of intensity, and using semi-neutrals along with a range of values. This applies to all subjects, although perhaps in slightly different ways. With landscape work you create perspective and focus; for figure and still life the emphasis can be on making certain intense colours stand out and sing. Always, the objective is to capture and hold the viewer’s attention. We will define the concepts: colour, intensity, and value – what they mean, what your options are, and how to achieve what you want in a painting. Stepping forward, we’ll then look at neutrals and semi-neutrals: why and how to mix them, when and where to use them. This will be done with a slide presentation with copies for you. Much of this material will build upon Susan Roger’s workshop last fall, but you don’t have to have taken it to get the most of out this one. We’ll then see how these concepts work in landscape paintings to illustrate creating aerial perspective (in addition to linear perspective), giving the painting a strong sense of depth of field. All that should all take an hour or so, then we’ll do some painting. I'll supply an iconic SSI image of a building/landscape to use as a subject (it's chosen to let you explore a range of colour/intensity options). The drill will be to do a quick thumbnail design sketch (during which you make all the important decisions), finalize your choice of colours/intensities and values, transfer image to you support, and paint away. Don will help y’all with problems, advice, etc. and do little demos as necessary. [You may work on a different reference image if you like – still life, figure, whatever - but you will still be required to choose and explain your colour management scheme.] We’ll wind up with a summary discussion before going our separate ways. Materials: -Sketch pad/paper pad for design sketches, hard and soft pencils -Your usual painting kit for whichever medium you plan on using. -Canvas/canvas pads for paint 16 x 12 inches or larger (you’ll find it easier to paint a bit larger rather than too small). decent quality w/c paper for watercolours. -Usual paper towels, garbage bags, etc. for painting and clean-up. Instructor: Don is a signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and has successfully entered over forty juried exhibitions at the FCA, and has had his artwork in the Sooke Fine Arts Show and the Sidney Fine Art Show on several occasions. He has also been a juror for the FCA for several years.
Loosen Up!
Date: February 14 and 21, 2024
Time: 09:30 – 04:00
Instructor: Mel Williamson
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Medium: Oil paint (or acrylic – see note)
Price: $110
Max Participants: 12
Practice some fun and looser approaches to painting. Build your skills and try some free and energetic approaches in this fun workshop! Rather than working within pre-constructed guidelines, you will learn to let your brushstrokes gradually expose an image. We will look at examples, see some demonstrations and discuss how and why we might want to paint more loosely. We will then use exercises to loosen up and paint at a faster pace, prioritizing exploration and practice, above tight representation. With a mix of fluid brushwork and selective sharp detail, you can create a painting that reveals your subject, while retaining a sense of mystery and energy. Reference images will be provided. Materials: - Oil paint, artist grade recommended (e.g., Mel uses Gamblin Oil Paint) Ivory Black Titanium White Cadmium Red Light/Med Yellow Ochre *optional add: Cadmium Yellow Medium and Phthalo Blue, Quinacridone Magenta - Mediums: Gamsol or other Odorless Mineral Sprits (not paint thinner please) Galkyd Fluid Medium (or Solvent Free Medium or Walnut Alkyd) *optional Galkyd Gel or Solvent Free Gel - Brushes: Please bring at least two medium-size brushes (eg. 1/4-1/2” across) and one smaller one. My favourites are hog bristle (eg. Simmons or Princeton Refine or other) size #6/#8 Egbert or Long Filbert. But it’s okay to bring what you have and like best, just make sure one or two are at least medium in size. *Note: Oil paint is recommended, but if you would prefer to use acrylic paint, please bring Golden OPEN acrylics. Or use a retarder medium such as Golden OPEN