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    • 7 Jul 2025
    • 18 Aug 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Studio Space (First Floor)
    • 5
    Register

    Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 11, 18  (6 weeks). 


    $175/Reg

    Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

    Have you ever wanted to start learning the joys of embroidery and stitching?  Or are you already an avid fan but want a place to get more creative? Join instructor Baz for a creative stitching course. This course will take you through some of the basics of embroidery, while introducing small assignments to help get your creative juices flowing. Together, we'll learn about everything from the basic embroidery stitches, all the way to using mixed media in your pieces to expand where embroidery can take you.

    Supply List:

    Creative Stitch Kit (available in BFAC Gift Shop) or bring your own: 

    • Embroidery Hoop (5” or 6”)

    • Pack Embroidery Needles

    • 1 metre white cotton fabric 

    • Several colours of embroidery floss (Colour choice is up to you!)

    • Recycled fabric (Optional)

    • Beads, sequins, other found objects (Optional, and not needed for the first class

    • 7 Jul 2025
    • 18 Aug 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Studio Space (1st floor)
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Mondays, 7 - 9 pm.  July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 11, 18 (6 weeks)


    $175

    Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below. 

    Please note this is a combined level 1 & 2 course. New students are welcome and the basics will be covered. Returning students are welcome to continue progressing with further techniques. There will be a mix of individual and general instruction. 

    For new students: 

    In this course students practice the fundamentals of oil painting through a series of exciting and rewarding experiences. The course begins with familiarizing students with the basic materials used in oil painting, such as oil paints, brushes, canvases, palette knives, and palettes. Students learn how to set up a palette, arranging colors logically for easy access during the painting process. Practices start with simple subjects or still life arrangements for beginners. This allows students to focus on foundational skills without the complexity of more intricate subjects. One of the main practices in this course is experimenting the importance of underpainting by sketching and then creating a monochromatic underpainting where students are able to establish values and composition. Preparing the base or underpainting and having knowledge of mediums such as linseed oil or turpentine are essential practices for art students learning oil painting techniques. Following the theory of the complementary colors, students experiment mixing colors on their palettes to understand how different hues can be achieved. Students also practice with a wide-range brushes and techniques to achieve different textures experimenting the variety of brushwork and strokes that can be used in oil painting, from broad strokes to fine details. By Introducing students to famous oil paintings and artists they would encourage to practice on fundamental oil painting techniques, such as blending, layering, glazing, and impasto. At the end of each session students will be asked to conduct regular critiques where they can discuss their work, share insights, and receive constructive feedback, that fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

    For returning students:

    Elevate your oil painting skills to new heights in our Intermediate Level Course, where we'll delve into mastering the technique of creating texture through analyzing a source image and the layering process.

    In this immersive journey into the world of oil painting, you will explore the intricacies of analyzing source images, establishing a harmonious palette, and mastering the art of layering. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll learn how to transform your visions into stunning works of art, infused with depth, dimension, and vibrant color.

    Throughout the course, you'll explore the transformative power of layering, discovering how to apply multiple layers of oil paint to create dynamic compositions that captivate the imagination. From subtle shifts in tone and texture to bold contrasts of light and shadow, you'll learn how to breathe life into your artwork with each carefully crafted layer.

    But mastering oil painting isn't just about technique – it's about understanding the nuances of color mixing and composition, and how to use them to convey emotion and narrative in your work. Through a series of hands-on exercises and demonstrations, you'll gain the confidence to experiment with color and form, pushing the boundaries of your creativity with each stroke of the brush.

    Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a passionate learner eager to take your art to the next level, this course offers something for everyone. Join me and unlock the secrets of oil painting mastery, as you discover the joy of bringing your artistic visions to life on canvas. 

    Supply List

    Oil Paints: 37ml tubes of Winton Oil Colour: 

    • Titanium White 

    • Ivory Black 

    • Burnt Sienna 

    • Yellow Ochre 

    • Viridian Hue 

    • Permanent green light 

    • Phthalo Blue 

    • French Ultramarine 

    • Cadmium Red Deep Hue 

    • Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue 

    Paint brushes: page3image59245504

    • Flat brushes, #1, 4, 8, and 12.

    Palette Cup 

    Medium: 

    • Linseed oil 

    • Turpentine 

    Canvas or Painting Surface: 

    • Stretched Canvas, 11” x 14” 

    • Canva-Paper; an economical alternative to canvas 

    Rags or Paper Towels: These are essential for wiping brushes, cleaning up spills, and creating texture in the paint. 

