top of page
Paint The Figure - From Your Own Photo Reference!
.jpg)
Would you like to experience the “joy” of putting brush marks on canvas... without labouring overdrawing and measuring? In this 2-Day Workshop, all levels of artists who desire to bring ‘freshness & life” to their figurative paintings will learn to simplify a complex figurative photo (or scee) using Bobb approach to ‘starting’ a painting that... you will learn to “push ideas”, using your own photo references, look for “possibilities” in your work, and using our studies, bring our studio painting to life.
A Layman’s Approach To Painting
.jpg)
Create a strategy before jumping into your final masterpiece! Have you ever wanted to paint a certain subject but were unsure how to begin? Small studies are an important part of creating a strategy before jumping into your final masterpiece. In this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to bring in your photo and create a game plan. We’ll touch on editing/composition and completing a Notan (black & white) study, then bring your image to life in colour.
Friday Night Painting Demonstration!
Portrait Painting Demonstration – With Snacks! 🎨🧀🍷 Ever wondered how artists magically capture a person’s soul on canvas? Come to Swinton's for a live portrait painting demonstration, where you’ll witness Emma work her magic in real-time—brushstroke by brushstroke, bringing personality and expression to life. But wait, there’s more! Not only do you get to sit comfortably and soak in the creativity, but we’re also providing cheese, crackers, meats, snacks, and drinks—because watching art happen is even better when your mouth is full.
Event Date:
Friday, April 11, 6-8 pm (Demo Night)
Price: $29.95
With a live model!
Paint The Portrait In Oil - April 2025
Join me to learn about oil painting the portrait from life! In this workshop, we will be focusing on developing a block, working in mass, discovering what value means, the basics of colour and how to paint skin tones. This workshop offers an immersive opportunity for artists to explore the art of traditional portrait painting. It caters to artists of all skill levels, whether you’re a novice looking to acquire fundamental techniques or an experienced painter seeking to try something new or enhance your portrait skills.
Plein Air with Acrylics! Lecture Workshop
.jpg)
Join Alberta Artist in Residence, Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, for an inspiring and informative session on plein air painting. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this event offers valuable insights into the art of painting outdoors. Samantha will share her personal approach to plein air painting, including her set-up process, essential supplies, and techniques for capturing the essence of the landscape.
Soapstone Workshop 2025
_edited.jpg)
A fun and light approach to working with soapstone stone. You will carve your own piece of stone while Vance guides you through the process of shaping, carving and polishing, helping solve the challenges you encounter at each phase. Each student will come away from this workshop with a finished piece and with a better sense of how to see and execute in the 3D. No skills are required other than to be willing to have fun!
Land Sea & Sky Workshop
%20(1300%20x%201080%20px).jpg)
The focus of this workshop is on landscape composition and colour. You will create paintings of prairies, foothills, and seascapes distinguished by a harmonious play of light and colour in a bold and realistic style. Distinguished by force and beauty, Reflecting the artist’s powerful vision and a philosophical, spiritual approach to his art. “Skies, the prairies, and the ocean all provide unlimited scope for communicating what I feel…In these subjects, the power of nature rules.”
Heather Pant Lake Louise Acrylics Workshop
Join Artist Heather Pant and create with her the Iconic Lake Louise using Acrylics on Canvas. Learn Heather's techniques and unique style in composition, lighting and colour. All skill levels are welcome, class limited to 12 participants. Register Today to secure your Easel.
Exploring Modern Acrylics
%20(1).jpg)
Join GOLDEN Artist Educator Ashley Gaboury and dive into intuitive artmaking. This workshop will help you gain a better understanding of the versatility of acrylics, colour harmonies and layering techniques. Ashley Gaboury will encourage you to be bold while developing layered abstract grounds that can be used as backgrounds for paintings or continue to grow into more dynamic abstracts. Discover how to use texture, lifting techniques, washes, glazes, and stencilling to add depth and create dimension in your paintings.
Watercolour & Gouache Together!
.jpeg)
Ever wondered how to mix the delicate transparency of watercolour with the bold opacity of gouache? Gouache offers the versatility and vibrancy of watercolour with a touch of opacity, making it easy to create unique effects. Transform your artistic approach in this hands-on workshop by combining watercolour and gouache! You'll learn to select the right gouache colors, and master blending techniques. Some watercolour experience required. Experiment with the rich textures of gouache, enjoy expert guidance, and leave inspired to create more!
Heather Pant 3 Sisters Painting Workshop
.jpg)
Join Artist Heather Pant and create with her the Iconic 3 Sisters Mountain using Acrylics on Canvas. Learn Heather's secrete techniques and unique style in composition, lighting and colour. All skill levels are welcome, the class is limited to 12 participants. Register Today to secure your Easel.
Metallics and Mixed Media - Wildlife
.jpg)
Join GOLDEN Artist Educator Ashley Gaboury as she takes you through the process of painting your favourite animals. Using Acrylics and Mixed Media explore ways of depicting wildlife with collage elements to create drama. Participants will develop stylized portraits that capture the “inner light” of their subjects while experimenting with Metallics and Mixed Media. GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics (valued at $50.00) will be provided for each participant and brushes will be supplied.
Watercolors and Mixed Media - Teens & Adults Summer Workshop!
%20(2).jpg)
Join GOLDEN Artist Educator in this summer intensive workshop and dive into painting expressive animals with Watercolors and Mixed Media. We will be focusing on a variety of mark-making and color mixing techniques using QoR Modern Watercolors.
Manga, Dragons and More
.jpg)
Popular with adults and teens alike, Manga is a well-known style of drawing seen in Japanese comic books. This class will focus on developing inking and colouring techniques and help to bring characters and creatures to life. We will explore drawing dynamic character poses, drawing eastern and Western dragons and other fandom-inspired characters/creatures in this session.
Salt Spring Island Art Retreat
.jpg)
This year’s art adventure takes us to the breathtaking West Coast—Salt Spring Island! Just a short ferry ride from Victoria, BC, this serene yet rugged island is the perfect place for a Plein Air Adventure!
Join Doug Swinton and Sue Contini for a non-stop art holiday filled with painting, photography, and sightseeing—you might even spot a whale or two!
bottom of page