thinner, with standard acrylic paints. The technique in this workshop will require paint that stays wet and workable. If you'd like to have a gel medium, try Golden Clear Tar Gel. - Canvas Pad eg. Fredrix Brand, approximately 9x12” / 11x14” + - Palette wax paper palette is great, or whatever you’re used to (eg. butcher tray or or wood). - Easel table easel or a standing easel Plus: - two small jars or cups (that can hold OMS) masking tape - a pencil - notebook, if you like - roll of shop towel / paper towel - small garbage bag to remove your rags and other paint-related materials - Piece of cardboard or board to support your image *an open mind! (sounds cheesy, but please come prepared to try something new!) *a pizza box (optional, but great way to transport wet paintings)
Journey to Abstraction
Date: February 28,2024
Time: 9:30-4.00
Instructor: Gillian McConnell
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: All
Medium: all water-based paints and all drawing materials are suitable
Price: $45
Max Participants: 16
Join us on this journey to abstraction. This one day workshop will give you a greater understanding of what abstraction really means, information on the types of abstract art and abstract movements, and what underlies them. Learn simple methods that will help you: -abstract visual elements from your environment distil the essence of feelings, sensations, and energy through mark-making and memory -translate abstract thoughts into visual symbols -harness the elements and principles of composition to transform your abstractions into compelling works of art. In the morning session, we will undertake some fun exercises to help us see abstractly, by: -cropping images -isolating patterns and negative spaces -simplifying complex objects experiencing the sensate, emotional and spiritual power of colour -undertaking mark-making as an expression of sensation, emotion, language, memory and imagination In the afternoon session, we will create an abstract work in paint and/or mixed media based on our creations from the morning exercises. Prerequisites: enthusiasm, an open mind and willingness to have fun. This workshop is suitable for artists of all levels. Materials: Drawing materials – please bring whatever materials you like to draw with (charcoal, graphite, coloured pencils, crayons, pastels etc.). Gillian will also bring a variety of materials for you to use in the workshop if you do not have much. Please bring scissors, a ruler, a fine tipped marker or black gel pen, a pencil, eraser and a notebook. Gillian will provide some handouts. Paints – please bring acrylics if you have them. Water colours are also suitable. Water soluble crayons and coloured pencils are also suitable. If you need to buy some paints, get acrylics in a basic palette (sometimes these come in a set). I recommend a warm red (Cadmium), a cool red (Alizarin or Napthol), Ultramarine or Cobalt blue, a warm yellow (Cadmium), a cool yellow (Hansa), Titanium White, Carbon or Ivory black. Dioxazine Violet is a good addition as violet cannot be mixed. Substrates – please bring paper you can paint on, or draw on with water-soluble drawing media. Also bring some drawing paper (heavier than butchers paper). Bring a substrate for your painting/mixed media work in the afternoon (this can be a stretched canvas, a cradled panel, a canvas board, illustration board or heavy water colour paper. This will need to be a minimum of 16 x 20in in size (preferably larger). It can be square or rectangular. You are welcome to bring more than one. Gillian will provide some lighter drawing paper for some of the exercises. * Please bring an image of an abstract work of art that you like. Instructor bio: Gillian McConnell holds a BFA (Hons) with a major in Printmaking and a minor in Art History, from Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario (1980). An interdisciplinary and conceptual artist, Gillian creates representational, abstract and symbolic works in a variety of media. She has curated and participated in many exhibitions on Salt Spring Island and in Southeast Queensland since 1998. Gillian has been facilitating art classes for the Painters Guild, Workshops on the Rock, Artist in the Class and independently, since 2004.