    Palette Sealable Container: Useful for storing and preserving leftover paint for future use.

    Brush Cleaner: A gentle brush cleaner is needed for cleaning brushes after painting.

    Sketching Materials: Pencils, charcoal, or other sketching materials are useful for planning and sketching out the composition before applying paint.

    • 9 Jul 2025
    • 6 Aug 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • Studio Space (First Floor), Uptown Waterloo
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm, July 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug 6 (5 weeks). 


    $146

    Description:

    In this class, we will learn to paint a scene from everyday life using watercolours. This class will teach you different sketching and shading techniques and how to use loose washes to make your paintings come to life. We will work with different types of techniques like wet on wet washes, negative painting and how to create light and shadow using a limited palette of colours. 

    Supplies:

    • Watercolour paper (at least 140 lb), 9X12 or smaller. Can use a watercolour sketchbook as well.

    • 1 round brush (medium), 1 round brush (small) and 1 Flat brush (1.5 inch)

    • Watercolour paints to include 

      • A Warm Blue - Ultramarine/Cobalt Blue

      • A Cool Blue - Pthalo Blue

      • A Warm Red - Pyrrole/Cadmium Red

      • A Cool Red - Alizarin Crimson/Opera Pink

      • A Warm Yellow - Cadmium Yellow/ Nickel Azo Yellow/Indian Yellow

      • A cool Yellow - Lemon Yellow/ Hansa Yellow

      • A neutral - Indigo/Payne's Gray

      • A White gouache or gel pen for highlights

    • waterproof Micron Pens (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm)

    • Paper towels

    • Water containers

    • Palette for colour mixing

    • Masking tape (if you are using loose paper, not required for sketchbooks)







      • 10 Jul 2025
      • 14 Aug 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • Studio Space (1st floor)
      • 6
      Register

      Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm. July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug  7, 14. (6 weeks).


      Reg $175 + $25 materials

      In this 6-week course, learn to make various functional and decorative pottery forms using slab, pinch pot, and sculpting techniques. You will also learn about surface decoration- carving, adding elements, and glazing.

      • 11 Jul 2025
      • 22 Aug 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • Studio Space (First Floor)
      • 4
      Register

      Fridays 7 - 9 pm. July 11, 18, 25, Aug 8, 15, 22 (with options to sign up for 3, 4, 5 or 6 classes)


      3 weeks - $88

      4 weeks - $117

      5 weeks -$146

      6 weeks - $175

      Join us for a non-traditional take on a traditional medium! Drawing with Baz will be an evening of art-making where you'll be invited to bring in drawings you're working on, or just your inspiration, and get hands-on feedback and guidance on your drawings and pieces. This is an amazing option for folks who are looking to carve out time to make art in their schedule, without as much structure. Short lessons will take place every week, new mediums will be introduced, and prompts and ideas will be given to help get you started. However, this will mainly be a chance to work in community with others, with an expert nearby to help guide you and introduce you to new ideas and materials. People of all skill levels are welcome, and all drawing materials are welcome to bring as well. 

      ***This is a trial class for the summer in which you can pre-select which days you'd like to attend, with a minimum of 3 classes, and maximum of all 6 classes. If you have plans for vacations through the summer, this is a great option to select without missing important lessons while you're away. Only pay for the sessions you can attend! Note: our cancellation policy for these classes remains the same and payment is taken for all selected sessions at once, not on a weekly basis. This is to ensure the instructor will be paid for their time, and enough people are attending each class.

      Supply List: One sketch book (9 x 11 to 16 x 20 preferred), a set of pencils, eraser -- ANY other preferred drawing materials are welcome to be brought along to work with. 


      • 12 Jul 2025
      • 23 Aug 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • Program space (1st floor), outdoor locations
      • 10
      Register

      Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 9 16, 23 (6 weeks). 


