Archives: Past-workshops

Cold Wax & Oil

Explore abstract painting using layering, cold wax medium, tube oils, oil sticks, powdered pigments and a variety of implements.

Participants will delve into mark making and ways to create textures and colour fields. Utilizing various tools and techniques, students will “push the limits” of the mediums and welcome the surprises along the way, deciding what works and what does not.

This workshop is well suited to those who have had some prior painting experience. The workshop focuses on the process itself – on the possibilities of that process and how it can be incorporated into individual artistic practice. There will be technique demonstrations combined with student experimentation, group discussions, and printed resources.

Landscapes in Watercolour & Pen

This two-day workshop explores the illustrative representation of local landscapes with pencil, pen, and watercolour on toned tan paper. This involves Plein-air sketching, detailed studies of natural textures and patterns, and creating lively compositions with fun negative space. The workshop is aimed at an adept audience that possesses a good understanding of these mediums and is ready to merge their application through landscape illustration.

Obsessive Chain Stitch

Chain stitch is often used to embroider a line, but when it is packed together it becomes opulent, almost iridescent. Varying the thickness, direction and shading of threads, this workshop approaches how to achieve a sense of motion and depth. Embroidering in solid chain stitch is a sedimentary process requiring some simple drawing and planning. The way the stitches “travel” and overlap is important. After exploring various thicknesses of thread and colour gradations, students will undertake a credit-card sized piece. We will discuss which images are most suitable for this technique, and how to plan the work. Students will see a variety of images and original work including ways of finishing and presenting their pieces. This workshop is open to beginners and more experienced embroiderers looking to add skills to their repertoire.

FLOW: Fluid Mixed Media Exploration

Delight in the fluidity of your creative spirit while exploring a multiplicity of liquid mixed media materials, techniques and creativity exercises.  In this seven-day workshop we’ll play with fluid paints, inks, rust, verdigris, botanical printing, suminagashi marbling, cyanotype, molten encaustic wax and more.  You’ll be enchanted by the joyful collaboration that emerges between fluid media and your spontaneous artistic voice, creating stunning paintings and art books in this fun and supportive workshop. 

* Shary might be known for her encaustic workshops, but this class offers just a “taste” of encaustic techniques among a wide variety of mixed media approaches and materials.

PLEASE NOTE: This class will be taking place in the floating studio (the Marine Sciences building) and is only accessible by stairs and a ramp and does not have a washroom on site. The closest washroom access is in the dining hall.

Playful Printmaking

Welcome to the fun and fascinating world of printmaking! Learn techniques which can be reproduced in the home studio, without a printing press. Dive into innovative projects gleaned from April’s more than thirty years of printmaking experience. Learn how to make a printing plate from scratch, then use it to create a whimsical, Warhol-esque self portrait. Experiment with block printing and make wonderful mandalas, art cards and more. Produce richly textured monoprints by combining painting, stenciling, and printmaking with found objects. No experience is necessary, just bring your imagination and enthusiasm!

Foldformed Jewellery

Super fun and creative, foldforming, is a newer metal technique: think origami with metal.  Students will work with copper, brass, and some silver to create one of a kind original pieces of mini-art. Each student will shape bracelet blanks then fold, anneal and unfold the metal to reveal amazing texture and shapes. Texture will also be added with the use of a rolling mill and liver of sulphur patina.

Foldformed earrings will also be explored.

Cheesecloth Imagery on Fabric

Cheesecloth – a humble medium with unexpected and remarkable creative potential. Beginning with simple exercises exploring figurative imagery – portraits, landscapes, animals – or abstract designs, you will then select a specific image to create a larger piece.

Master the fundamentals of composition by playing with cheesecloth and glue, learning about value, transparency, and contrast. Discover new ways to include a variety of textures in your fibre art. The focus is on black and white for dramatic results, though you will see how you can add colour with paint, ink or dye. Learn how to adjust photos – or choose from thousands of copyright-free online images – on a laptop or tablet using simple computer programs and apps, or even a photocopier.

Understanding that not everyone is comfortable with technology, the instructor can, with your guidance, prepare your pattern to design the composition and imagery for your main project. Sew as much or as little as you want. Finished pieces could be machine quilted or hard-mounted on stretcher bars. Visual presentations and the instructor’s significant collection of completed cheesecloth pieces and art quilts will inspire and demonstrate every step of the process.

Mentored Residency

Enjoy 9 days of uninterrupted studio time with the freedom to explore new creative concepts, experiment with new techniques, and take your artwork to the next level supported by an experienced Mentor.

Participants will share a studio space paired with another artist. Studios are open 24/7.

APPLICATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED.