Visual Arts, Bookbinding and Jewelry

E-mail: cearts@mtroyal.ca
Information: 403.440.6012
Register: Start here
Location: Lincoln Park Campus, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW

Bookbinding Courses | Jewelry Courses | Student Testimonials

Drawing, Introductory
Learn to draw with expert hands-on guidance from your instructor. Get started with the basic principles of seeing and drawing and learn to master line, value, texture, composition and perspective through the use of pencil, conte and charcoal. Beginners welcome.

Watercolour Sampler
Have you always wanted to try watercolour painting? Here is the perfect opportunity to explore the process of painting with watercolours while gaining hands-on knowledge. Beginners welcome.

Painting with Watercolours
Create a world of colour and light by applying watercolour paints to a variety of subjects. Explore dry brush, wash and wet-on-wet techniques as you explore perspective, line, colour and form. Beginners welcome; some drawing experience beneficial.

Watercolour Techniques, Level 2: A Continuation
Delve into a variety of techniques including masking, paper stretching and mixed media, while reinforcing wet-on-wet, dry brush and flat wash techniques. The emphasis is on participant-driven projects, while at the same time looking at composition, theme and subject matter.
Recommended: Painting with Watercolours

Open Studio     NEW!
Need some quiet time and space to work on your art? In our open studio, spend focused time on your watercolour or acrylic painting, pencil or ink drawing, or chalk pastel. Request help with your technique or ask for feedback from a skilled artist.
Note: Leave your work set up in the studio overnight so you don't have to transport it back and forth.

Acrylic Sampler
Have you always wanted to try out acrylic painting? Here is the perfect opportunity to discover the process of painting with acrylics while gaining some hands-on knowledge. Beginners welcome.

Painting with Acrylics, Level 1
Express your creativity and discover for yourself why acrylics are the preferred medium of artists today. Discover the basics of colour, composition and texture to use with this versatile water-based paint. Beginners welcome; some drawing experience beneficial.

Increase Your Confidence with Acrylics    
Be introduced to a style of painting called alla prima, meaning to complete a painting in one sitting. Learn to squint away the details and focus on the main shapes. Mornings will consist of exercises aimed at loosening up your brush. Bring a landscape photograph (one of your own) to work from in the afternoons.

Painting with Acrylics, Level 2: A Continuation
Expand your knowledge and experience with acrylic paints in this continuation of the Painting with Acrylics course. Focus on different elements of landscape such as a figure in landscape, portraiture, and advanced still-life techniques such as painting glass and metal. Enhance your ability to express your own personal creativity with acrylics.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of Painting with Acrylics, Level 1 before registering in this course.

Chalk Pastels
Chalk pastel art is often described as a blend of drawing and painting. Discover the pleasures and challenges of working with chalk pastels. Acquire techniques such as blending, cross-hatching and layering, and practise them in projects including still life, portraits, animals and landscapes.
NEW Note: All skill levels, including beginners, welcome.

Introduction to Oil Pastel   NEW!
Oil pastel is a vibrant and versatile medium combining the look of paint with the control of drawing. Learn techniques such as masking, blending, sgraffito and resist. Improve your drawing ability in a fun and relaxed environment. Beginners welcome.

Drawing with Pencil Crayons     
Bring your compositions to life with the rich, vibrant colour of pencil crayons. Explore this versatile media through a variety of techniques including blending, hatching and masking. Enhance your knowledge of colour theory and composition through plenty of guided practice.

Comic Book Storytelling and Design   NEW!
If you're interested in comic books, storytelling, comic artistry or gaming creation, gain skills to create a graphic project from start to finish. Beginners welcome.

Abstract Painting with Acrylics
Explore your creative side through the expression and spontaneity of abstract painting. Develop a variety of techniques to create images ranging from landscapes to portraiture to pure emotive abstraction. Understand the basic concepts behind colour theory, paint mixing, application, composition and balance.
Supplies: list provided upon registration.

Introduction to Drawing Portraits      NEW!
Learn to draw portraits. Explore the proportions of the human face and acquire techniques for creating a photo-realistic portrait from a picture or real life. Gain skills in various pencil and pencil crayon techniques. All skill levels welcome.

Portrait and Figure Drawing
Beginning with the basics of drawing, explore portraiture and the human form with a variety of drawing media and techniques. Experimenting with line, value, foreshortening, setting and lighting, you will progress to drawing from a live model with confidence. 
Note: All skill levels welcome.

Painting Excursions
Learn to capture the outdoor world of colour, depth, texture and light. Discover ways to inspire your creativity and further develop your own painting style.
Note: You are responsible for your own transportation and parking. You must sign a waiver form. Admission fees may apply.

Crafty Decor      NEW!
Create a unique item for your home that will have you bragging "I made it myself". Choose to make a mosaic mirror or table top, a hand-painted lamp shade, or a decorated throw cushion. Crafters of all levels welcome.

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Bookbinding Courses

A supplies list for each course will be provided upon registration. Beginners are welcome in all courses.

Introduction to Bookbinding and Book Arts
Discover the history of bookbinding and explore various book models to illustrate different styles and techniques used in book art. Identify types of materials, supplies and resources used to create basic bookbinding techniques. Explore the new developments of bookbinding including altered books and artist books.
Note: Techniques acquired in this course are helpful in further bookbinding courses.

Accordion Artist Book
Create your own one-of-a-kind accordion artist book filled with handmade paper, suitable for a journal, photo album or artist book. Discover how to fold paper, identify paper grain and score paper. Design a book cover using book board. 

Mini-Coptic Binding with Wood Covers
Create your own unique artist book by using ancient non-adhesive techniques to create a mini-journal complete with exotic wood covers. Suitable for gift giving, as a travel journal or just as an unusual decorative piece.

Japanese Side Sewn Book
Produce a Japanese side sewn journal using unique handmade papers. Cut the text block to size, manufacture paper covers and sew the book using ancient Japanese techniques. Gain some simple bookbinding skills such as folding, cutting paper and simple sewing techniques.

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Jewelry Courses

A supplies list for each course will be provided upon registration. Beginners are welcome in all classes.

Wild Wire Designs: An Introduction to Jewelry    
In this beginner jewelry course, explore the basics of designing and building your own jewelry. Learn to create wire beads and beaded toggles. Use detailed twisting wire techniques to complete a necklace, bracelet or earrings of your choice to take home and wear!

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Student Testimonials

Chalk Pastels
“I had a wonderful time; I got pushed to explore and advance my skills and got encouragement and instruction as to how to begin/improve/fix them. I felt extremely empowered in this class.”

- Susan Chipperfield

Painting with Acrylics
“...A wonderful introduction to the world of art and effective techniques to produce some!”

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