Poetic Landscapes
Date: March 6, 2024
Time: 9:30 - 4:00
Instructor: Bernadette Mertens-McAllister
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: All (with some experience using acrylic paints)
Medium: Multimedia - acrylic, photographs and words
Price: $45
Max Participants: 14
Come and explore how to express yourself in your art! Multimedia really gives you an unlimited choice of material to work with. The focus, however in this workshop, is to discover the essence of a familiar place/landscape and your personal relationship with it. We will combine a photograph (the realistic part of your landscape) and the abstract components (your feelings about it). In your ”Poetic Landscape” I’m also inviting you to incorporate written words in your art piece. Working simultaneously on two wooden panels (provided), the complexity and yet simple dialogue between you and the painting will unfold. Let’s not forget the importance of the composition, colour and value! You will have the opportunity to try extra heavy acrylic medium to create texture and other special effects. Any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach me by email at bearmmc@gmail.com. Materials: -2 photos. Please send them to me 2 weeks before the workshop date and I will have them printed at Apple Photo. -Words: it could be just words, a sentence, a haiku etc. printed or written on paper (of your printer or any white paper) – font of your choice, about size 22. -Acrylic paints: any colours you like. -Acrylic polymer medium -Acrylic soft gel medium used as glue (I will bring some) -Extra heavy gel medium (I will bring some) -Paintbrushes: small and large. One that you can be rough with. One fan brush. -Palette knives -Old credit card, and any tools that scrape and make marks. -Chinese marker or any sharpies or permanent markers. -Soft and oil pastel (if you have).
Stylized Figurative Painting from References
Date: March 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 - 3:30
Instructor: Susan Rogers
Location: ArtSpring
Levels: All
Medium: All
Price: $45
Max Participants: 16
This workshop will focus on how to paint a figure or figures using photo resources. The emphasis will be to use the reference as inspiration. You will not be copying the photo in a realistic manner. The idea will be to use your references only as a starting point. You will then develop a painting, adding your own ideas to develop the reference into painting that tells a story about the character of the subject (s). We will discuss style, colour palettes, and composition, and how these choices can develop a narrative for your figurative painting. Materials: -Reference photographs of figures -Canvas - 16x20 or bigger (you can also work over an old painting), or watercolour paper (a few sheets or a block) -Paints - your usual painting kit (oil, acrylic or watercolour) -Brushes - bring a selection -Sketchbook/pencil for thumbnails -Water/medium container and paper towels
Copy a Masterpiece – Monet’s Woman with a Parasol
Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 09:00 – 03:00
Instructor: Betty Rideout
Location: Lions Hall
Levels: All
Medium: Oil or acrylic
Price: $45
Max Participants: 16
Copying a masterpiece is a long-standing tradition for artists of all backgrounds and experience. One of the many pleasures of wandering through the Louvre is seeing artists sitting in front of an original painting, copying. In this class we will paint Monet’s luminous Woman with a Parasol, facing left. In the tradition of the Impressionist approach we will be working with a limited palette, and working quickly. Monet used bold brush strokes with simplified, yet accurate, detail. In oil or acrylic we will be working with the alla prima method (wet on wet). The Impressionists painted – an impression, so our goal is to convey the transitory nature of this particular moment. Most of this workshop will be dedicated to painting, and while it is unlikely (but not impossible!) that you will leave with a completed painting, the majority of the canvas will be covered, ready to enjoy tinkering with at a later date. Materials List: You will be provided with a template for a 16 x 24 inch size canvas, as well as a colour copy of the painting. Materials you are responsible for: -Transfer paper -16 x 24 inch canvas (18 x 24 is a more common canvas size – you could use that size by elaborating the background on either side). -Paints: best to avoid student grade paints such as the Winton brand sold by Winsor and Newton. Winsor and Newton paints though are excellent, as are Gamblin. Titanium White, Ultramarine blue, Managanes blue hue (optional), Cadmium Yellow light, Naples Yellow, Magenta, Alizarine Crimson, Cadmium red light, Emerald Green, Yellow Ochre light. (I’ll have all these colours with me so if you’re missing one I can provide it). -If using acrylic paint, bring a slow drying medium such as Liquitex slow-drying medium or similar product. -Brushes – assortment of 2, 4, 6 and 8 sizes. I find long-handled flats to be the most versatile, others prefer filberts. -Fan or mop brush and a small sized liner. -Odorless mineral spirits plus a medium of your choice, such as Linseed or walnut oil. I use Liquin. -Paper towels, and a plastic bag for your oily paint garbage. -Palette paper, palette knife. -Easel. -Cardboard to support your image, masking tape. -A bag to remove your painting rags, etc.
