Drawing from Antiquity: Floral Motifs at the ROM

Advanced

Beginner

Intermediate

Drawing

Summer 2026

Schedule

Tuesday, July 14
11am - 1:30pm

Location

Royal Ontario Museum - 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6

Course Fee

$185 +HST

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About this course

Turn the galleries of the Royal Ontario Museum into your creative studio to explore, experiment and create from. Under the guidance of professional illustrator and designer Farida Zaman, you will closely examine the intricate floral motifs preserved within the ROM’s collection of historical tapestries, ceramics, and antiquities. Working primarily in dry media, you will learn to translate these historic design principles into your own observational sketches, benefiting from Farida’s insights on composition, line work, use of media and pattern work. This workshop offers a guided opportunity to open your technical drawing skills through direct interaction with world-class antiquities, transforming historical inspiration into practical design insights you can apply to any creative practice.

Please note: Your registration fee includes museum admission, giving you the freedom to remain in the galleries and continue to draw and visit independently once the 2.5 hour session concludes.

What you'll learn

Analyze Historical Motifs: Learn to identify, break down, and interpret intricate floral design elements across historical mediums, including textiles and ceramics.
Utilize Dry Media Techniques: Develop practical skills in using pencils, charcoal, or pastels to capture textures, shading, and forms from real-world artifacts.
Apply Design Principles: Improve your spatial awareness and compositional skills by studying the symmetry, balance, and styling of classical artisans.
Incorporate Professional Insights: Implement foundational illustration techniques shared by the instructor to enhance line weight, perspective, and personal style.
Conduct Independent Field Sketching: Gain the confidence to utilize museum environments and public collections as a continuous source of primary research and artistic inspiration.

Strathmore 300 or 400 Series: An industry-standard for everyday sketching and pencil layering. Widely carried by local suppliers like Michaels or Above Ground Art Supplies.

A set of graphite pencils from 2b to 6B
Erasers: One kneaded eraser (for lifting graphite) and one standard white plastic block eraser.
Markers (A set of Tombow preferably)
Pens: Waterproof fine-liners (e.g., Micron) for crisp, permanent outlines. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Colored Pencils: Excellent for layering, blending, and detailed illustrations.
Pastels: Chalk or oil pastels that add vibrant, blendable color. Soft pastels require a fixative to prevent smudging.

What students say

They didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."

Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour

"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."

Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively

"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."

Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively

"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."

Adult student · Acrylic Art 101

"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."

Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101

"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."

Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners

"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."

S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

Farida Zaman

Wimbledon School of Art (Honors) · Society of Illustrators (NY) · 20+ Years Freelance Illustrator · Top of Class Graduate

Farida Zaman is a seasoned freelance illustrator with over 20 years of experience working with global clients across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. After attending the Chelsea School of Art, she graduated at the top of her class with honors from the Wimbledon School of Art. Her unmistakable style is lively, colourful, and whimsical, utilizing watercolours, gouache, and digital mediums for applications ranging from book covers to packaging. Farida’s international career has spanned Geneva, London, New York, and Toronto, and she is a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York and the SCBWI. Her work is heavily influenced by her extensive global travels and appreciation for multiculturalism. In addition to her studio practice, she has taught art at the college, high school, and elementary levels.

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com