      $175

      Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

      In this course, we'll journey into nature's Summer beauty as we explore the techniques and nuances of painting with watercolour. Through regular visits to local parks and nature areas,  we'll capture our own source  images via camera, and then take them back to the studio for inspiration and reference. Through the practices, you'll learn to harness the transformative power of watercolour as we delve into representing the breathtaking landscapes and scenes that surround us. Through a series of hands-on demonstrations and exercises, you'll master essential watercolour techniques and washes, honing your skills with each brushstroke. This course is about more than just experiencing the medium – it's about developing a keen eye and a deeper understanding of colour, light, and shadow. By observing and capturing the subtle gradations of natural light, you'll enhance your sight skills, laying a strong foundation for your journey as a visual artist. Dig into the world of color observation as we explore the darkness, brightness, warmth, and coolness of diverse tonal values found in the ever-changing light of daylight. Through thoughtful analysis and practice, you'll learn to discern and replicate these tonal variations, refining your ability to capture the essence of your surroundings on paper. Join me on this artistic adventure as we blend creativity with the beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist seeking inspiration, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and unleash your creativity.


      Supplies:

      1- Cotman Watercolour set 

      2- Mixed head type and sizes watercolour paint brush; Flat, round, and fine

      3- Watercolour Paper block. About 8 x 10 inches or any similar sizes

      4- Small water container

      5- Rag or paper towel 

      6- Small size drawing board 

      7- Camera for reference shots (phone is fine!)

      • 15 Jul 2025
      • 19 Aug 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • Studio Space (1st floor)
      • 1
      Register

      Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm.  July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19 (6 weeks).


      EB $175/Reg $185

      Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

      Watercolour- Beginner

      Explore the gratifying process of watercolour in this beginner’s course. Learn to mix colours, use various brush techniques, find out about paper, and through repetition will gain confidence working with this medium. No previous experience is necessary.

      Materials List

      Winsor Newton Cotman Sketchers Box 12 colours

      Watercolor brushes round #12 or #10, and #6, are all you will need.  Taklon is a good synthetic. Sables are great. All brushes should bounce back to a point or their original shape. Wet them to find out. If they lie flat, not worth the trouble.

      A palette (not plastic), ceramic is good, a white dinner plate will work

      Paper: pad of Strathmore Watercolour 300 or 400 series or other 140 lb or 300gm cold press wc paper made by Fabriano, Arches, BFK, or Johannot

      For clean up and brush control, rags or a sponge are best as a means to control the amount of water in your brush. With a plastic bag for carrying

      2 Yogurt containers for water

      A fine spray mister  (sprayer)


      • 15 Jul 2025
      • 19 Aug 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • Studio Space (1st floor)
      • 10
      Register

      Tuesdays, 7 – 9 pm. July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19 (6 weeks)


      $175

      The aims of this course are to strengthen your abilities to identify a theme and develop a small body of work, within a landscape genre. The course will begin with an introduction into landscape photography from the traditional to the contemporary. Participants will then develop their own project, with weekly guidance form the instructor and peer review. Finally, on the last evening, each person will give a short presentation of their images.

      Please note, this is not a beginners’ course. An understanding of the basic principles of photography, e.g. exposure and depth of field. Also, knowledge of relevant digital applications and how to achieve them with your particular camera is expected.

      Required: You must bring your own digital camera. It’s preferable to have a camera that has a means to have manual control, but not absolutely necessary. However, cell phone camera are definitely not suitable.

