Join us once a month for a demo from a visiting artist and sign up for the full day Sunday workshop to learn how to apply the techniques to your own artwork.
Artist Demonstration/Artist Talks take place on Monday evenings from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
There is no charge to our members for Artist Demo evenings
In Person Demo Evenings and Workshops
DEMONSTRATION – Expressive Abstraction: Exploring Colour and Texture
Monday, February 24 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
In this special demonstration, Maryam Ebrahimi will walk the group through her approach to abstract painting, focusing on color, texture, and movement. She will share her layering techniques, discuss her intuitive creative process, and offer insight into how she builds depth and energy in her work. This is a unique opportunity to see her process up close and gain inspiration for your own artistic journey.
Maryam is an Iranian-Canadian abstract artist based in Richmond Hill with over 20 years of experience in art. Painting professionally since 2012, she is known for her rich textures and vibrant colors, creating expressive works that evoke emotion and connection. She has exhibited her work in galleries and art fairs both locally and abroad. While she doesn’t often do live demos, she enjoys sharing her creative process on special occasions to inspire and connect with fellow art.
Read more about Maryam
maryamebrahimi.com
WORKSHOP – Ontario Landscapes in Soft Pastels with Maria Iva
Sunday, March 16 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Join artist Maria Iva (PAC) in a fun one-day workshop exploring and practicing dry pastels. Pastels are well known for their rich and vibrant colours and for their high permanence ratings: they won’t fade over time. Unlike what many people think, pastels are a very forgiving medium and are very easy to handle. Maria will demonstrate easy steps that will lead to creating successful paintings, and illustrate an under-painting technique that is critical for producing depth and texture. Participants will complete one painting together with the instructor. A lot of guidance will be provided throughout the day. Basic understanding of composition and values and some painting experience in any medium is recommended.
Maria is a landscape painter known for her impressionistic style and vibrant color palette. Working in both oil and dry pastel, she draws inspiration from her love of nature and extensive hikes through the provincial parks and conservation areas of Southern Ontario. Often sketching on location with dry pastels, she captures the unique light and atmosphere of each setting. Back in her studio, she transforms these sketches into larger oil paintings on canvas, using a palette knife to bring texture and depth to her work.
Maria is a Signature Member of Pastel Artists Canada (PAC), holding a Master designation. She is an Elected Member of the Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) and Society of Canadian Artists. She is also a well-regarded instructor in both soft pastel and oil mediums.
Read more about Maria