Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting

Intuitive Mark Making Nature & Gesture

Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting

Intermediate
Adults
Painting
Fall 2026
Schedule
Thursdays September 24 - November 26
7 - 9:30pm
Location
Virtual
Course Fee
$525 + HST
Enroll Now
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About this course

Join renowned artist Martha Johnson for a ten-week virtual exploration focused on elevating your painterly approach. This is an intensive opportunity to scrutinize the foundational concepts and experimental techniques driving today’s most compelling artwork. We will shift the focus from representation to expression, thoroughly examining how materiality, scale, and surface interact to convey powerful meaning. Through targeted demonstrations and dynamic, project-based learning, you will learn to analyze the relationship between gestural brushwork and dynamic compositions. Martha will guide you in developing a confident workflow, moving from initial concept sketching to final execution, equipping you with a critical framework that allows you to confidently explore and define your place within the expansive, exciting dialogue of contemporary painting.

What you'll learn

  • Define and apply contemporary painting styles and expressive mark-making techniques.
  • Cultivate skills in creating compelling compositions for contemporary artwork.
  • Explore the creative process from inception to completion within a contemporary context.
  • Develop a strong conceptual and technical foundation for individual painting practices.
  • Construct paintings that reflect a unique artistic voice and personal expression.
  • This course is designed for those with some painting experience who are ready to embrace the principles of contemporary art and deepen their creative practice.
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
Image

Martha Johnson

BFA Honours · Listed Canadian Artist
Martha received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honours, from the University of Guelph, and was mentored by Tom Hodgson (Painter's 11). Known for figurative and landscape painting, her work is held in public, corporate and private collections worldwide. Visit marthajohnson.ca

FAQs

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

Fall 2026
Schedule
Thursdays September 24 - November 26
7 - 9:30pm
Location
Virtual
Course Fee
$525 + HST
Enrol Now

Keep exploring

  • 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
  • Exterior image of Spadina museum - Avenue Road Arts School Art Sketching the Garden and Orchard