Drawing the Collection: Form and Texture at the Gardiner Museum

Beginner

Intermediate

Drawing

Summer 2026

Schedule

Wednesday, August 5
10am - 12:30pm

Location

Gardiner Museum - 111 Queens Park 3rd floor, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

Course Fee

$175 +HST

Enroll Now

Back to classes

About this course

Set in the galleries of the Gardiner Museum, this hands-on workshop invites you to explore the intersection of ceramic art and observational drawing. Under the guidance of drawing artist Rose Montgomery-Whicher, you will deepen your appreciation of both historical and contemporary ceramics, while developing your ability to translate three-dimensional forms into two-dimensional sketches. Through engaging drawing exercises, you will learn how to show volume, surface texture, and spatial relationships in your drawings. Designed for all levels of drawing experience, including beginners, this workshop offers an opportunity to develop your observational drawing skills under expert guidance, providing you with new ways to render still life subjects that you can carry into your independent 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

Translate 3D Form to 2D Media: Develop the ability to render the volume, proportions, and spatial depth of objects on paper.
Capture Complex Surface Textures: Apply specialized shading and line techniques to distinguish between diverse textures, from something shiny to raw and textured.
Analyze Historical and Contemporary Artifacts: Learn to appreciate both historical and contemporary ceramic designs.
Observational Drawing Exercises: Learn specific foundational techniques and experimental approaches to develop both accuracy and expressiveness in drawing three-dimensional forms.

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

ROSE MONTGOMERY-WHICHER

Ph.D. in Art Education · Routledge Published Author · University of London & Kettle’s Yard (UK) · Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Faculty

Rose Montgomery-Whicher is a distinguished artist, educator, and author whose practice is centered on the meditative art of observation drawing. With a PhD in Art Education from the University of Alberta and an MA from Concordia, her teaching is deeply informed by a philosophical and historical research background. She has shared her expertise across prestigious international institutions, including the University of London, Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Through her work, she helps students of all ages find confidence and innovation while discovering the joys of the creative process. Rose is also the author of a 2022 Routledge publication exploring the phenomenology of drawing as a way of preserving fleeting, specific experiences. Based in Toronto, she balances her academic pursuits with her family and a dog with the excellent name of Tapioca.

FAQs

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