Transforming the Mundane to the Compelling
Date: March 27, 2024
Time: 9:30 – 4:00
Instructor: José Campbell
Location: Lions Hall
Levels: All
Medium: All
Price: $40
Max Participants: 16
Have you ever entered a gallery and been instantly captured by one painting? Using the fundaments of composition, we will try to discover how the artist achieved this effect. Then create our own “compelling” painting. The focus will be on using the artist’s tools: placement, value, colour, shapes, texture, lines and direction. Several large set-ups will be available for those who prefer working from life. Bring your easel to give the flexibility of angles and better access. There is a huge advantage working from life, but if you prefer, reference photos will be available. You are welcome to bring your own photo. Participants will complete several thumbnail sketches working out placement and determining large value masses. Remember squint to see value masses. Using the best thumbnail sketch, do a simple drawing onto the canvas. Then start to paint. Throughout the painting process, check to see if you’re using the “artist’s tools”, (mentioned above). The instructor will demo as needed as well as being available for one-on-one guidance. Materials: -Standup easel, (for water colours tables are available) -Sketch book & pencils or pens -1 or 2 canvases, canvas paper or water colour paper – maximum size 11” x 14” -Board to support your paper -Painting kit - paints & brushes (colours-2 yellow, 2 reds & 2 blue –1 warm & 1 cool) -If using oils – odorless mineral spirits (in a sealed container & used sparingly) -Paper towel and bag to dispose all paint related garbage
Drawing and Painting Interiors
Date: April 3, 2024
Time: TBD
Instructor: Susan Rogers
Location: Betty Rideout’s house
Levels: All
Medium: Watercolour (pen and ink)
Price: $40
Max Participants: 14
This workshop will help you sketch and paint interior scenes with flair and personality. We have the opportunity to spend the day in the stimulating interior of Betty’s house. Wooden beams, curious corners, big jade plants, and giant strings of garlic are a just few of the delights that will inspire you. We’ll start with a quick review of perspective but the aim will be to capture the personality of the interior rather than to do a very accurate perspective drawing. You may want to try different approaches such as pencil and watercolour, watercolour pencils, pen and ink with watercolour and painting directly with watercolour. I will give you one-on-one help and encourage you to try a new approach to the subject. The workshop will be split into morning and afternoon sessions. Materials: -Paint - watercolour paints bring a selection of colours -Palette for mixing -Brushes - You may want a selection of brushes but I often just use two round brushes (6 and 10) Escoda Versatile sable brushes. -Watercolour paper or sketchbook with watercolour paper. I like painting on smooth paper but rough is fine too. Smooth does work better for pen. -Pens - please bring pens with water resistant ink as well as water-soluble ink. -Pencils -Water containers and paper towels -Lunch *Address will be provided upon registration.
2 day open painting session:
Fall Fair Still Life
Theme: Beauty and the Beet
Dates: June 4th and 5th
Time: 9:30- 3:30pm
Mentors: no instruction but Jose Campbell and Lisa MacLean will be on hand to help with any questions
Location: Lions club
Levels: All
Medium: All
Price: $25
Max Participants: 14
This year the theme of the Fall Fair is Beauty and the Beet. Come and take your inspiration from one of 3 different still life set ups and over the course of two days complete a piece of art to enter in the Fall Fair show. Medium, style and level are open to all, including drawing. Come with an open mind and take your cue from the different set-ups. There will be no instruction, but the mentors are always happy to answer questions. We will begin with a few short ‘warm-up’ sketches, focusing on composition. This will be a 2 day workshop with six hour sessions. Materials List: Please bring your own supplies. Suggested supplies: Media and support of your choice, sketchbook, camera, brushes/tools, and solvent (water is available), and portable easel and small table. We would like to limit the amount of large tables used in order to enable space for everyone.