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Upcoming events

    • 8 Jul 2026
    • 26 Aug 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • Button Factory Arts, second floor
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm.  July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 (8 weeks)


    Members $204 / non-members $240

    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 

    • Alizarin Crimson

    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.

    • 24 Sep 2026
    • 29 Oct 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • Button Factory Arts, second floor
    • 12
    Register

    Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm. September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (6 weeks)


    $153 Members / $180 Non-Members 

    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 colours 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 colours, 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 

    • Alizarine Crimson / Alizarine Red

    Paint brushes: page3image59245504

    • Flat brushes, #1, 4, 8, and 12.

    Palette Cup 

    Medium: 

    • Linseed oil 

    • Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits (NO TURPENTINE PLEASE)

    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. 

    Please note: 

    • Attending the full class term is the responsibility of the student. No refunds or credits are issued for missing classes and educators will not schedule any additional instructor-led make-up classes.
    • Refunds are issued up to two weeks before your class starts.  After this period there are no refunds. 
    • With 2 or more weeks notice, we deduct 10% payment processing servicing fees from the total amount refunded or offer store credit with no deductions. 

    • 26 Sep 2026
    • 7 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • Button Factory Arts, second floor, outdoor locations
    • 14
    Register

    Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm. September 26, October 3, 17, 24, 31, November 7 (6 sessions, no class on Thanksgiving weekend)


    Members $153 / Non-Members $180

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

    In this course, we'll journey into nature's Fall 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!)


    Please note: 

    • Attending the full class term is the responsibility of the student. No refunds or credits are issued for missing classes and educators will not schedule any additional instructor-led make-up classes.
    • Refunds are issued up to two weeks before your class starts.  After this period there are no refunds. 
    • With 2 or more weeks notice, we deduct 10% payment processing servicing fees from the total amount refunded or offer store credit with no deductions. 


    • 19 Oct 2026
    • 7 Dec 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • Button Factory Arts, second floor
    • 9
    Register

    Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 2 (8 weeks)


    $204 Members /$240 non-members 

    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:

    This oil painting course invites students to explore the depths of their creative expression through a dynamic interplay of form, colour, 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 colour 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:

    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 

    • Alizarine Crimson / Alizarine Red

    Paint brushes: page3image59245504

    • Flat brushes, #1, 4, 8, and 12.

    Palette Cup 

    Medium: 

    • Linseed oil 

    • Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits (NO 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.


    Please note: 

    • Attending the full class term is the responsibility of the student. No refunds or credits are issued for missing classes and educators will not schedule any additional instructor-led make-up classes.
    • Refunds are issued up to two weeks before your class starts.  After this period there are no refunds. 
    • With 2 or more weeks notice, we deduct 10% payment processing servicing fees from the total amount refunded or offer store credit with no deductions. 

    • 5 Nov 2026
    • 10 Dec 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • Button Factory Arts, second floor
    • 9
    Register

    Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm. November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10 (6 weeks)


    $153 Members /$180 non-members 

    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:

    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 

    • Alizarine Crimson / Alizarine Red

    Paint brushes: page3image59245504

    • Flat brushes, #1, 4, 8, and 12.

    Palette Cup 

    Medium: 

    • Linseed oil 

    • Odourless Mineral Spirits (NO 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.

    Please note: 

    • Attending the full class term is the responsibility of the student. No refunds or credits are issued for missing classes and educators will not schedule any additional instructor-led make-up classes.
    • Refunds are issued up to two weeks before your class starts.  After this period there are no refunds. 
    • With 2 or more weeks notice, we deduct 10% payment processing servicing fees from the total amount refunded or offer store credit with no deductions. 


LOCATION: 

25 Regina Street South

Waterloo ON N2L1R8


Monday - Friday: 10 am - 7 pm

Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm

CONTACT US:

519-886-4577

Membership and rentals:

operations@buttonfactoryarts.ca


Program inquiries:

programs@buttonfactoryarts.ca


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