Classes

Winter 2024 Classes
I will be offering a series of one-day coloured pencil classes commencing in January at my teaching space on Mayne Island. Group size is limited to 6 participants per session. Information about fees and supplies, and a registration link will be available in December.

Spotted Towhee - Saturday, January 24
Steller's Jay - Saturday, February 10
Great Blue Heron - Saturday March 2

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coloured pencil classes
Coloured pencil is a versatile medium that's clean, non-toxic and highly portable, and it offers a wealth of possibilities for beginners and more experienced artists alike. My workshops includes a step-by-step handout that helps cement the skills. All workshops use wax based Prismacolor Premier Soft Core pencils which are readily available at most art supply stores. Some supplies must be purchased in advance (a list will be provided). You don't need to know how to draw to benefit from these sessions!

Birds in Coloured Pencil
Come share my passion for birds in these one-day workshops where you'll be guided step by step through the process of completing a coloured-pencil drawing of a bird working from a stock photograph for reference. Learn techniques that apply to creating likenesses of birds, including rendering feathers, eyes and other textures. I have developed a series of one-day workshops based on a variety of different birds, including the Stellar's Jay, Pileated Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, Spotted Towhee, and Chickadees.

Windblown Pony
This cheeky pony makes a great subject to learn about creating a horse portrait. During this two-day workshop, explore his structure, textures and character while applying techniques you can use in the future for making lifelike equine portraits. Please bring along photos of your own horse(s) for discussion.

The Cat's Meow
This one-day session focuses on capturing the qualities of our feline companions - their fur, eyes and other features. Shading and textural techniques will be explored using my cheeky orange cat Hugo as our subject. Please bring photos of your own cat(s) for group discussion. Basic techniques will be covered, making this workshop suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience.

Forest Wildcat
Take coloured pencil to the next level! This two-day workshop explores the possibilities of working with coloured pencil on a textured surface and introduces the concept of working with an under-painting. Begin with an introduction to techniques and then move into the step-by-step completion of a drawing of a wild cougar stalking through its rainforest home. Learn methods to create depth and tonal values as well as a range of visual effects.

silk painting classes
Hand painted silk is a luxurious, colourful medium that allows you to make art you can hang on the wall, wear, or use in a variety of creative ways. Sessions are suitable for beginners and those with experience wishing to further explore the medium.

Silk Painting - The Basics
There's something totally mesmerizing about the way dyes interact with silk! This hands-on workshop covers painting on silk using resist and steam-set dyes (serti method). Learn about materials, methods and processes, and create a small greeting card sized sample as well as a larger 15"x15" square that can be framed as a piece of art or turned into such things as a decorative cushion cover. No experience is required and all materials are included. Bring your own ideas or work from one of my designs.

Silk Scarf Workshop
This one-day workshop focuses entirely on designing and creating a luxurious silk scarf (11"x60") using resist and steam-set dyes. Bring your ideas and see them come to life in a beautiful, wearable piece of art or work from one of my designs.