Fall Workshops

Fall Workshop Calendar |
Instructor |
Date |
Medium |
Level |
Brian Atyeo |
early Sept-TBA |
Line in Art |
Advanced |
William Band |
September 12 |
Watercolour |
All |
Art Cunanan |
September 19 |
Watercolour |
Intermediate to Advanced |
Donna Fratesi |
October 3 |
Watercolour |
Intermediate to Advanced |
Doug Mays |
October 17 |
Watercolour |
All |
Valerie Kent |
October 31 |
Oils with Palette knife |
Beginner to Intermediate |
Marianne Broome |
November 14 & 21 |
Landscapes in Acrylics |
Intermediate to Advanced |
Brian Smith |
November 27 & 28 |
Figurative Abstract |
All - some drawing experience required |
Please note: OAS refund policy on workshops has changed.
A 50% refund will be issued due to cancellations-
this is due to the cost of having to book the instructor months in advance.
If there is insufficient enrollment for the class or if OAS cancels the class a full refund will be issued.

WATERCOLOUR ENERGY AND COMPOSITION with William Band
All Levels
This workshop will expand and strengthen your watercolour painting skills, learn to make informed decisions about manipulating light and dark, achieving volume and depth and improve your technique and design. William is an excellent instructor who will work with you and help take your skills further, whatever your level. He has a down to earth approach which will inspire beginners and challenge advanced students.
This workshop takes place on:
Sunday, September 12
10 am to 4:00 pm -please bring your lunch
Cost $60.00
$55.00 OAS members
About William Band
William Band is now a resident of Georgetown, Ontario. His love of painting was evident from his early childhood.
Throughout his school years William was fortunate to expand his creativity by studying with such respected Canadian artists as Alan Collier, Bill Stidsworthy, Franklin Arbuckle to name but a few. After graduating with honors from the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, and a successful career in commercial art, Wiliam went back to his first love, painting.
His paintings are from his travels during the year. Starting in May he can be found canoeing in the Northern lakes or sketching on location in small rural town.
At present he is concentrating on doing workshops. This means traveling, meeting new people and finding new locations to paint for upcoming shows. Besides workshops William does many commissions of family homes or cottages. From elaborate full colour paintings, to small pencil or ink.
More about William Band

WATERCOLOURS- FRESHNESS & LIGHT with Art Cunanan
Intermediate to Advanced
Explore traditional and experimental techniques in this watercolour painting workshop geared to intermediate /advanced artists. Sharpen your skills in design, composition, color and light theory, value and edges. Learn to layer washes and how to use colour values to make strong statements. Bring enthusiasm and energy to your painting as you learn to loosen your painting style. Learn by demonstration and critique and benefit from individual attention.
This workshop takes place on:
Sunday, September 19
10 am to 4:00 pm -please bring your lunch
Cost $85.00
$80.00 OAS members
About Art Cunanan
Art Cunanan is one of Canada’s very finest modem painters excelling in the art of watercolour; he matches the best in the field. Art is far more than a master watercolourist; he is best known for his effective and sophisticated use of light, his watercolors sparkle with freshness and spontaneity. Art makes the viewer stop and appreciate the everyday beauty surrounding us; that is so often taken for granted.
Born in the Philippines and educated at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Art's pursuit of his passion began as a graphic artist for a leading newspaper and several advertising companies in Manila.
In 1984, he was introduced to the Canadian scene by Zoltan Szabo, a well known artist and instructor. Since his Canadian introduction, his work has been accepted into juried exhibitions, private and corporate collections in Canada, United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Philippines. Represented by galleries at major cities in Canada, Cunanan has held many successful exhibitions. Some of his work has also been reproduced by Carlton Cards, Bradley Museum and Royal Insurance.
In 1989, Art decided to devote his attention to painting full-time and started teaching workshops for various art groups and art schools. A popular art instructor, he has been teaching workshops across North America and Europe for the past 18 years.
To see more of Art's work: www.artcunanan.com

