Sundays, Jan 11, 25, February 8, 22. 2 - 5 pm. ( 4 sessions)
$153 Members /$180 non-members- HST added starting January 1. + $30 materials fee
In this mokuhanga course, students will learn the traditional methods for creating a mokuhanga (Japanese colour woodcut) print. Procedures include designing the image appropriate to the medium, transfer of the design to the block, and attention to traditional carving. After carving a “key” block you’ll transfer the image to the other side using the hanshita method which ensures perfect registration of additional carved out colour areas. Students can expect to use both sides of one 7” x 9” woodblock to achieve a three colour print on Japanese washi paper to produce a small edition of prints. Students should prepare at least one simple 3 colour image that is no larger than 6.5” x 8” of horizontal or vertical orientation.
Supplies list:
Bring image(s) to trace for woodblock print
Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18 (6 weeks).
$153 Members /$180 non-members- HST added starting January 1.
To learn more about Soroush and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/dabiri
Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:
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.
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:
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.
Mondays, 7 – 9 pm. January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 23. (8 weeks)
$204 Members /$240 non-members- HST added starting January 1.
To learn more about Karl and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/griffiths-fulton
A basic beginners’ course to explore, through a series of practical assignments and in-class discussions, both your camera and photography:
Participants will learn the basic functions of your camera and explore the foundations of photographic theory, including exposure, colour balance, image quality control, storage of digital images, preparing shots for printing and viewing via the internet. Although this is more of a technical course, there will be opportunities to look at aspects of composition that will help improve your photography.
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
Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. January 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 23 (8 weeks).
This oil painting course invites students to explore the depths of their creative expression through a dynamic interplay of form, color, light, and shadow. Designed for budding artists who wish to connect deeply with the world around them, this course emphasizes the importance of personal interpretation over literal representation. Students will learn to draw inspiration from both natural and handmade objects, using these as a springboard for artistic exploration.
Through a series of guided exercises, students will develop essential skills in observation, composition, and color harmony. They will engage with various oil painting techniques to enhance their ability to convey mood, emotion, and narrative in their work. This course fosters an environment of experimentation, encouraging students to embrace their unique artistic voices while mastering the fundamentals of oil painting.
Supply List:
Tuesdays, 1-3 pm. February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 24, 31 (6 weeks).
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, flat 3/4" brush 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 hot 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)
A pencil
Tuesdays, 1 - 3 pm. February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 24, 31 (6 weeks).
To learn more about Terry and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/torra
This course is a follow up to the introduction to drawing and is for those who who would like to take their drawings to the next level. The addition of conte as a drawing medium will be added and there will be more emphasis on doing completed drawings developing further the skills from the introductory level course.
Set of pencils including at least 2H, B, HB, 2B
Artist eraser- kneadable preferred
Sketchbook 9” x 12”, suggested Strathmore 300, or other with at least 50lb paper
Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm. February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 24, 31 (6 weeks)
To learn more about Moumita and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/roychowdhury
Participants will learn how to capture nature at its best using various watercolour techniques. In each class we will explore the basics of colour theory and how to achieve luminosity and depth in watercolours.
Supplies List:
Watercolour paper (140 lb or higher)
A Board to fix the paper on
Masking tape for fixing paper on board
Pencil, Eraser for sketching
Watercolour paint brushes – 1 round brush (medium), 1 round (fine tip), 1 flat brush
Roll of paper towels or cotton rags
Container of water
Palette
Masking Fluid/Frisket
Salt (Table salt/sea salt/rock salt - any salt)
Watercolour paints, colours should include:
A warm red (Cadmium/Pyrrole Red)
A cool red (Alizarin Crimson, opera pink)
A cool yellow (Cadmium Yellow Light/Lemon Yellow)
A warm yellow (Nickel Azo Yellow/Cadmium Yellow Deep)
A warm blue (Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue)
A cool blue (Phthalo Blue)
Payne's Grey/ Neutral tint
White gouache or white watercolours
Tuesdays, 7-9 pm. February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 24, 31 (6 weeks).
To learn more about Edward and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/hanson
Please note: Students supply the basic materials for their course (see Supplies List below description).