      Please also bring: Thumb drive, Sketchbook/Journal


    Past events

    24 May 2025 COURSE- Art Sampler with Various Instructors (5 weeks)
    22 May 2025 COURSE-Understanding Sewing Patterns with Katharine Bourgon
    21 May 2025 COURSE-Machine Sewing for Beginners with Katharine Bourgon
    21 May 2025 COURSE- Introduction to Watercolour with Robert Achtemichuk
    21 May 2025 COURSE- Oil Painting Level 1: Introduction to Oil Painting Techniques with Soroush Dabiri
    21 May 2025 COURSE- Oil Painting with Connie Melnik
    21 May 2025 COURSE- Watercolour Explorations with Nancy Peng
    20 May 2025 COURSE- Memory to Memoir with Brie McKenzie
    20 May 2025 COURSE-Machine Sewing for Beginners with Katharine Bourgon
    20 May 2025 COURSE- Crochet For All with Maria Mesquita
    20 May 2025 COURSE-Intermediate Drawing with Terry Tora
    15 May 2025 COURSE- Ceramics: Handbuilding for Beginners with Akycha Surette
    28 Apr 2025 COURSE- Art Fundamentals Using Different Mediums with Baz Kanold
    28 Apr 2025 COURSE- Introduction to Digital Photography with Karl Griffiths-Fulton
    28 Apr 2025 COURSE - Oil Painting Level 3: Expressive Oil Painting with Soroush Dabiri
    26 Apr 2025 COURSE- Spring Impressions Through Watercolour Techniques with Soroush Dabiri
    25 Apr 2025 COURSE- Drawing Animals with Baz Kanold
    17 Apr 2025 COURSE- Ceramics: Handbuilding for Beginners with Akycha Surette
    10 Apr 2025 COURSE- Introduction to Felting: Wet Felted and Needle Felted Scene
    10 Apr 2025 COURSE-Machine Sewing for Beginners with Katharine Bourgon
    9 Apr 2025 COURSE- Floral Watercolours with Moumita Roychowdhury
    9 Apr 2025 COURSE- Intro and Intermediate Drawing with Soft Pastels with Edward Hanson
    9 Apr 2025 COURSE- Exploring Abstraction in Soft Pastels with Edward Hanson
    9 Apr 2025 COURSE-Drawing Fundamentals with Terry Tora
    8 Apr 2025 COURSE- Acrylic Painting with Wilma Vanderleeuw
    8 Apr 2025 COURSE- Introduction to Watercolour with Robert Achtemichuk
    8 Apr 2025 COURSE- Memory to Memoir with Brie McKenzie
    19 Nov 2024 COURSE- Introduction to Felting with Michael Rouse and Peter van Ryn
    7 Nov 2024 COURSE- Crochet For All with Maria Mesquita
    7 Nov 2024 COURSE- Introduction to Acrylic Painting with Terry Torra
    4 Nov 2024 COURSE - Oil Painting Level 2: Layering and Texturing with Soroush Dabiri
    1 Nov 2024 COURSE- Drawing Sampler with Various Instructors
    30 Oct 2024 COURSE- Drawing with Soft Pastels with Edward Hanson
    30 Oct 2024 COURSE- Introduction to Watercolour with Robert Achtemichuk
    30 Oct 2024 COURSE- Watercolour Explorations with Nancy Peng
    29 Oct 2024 COURSE- Oil Painting with Connie Melnik
    26 Oct 2024 COURSE- Art Sampler with Various Instructors
    24 Oct 2024 COURSE- Introduction to Digital Photography with Karl Griffiths-Fulton
    20 Oct 2024 COURSE- Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock Print with Elizabeth Forrest
    13 Sep 2024 COURSE- Art Fundamentals with Baz Kanold
    12 Sep 2024 COURSE-Drawing with Coloured Pencils with Terry Torra
    12 Sep 2024 COURSE- Knitting for Beginners with Linda Brine
    11 Sep 2024 COURSE- Drawing with Soft Pastels with Edward Hanson
    10 Sep 2024 COURSE- Acrylic Painting with Wilma Vanderleeuw
    10 Sep 2024 COURSE- Introduction to Watercolour with Robert Achtemichuk
    9 Sep 2024 COURSE - Oil Painting Level 3: Expressive Oil Painting with Soroush Dabiri
    9 Sep 2024 COURSE- Creative Stitching with Baz Kanold
    9 Sep 2024 COURSE- Oil Painting Level 1: Introduction to Oil Painting Techniques with Soroush Dabiri
    12 Jul 2024 COURSE- Drawing for Beginners with Baz Kanold
    5 Jun 2024 COURSE- Floral Watercolours with Moumita Roychowdhury
    25 May 2024 COURSE- Watercolour Painting En Plein Air with Soroush Dabiri
    24 May 2024 COURSE- Explorations in Stitching with Baz Kanold
    23 May 2024 COURSE - Oil Painting Level 2: Layering, and Texturing with Soroush Dabiri
    23 May 2024 COURSE- Hand Bound Books 2 with Linda Brine
    23 May 2024 COURSE- Painting from the Figure with Baz Kanold
    21 May 2024 COURSE- Drawing with Coloured Pencils with Terry Torra
    9 Apr 2024 COURSE- Intro to Oil Painting with Connie Melnik

    LOCATION: 

    25 Regina Street South

    Waterloo ON N2L1R8


    SUMMER HOURS:

    Tuesday to Friday 10 to 7

    Saturday 10 to 5

    Closed Sunday

    CONTACT US:

    519-886-4577

    Membership and rentals:

    operations@buttonfactoryarts.ca


    Program inquiries:

    programs@buttonfactoryarts.ca


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