This workshop offers a relaxing space to cultivate a personal visual vocabulary inspired by nature’s quiet rhythms, led by painter Farida Zaman. You’ll begin with gentle, mindful painting exercises, investigating organic shapes, intricate textures, and evocative colour palettes drawn from elements like leaves, flowers, water, and sky. Through guided prompts and an emphasis on intuitive mark-making, you’ll develop expressive abstract pieces that resonate with natural forms. This experience is an opportunity to pause, explore, and paint with intention, fostering a deeper connection to your artistic process. Farida will guide you through her unique artistic processes and techniques, fostering a well-rounded experience in how to unwind and create from an authentic inner place.
Fall 2025
Saturday and Sunday October 18 & 19 | 10:15am - 1:15pm
Fee: $245 +HST
720 Bathurst St.
Farida Zaman has a passion for art and design and in her 20 years as a freelance illustrator she has worked in Europe, North America, and the Middle East with clients across the world, bringing style, colour, and joy to many. Trained in fine art and illustration and now a seasoned freelance professional, Farida displays a wide versatility of applications of her style: her art has been used in posters, book covers, children's book illustrations, clothing, packaging, and giftware. The look is unmistakable - lively, colourful, whimsical, and executed with flair and drama - designs that always enhance and enliven. Her style includes watercolours, gouache, and digital mediums.
Farida enjoys travel and loves food, music, and culture from around the world. She travels extensively – across oceans and across continents. Her travel influences come through strongly in her work: she is cosmopolitan, appreciates global cultures and multiculturalism, and has a world view. All of this translates into a passion which makes her art enriching and inspiring. Farida went to boarding school in England and went on to a foundation course at the Chelsea School of Art in London. Graduating at the top of her class with honors from the Wimbledon School of Art, Farida built an international career as a freelance illustrator in Geneva, London, New York, and Toronto. Her work has been exhibited at private shows and public galleries in New York City, New Jersey, and Toronto. She is a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York, SCBWI (Society for Children's Book writers and Illustrators), and CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers). She has taught art at colleges, high school, and elementary school levels and also run adult art workshops. Farida is married and lives in Toronto where she has her friends, family, and art studio
"Brenda’s gift of a course was one of the most lovely presents I have ever had! I utterly loved the course. Farida is such a kind and caring person, and treated all our efforts with enthusiasm and joy. I learnt so much and have the confidence to keep painting I hope in a more creative and free manner. I hope to do another course one day.” - Joan B.
"I registered my 14 year old daughter, who is also on the spectrum, in Artistic Liberation because at the time, it was the only spot left of all the in person art classes. We needed an art class for her "homeschooling" program. What an amazing benefit and discovery we got. Not only did my daughter find an amazing nurturing teacher, Miss Farida Zaman, but also a healthy environment that gave her space to be happy, bloom and grow. Her art improved but most important, she always joyfully looked forward to seeing her group. People are kind and friendly. She feels so in her element and welcomed. This is our 3rd time in a row registering for this class. Thank you so much Miss Farida!
Cindy Landerman