Soft (Dry) Pastel is a very versatile medium allowing itself to be used in a variety of Mixed Media techniques. Dry Pastel can be combined with mediums such as Watercolour, Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint and Collage. Impasto effects can be created through the use of Gel Mediums and Modeling Paste. This course will explore the use of Watercolour, Gel Mediums and Modeling Paste to build the image base and then completed using several Dry Pastel techniques. The exercises will be explained and demonstrated, inspired by compositions of Landscape and Objects (Still Life). This course encourages self expression and it is expected to complete several works during the 6 weeks.
Instructor Supplied Materials Fee $15 Includes: Professional Watercolour Paper, Acrylic Modeling Paste & Pastel Medium.
Supply List Required
****Please note that the Pastels in this course are NOT Oil Pastels ... Only Soft, Dry Pastels are used in these sessions
Tuesday, 7-9. February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 24, 31 (6 weeks).
$153 Members /$180 non-members- HST added starting January 1. + $15 materials fee
To learn more about Katharine and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/bourgon
Learn the basics of machine-sewing from loading a bobbin to trouble- shooting a jammed machine! Participants will make a customized tote bag and a bonus project (or two) if time allows. No experience is necessary.
Please note: The instructor has a severe allergy to chamomile. It is a common additive to many perfumes and scented products. Please treat this as a scent free class.
Wednesdays, 1 - 3 pm. February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 25 and April 1.
To learn more about Anne and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/williamson
Do you want to learn how to paint landscapes?
In this course, we will deconstruct a landscape and begin by painting skies - clouds, sunsets and storms. Next, we’ll paint all sorts of trees, even jack pines like Tom Thomson. Water, ripples, waves and reflections will follow, and shorelines, rocks, reeds and grasses will be another class. Then we’ll put it all together and paint landscapes.
We will talk about supplies but for the first class you will need to bring:
Anne will supply a painting surface for the first week and we will talk about canvases for subsequent classes.
Wednesdays, 1-3pm. February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 25 and April 1.
$153 Members /$180 non-members +HST + $30 materials fee
To learn more about Michael and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/rouse
Let’s contemplate the beauty of stunning sunsets rendered in brightly coloured wool. We will create landscapes that feature sunsets in both needle felting and wet felting. All the required tools and materials will be supplied. Demonstration and direct instruction will allow students to create a felting that is ready for framing or to incorporate in a wall hanging. No prior experience is required. Experienced artists, artisans and returning students will be able to bring their skill set and experience to the scene as well.
Wednesdays, 7 -9 pm. February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 25, April 1 (6 weeks).
To learn more about Brie and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/mckenzie
Always loved a good short story? Then why not come and learn how to write one in a friendly and supportive environment? In the course, we will look at the core elements of a short story and cover all aspects of writing one, including how to generate story ideas, develop strong characters and create a plot that will keep your readers glued to the page.
Students are asked to bring their own writing materials, whether electronic or pen and paper.
Wednesdays, 7-9 pm. February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 (7 weeks).
$178.50 Members /$210 non-members- HST added starting January 1.+ $15 materials fee (pattern provided)
Learn how to decipher a commercial sewing pattern. Sizing, cutting, pinning, and marking will be covered in this course. Participants will put their new skills to work to make an apron/work smock. MUST HAVE MACHINE SEWING EXPERIENCE.
Fabric will need to be purchased separately by participants AFTER THE FIRST CLASS. Pattern will be provided.
Thursdays, 1-3 pm. February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26, April 2 (6 weeks)
$153 Members /$180 non-members- HST added starting January 1. + $15 materials
To learn more about Akycha and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/surette
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.
Thursdays, 1-3pm. February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26, April 2 (6 weeks)
Please note: Students supply the basic materials for their course.
see Supplies List below description:
New students learn the basic approaches to Soft Pastel Art and returning students explore more advance techniques. This combined intro/intermediate course covers the material side of Soft Pastels, related art materials and techniques for students new to the medium and those looking to deepen their current knowledge. Pastel artwork is considered a drawing medium but it's versatility allows painterly effects to be developed. Drawing skill is an asset but not required. Several methods of Pastel application will be explored resulting in the completion of 3 to 4 landscape works of art.
Materials List:
Pastel Pencils are useful but a set of Pastel sticks is required
Thursday, 1-3. February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26, April 2 (6 weeks).
Thursdays, 7-9 pm. February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26, April 2 (6 weeks)
$153 Members /$180 non-members- HST added starting January 1 + $15 materials
Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm. February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26, April 2 (6 weeks).