LOOSEN UP & PAINT WITH JOY! with Donna Fratesi
Intermediate to Advanced
Let loose! Learn fresh ways to look at subject matter, and how to simplify it for more visual impact. Learn how to compose and execute a still life painting with a plan. Students work from still life set ups and/or photos. Instruction includes demos, critiques and one-on-one time with Donna. The awareness of colour, form and light is very important in painting and its presence can greatly enhance any subject. Materials List
This workshop takes place on:
Sunday, October 3
9 am to 4:00 pm -please bring your lunch
Cost $65.00
$60.00 OAS members
About Donna Fratesi
I paint in a loose and impressionistic manner to express a vibrancy that will entrance the viewer. To capture the moment as my hand dances across the paper or canvas is my goal. I am continually refining my work to reflect what I see around me, beauty, joy and a passion for living. My current work encompasses my fascination with colour, form and light. From juicy pears and melons dripping with colour, to quiet still life with deep meaning, my art continues to evolve. I want the viewer to experience the same emotional response to the painting in front of them as I had painting it. Charles Reid, Tony van Hasselt and J.M.W. Turner have had a large influence on my work and continue to be an inspiration. In the past few years I have received repeated recognition for my work including the "International Wittnauer Award in '06 and election to full membership in '08 from the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. I am now working in other mediums as well as watercolour, although my first love will always be watercolour for its amazing properties that allow me to bring to life the emotions within me as I stand before that easel.
To see more of Donna's work: www.witsendstudio.ca

LOOSE AND SPONTANEOUS WATERCOLOURS with Doug Mays
All Levels
This workshop is for novice, intermediate or advanced artists and will focus on ‘spontaneity’ as a key ingredient toward a loose, impressionistic painting style. The day includes morning and afternoon demonstrations with an end-of-day critique with plenty of painting time in between. Students should feel free to bring their own photo reference
Note about Critiques:
Critiques are beneficial for students of all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) they provide feedback that point out successes, pitfalls and opportunities for improvement. Students preferring to have their work critiqued privately will be accommodated. Materials List
This workshop takes place on:
Sunday, October 17
9 am to 4 pm with a ½ hour for lunch-please bring your lunch
Cost $85.00
$80.00 OAS members
About Doug Mays
Doug's painting approach is uniquely ‘loose and impressionistic’ and he readily admits being influenced early on by the colour and compositions of John Singer Sargent and the design philosophy of Edgar Whitney. Today he follows a Whitney-like instructional style for his workshops with proven results. His daily demonstrations, lessons and critiques utilize the Design Elements and the Principles of Design, all of which form the basis for his workshops.
Doug is an elected member of the prestigious - Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) and he is Past-President of the Central Ontario Art Association (COAA). His enthusiasm for the watercolour medium along with his pragmatic and light-hearted approach, all lead to a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
With ‘Spontaneity’ being the hallmark of Doug’s watercolour workshops, he finds his distinctive coaching style sends people home at the end of the day ‘tired but inspired’. This award winning artist has established himself as a popular and much sought after watercolour artist and instructor.
To see more of Doug's work: Doug Mays

ACRYLIC LANDSCAPE WITH THE PALETTE KNIFE with Valerie Kent
Beginners to Intermediate
The wonder product, acrylic paint, is incredibly versatile and there are so many wonderful ways to use it. It comes in so many forms: liquid, soft-bodied, hard-bodied, super-hard and open and so many gels and mediums. There are additives, iridescent mediums, glitter and gold and silver. It can do almost everything except dance the tango. It can be used effectively to mimic watercolour and oil and can be glazed, as well as used impasto. It can be painted onto almost any surface and then it can be protected and enhanced with varnishes: matte, gloss and super gloss. It can be covered with layering gel or resins. It can be mixed with other media such as watercolours, inks, oil and soft pastels and to top it all off, can be textured with an infinite number of things.
We will discuss the uses, methods and techniques of all the various products and work with as many as we can squeeze into one day, individually and in mixed formats. There will be demos to clarify ways of working and we will paint landscapes on canvas supports. Suitable for beginner and intermediate acrylic artists.
This workshop takes place on:
Sunday, October 31
9:30 am to 3:30 pm -please bring your lunch
Cost $65.00
$60.00 OAS members
About Valerie Kent
Valerie is an experienced artist and teacher who paints in studio and plein air. She studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, Concordia University, University of Iowa, St. Francis Xavier University, York University, University of Toronto, Ontario Institute of Education and has a B.Ed.,B.F.A., and M.F.A. Valerie paints in watercolours, acrylics, oils and mixed media. She regularly offers workshops and courses to art societies and at colleges throughout Ontario. She leads art river cruises in France and land trips to Italy in the summer. Her work is in many collections worldwide and she is represented by commercial galleries in Ontario. She writes articles for art publications and has appeared on numerous television shows doing art demonstrations.
To see more of Valerie's work: www.valeriekent.com

