Adult art classes in Toronto

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Whatever you bring, there's a class for it

Some people walk in having never held a brush. Others have painted for years and just want to get better at one specific thing. Both belong here. The classes are small — capped at 10 — so the teaching actually bends to who's in the room instead of aiming at some imaginary middle. If you already know you want painting or drawing, start there. Not sure yet? That's normal — most people aren't, and the class sorts it out.

Classes you can join now

  • Drawing for Beginners
    In person
    Drawing for Beginners
    Mondays, September 29 - November 17 (no class October 13) | 6:45 - 8:45pm ( 7 weeks )
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    $365 +HST
  • Artist sitting in the museum sketching - ARAS - Avenue Road Arts school
    In person
    Drawing from Antiquity: Floral Motifs at the ROM
    Tuesday, July 14
    11am - 1:30pm
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    $185 +HST
  • Bronze sculpture with a decorative ceramic globe for a head standing outside the Gardiner Museum entrance — Avenue Road Arts School Floral Motif at the ROM course
    In person
    Drawing the Collection: Form and Texture at the Gardiner Museum
    Wednesday, August 5
    10am - 12:30pm
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    $175 +HST
  • Artist with her sketch book in hand and her laptop open - Avenue Road Arts School Art Collective Sketchbook
    Virtual
    The Collective Sketchbook: Virtual Open Studio & Community
    Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 (4 weeks)
    9:30am - 11:30am
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    $205+HST
  • Artist painting an expressive botanical composition on paper using gloved hands and ink
    Virtual
    Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting - Intensive
    Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 weeks)
    7 - 9:30pm
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    $245 +HST
  • Artist applying thick impasto paint to a small canvas with a palette knife in a studio setting
    Virtual
    Nature in Abstraction
    Thursdays, July 2, 16, 23, 30 (4 weeks)
    10am - 12pm
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    $265 +HST
  • Large canvases laid flat on a studio floor with artists painting expressive works from nature reference photos using long-handled brushes — Avenue Road Arts School Painting BIG from Nature course
    In person
    Painting BIG from Nature: Large-Scale Abstract Painting
    Saturday & Sunday, July 4 & 5
    10am - 1pm
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    $345 +HST
  • Gallery visitor looking up at a large vibrant mixed-media painting on a white gallery wall — Avenue Road Arts School Inside the Exhibition course
    Virtual
    Inside the Exhibition: Curating and Exhibiting in Nuit Blanche 2026
    Wednesdays, July 29 - August 26 (4 weeks)
    7 - 9:30pm
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    $625 +HST
  • ARAS students paint plein air - Avenue road arts school rural city
    In person
    Rural City: Painting en Plein Air at Evergreen Brick Works
    Wednesday, July 22
    10am - 4pm
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    $295 +HST
  • Exterior image of Spadina museum - Avenue Road Arts School Art Sketching the Garden and Orchard
    In person
    Sketching the Garden and Orchard: Ink and Watercolour at the Spadina Museum
    Thursday August 27
    11am - 2pm
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    $195+HST
Voted Gold — Best Art School/Instruction, Toronto Star Readers' Choice

"My drawing class is what I imagine meditation is like. The class begins and your brain immediately takes you to another place — a zen-like space that's deeply relaxing. Magical."

Leslie Milrod

"I feel that I made more progress in this one week than I achieved in three other painting classes combined."

Martin

Your instructors are practising, exhibiting artists — not hobbyists. Meet the people who teach here →

Questions adults ask before their first class

I haven't done art since school. Am I too out of practice?
No — plenty of our adult students arrive having not drawn or painted in years, or ever. The classes are built for exactly that, and the small size means the instructor can meet you where you are.
How big are the classes?
Capped at 10, so there's room for the instructor to actually look at your work and talk to you about it — in person and online alike.
Can I take classes online?
Yes. You can join in person, or live online over Zoom — same instructors, same small groups, no commute.
Do I need to buy supplies before I start?
Each class lists exactly what you'll need on its own page. For most beginner-friendly classes the list is short and inexpensive — you won't need to invest heavily to find out if you enjoy it.
When can I start?
Enrolment is rolling, so you're not waiting for a fixed term to begin. Browse the classes above — anything showing is open and bookable right now.

Find a class that fits

Small groups, working-artist instructors, in person or online. Browse what's open right now and book the one that's right for you.

See adult classes
See adult classes