To learn more about Michael and Peter and their work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/van-ryn
Bring your own inspiration and reference photo to create a landscape or floral scene in wool. This course in two-dimensional wool felting is designed for students with prior felting experience.
Our goal is to provide the instruction and tools for you to develop your skills in needle felted and wet felted scenes, while making increased creative space for your ideas and concepts. All required materials and tools will be supplied.
Fridays, 7 - 9 pm. February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27 (6 weeks)
To learn more about Baz and their work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/kanold
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at an age-old practice of drawing portraiture, this course is the perfect choice for you. Over six weeks, we will be learning how to simplify and understand the human face, as well as practicing tips and tricks make your portraits stand out. While this class will have an emphasis on self-portraiture and working from life, we will also have chances to work from photograph. Whether you want to learn realism, or develop your own style, this class will nurture your creativity and have you creating portraits you love.
A drawing pad (9x12 or similar size, with approx. 24 sheets)
A set of drawing pencils (At least four pencils: HB, 3B, 2H, B – the set should read similar to these, but they don’t need to be exactly that)
Eraser
Pencil sharpener
Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm. February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 (6 weeks).
Our lives are full of many experiences, many stories. Have you ever dreamt of sharing these with others in a memoir?
Join us for our 6 week Memory to Memoir Writing course where we’ll explore how you can turn your personal story into a well crafted memoir. In a safe and supportive environment we’ll look at a variety of topics, ranging from memoir vs autobiography, to navigating sensitive subjects, to the importance of theme, to creating images in writing, and everything in between.
Each week participants will be encouraged to try their hand at small exercises to help them develop their own “writing muscles” and unique style.
Please bring pen, paper, laptop, whatever your preference for writing.
Saturdays, 10:00 am -12:00 pm. February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 (6 weeks).
$153/member, $180/non-member + $15 materials fee- HST added starting January 1, 2026.
Join award-winning artist Mark Yungblut as he guides participants through the process of creating their own original paper cutting. Participants will be introduced to the technique via hands on instruction, and will be drawing, cutting and assembling a one-of-a-kind paper cutting using their own pictures/subject matter. All materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary.
Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm. February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 (6 weeks)
$153 for members / $180 non-members + $25 materials
Want to try new things? This six week course lets you sample of many of the crafts we have to offer.
Feb 21 - Small felted scene with Michael Rouse
Feb 28 - Wire tree with Harry Kooy
Mar 7 & 14 - Ceramics with Akycha Surette (day 1 building, day 2 glazing)
Mar 21- Coil Basketry with Katharine Bourgon
Mar 28- Small felted birds nest with Peter van Ryn
*Instructors and mediums subject to change
Sundays 10:30 to - 1 pm. Feb 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
$191.25 member / $225 non-member + $30 materials
Want to explore a range of Printmaking techniques? Want to learn how to use the press? Try your hand at Collagraphy, Etching, and Lino-cutting in this six week sampler. If you are hoping to participate in our Print Open Studio but need more experience on the press, this is a great option!
Feb 22 & Mar 1 - LINO with Baz Kanold (no press)
Mar 8 & 15- COLLAGRAPHY with Nancy Peng
Mar 22 & 19 - ETCHING with Justin LaGuff
To learn more about these instructors and their work, please visit:
Baz Kanold: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/kanold
Nancy Peng: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/peng
Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. Feb 23, Mar 2, 9, 23, 30 (5 weeks).
$127.50 Members /$150 non-members plus $50 model fee- HST added starting January 1.
Alongside learning painting techniques, this course will also go more into how to better capture skin tones and colours through paint. Using a model, increase your skill at representing the human form and find your own unique style!
2 canvas boards (just canvas wrapped board) ~ 11 x 14 or bigger
1 stretched canvas
Paint of choice (acrylic and/or oil) -- at least with black, white, blue, red, and yellow (preferably ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, and cadmium yellow but any will be fine)
If oil, please also bring oil medium of choice (e.g., linseed oil) and gamsol
Set of brushes -- at least 1 small (~half an inch) and 2 larger (1 inch+)
reusable or tear-away palette
Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1. (6 weeks)
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.
IVISIT the BUTTON FACTORY ARTS HOMEPAGE
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