ACRYLIC FLORAL PAINTING WORKSHOP with Marianne Broome
Intermediate to Advanced
Understanding the acrylic medium and its demands is the primary focus of this workshop. Marianne will demonstrate step by step from a photograph, explaining the use of a variety of techniques including color, composition, atmospheric light, ways to extend the drying time, handling the background and overall colour harmony. Marianne will provide the reference material but you are welcome to paint from your own. Materials list acrylics in PDF
This workshop takes place on:
Sunday, November 14 & Sunday, November 21
10:00 am to 4:00 pm -please bring your lunch
Cost $135.00
$130.00 OAS members
About Marianne Broome
Marianne was born in England but spent much of her childhood in Malaysia. The stunning scenery and abundance of exotic animals and plants heightened her love of nature and keen interest in drawing and painting. Her artwork was selling in local galleries and department stores while she was still a teenager. Marianne settled in Canada in 1980 and lives in the beautiful countryside near Toronto, Ontario.
As a full time artist and a sought after art instructor, Marianne travels extensively. She is never without her sketchbook and camera, always looking for new subject matter for her stunning paintings of flowers, landscapes and wildlife. Marianne also enjoys taking on commissions of subject matter that she may not otherwise paint. Some of these have been for publishing purposes. Marianne’s art education in England has been furthered by studies at The Haliburton School of the Arts and she has taken courses and workshops with many respected artists. Marianne’s work has been exhibited in many juried exhibitions in which she has received numerous awards. The most recent are two Best in Show awards, Best Watercolour in Show, The Franklin Carmichael Award, The Marianne Crone Award, 2nd prize in the COAA Virtual Juried Show, Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.
Her work can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, U.S., England, Australia, South Africa and Malaysia.
To see more of Marianne's work:www.naturesedgestudio.ca
See Marianne via YouTube: www.youtube.com

ABSTRACTION IN FIGURATIVE ART with Brian Smith
Figurative abstractions are simplifications of reality, where detail is eliminated from recognizable objects leaving the essence or some degree of recognizable form.In this two-day workshop class by Canadian drawing master, Brian Smith, you will develop the feeling and ability to abstract the human form. Gain insight into color, value, form, volume, movements, rhythm and composition. Work in acrylic paints along with dry media such as pastels. Clothed model. All levels welcome, but some drawing experience is required.
This workshop takes place on:
Saturday, November 27 & Sunday, November 28
9:00 am to 4:00 pm -please bring your lunch
Cost $160.00
$150.00 OAS members
Cost includes models fee
About Brian Smith
Brian Smith graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Canada in 1969. For over 35 years he has been both a professional, award-winning graphic designer and a practicing fine artist focusing on classical drawing and painting from the figure. His works are in collections across North America and he has exhibited in numerous juried and invitational shows, recently winning “Best in show” in both the Etobicoke Annual Juried Exhibition and the Colour & Form Society Annual Juried Exhibition.
In January 2005, Brian was awarded the title of “Honourary Drawing Master” by the Drawing Society of Canada. Gerritt Verstraete, co-founder of the Drawing Society, noted that to receive this honour, an artist must “demonstrate a substantial commitment to drawing as well as mastery of drawing techniques. They have developed a body of work that positions drawings as complete works in themselves and not just preparatory work or ‘studies’ for paintings. A Canadian drawing master is an artist who loves to draw, who draws well, who is comfortable in one or any number of styles and who has spent many years creating drawings that in turn have become valuable contributions to Canada’s overall artistic heritage.”
Brian has taught classes and workshops on life drawing and portraiture for over 20 years and has been on the faculty of the Ontario College of Art and Design, The Koffler Centre for the Arts, Haliburton School of The Arts, Curry’s Art School, Visual Arts Mississauga and Neilson Park Creative Centre as well as conducting Master Classes in his own studio.