The Collective Sketchbook: Virtual Open Studio & Community

Advanced

Beginner

Intermediate

Adults

Drawing

Fall 2026

Schedule

Wednesdays September 16 - November 4
9:30am - 11:30am

Location

Virtual

Course Fee

$355 + HST

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About this course

Establish a dedicated and collective drawing routine in this open studio designed to build artistic connection, creativity and accountability. Every session begins with a prompt that focuses on media or process, with examples of contemporary and historical artists’ drawings, and/or a demonstration. The prompts are designed to inspire and inform your independent drawing time and serve as a common thread connecting everyone’s work. The subject matter is up to you; whether you draw still life objects, faces, figures, landscapes, cityscapes, or make non-representational drawings, the prompt will challenge you to use familiar media differently, or try a new approach to drawing. While the core drawing time is self-guided to maximize your creative autonomy and individual focus, each session concludes with a group review, allowing time for discussion and reflections. Led by drawing artist Rose Montgomery-Whicher, these sessions provide an opportunity to exchange constructive peer feedback and insights, offering a balance of solitary artistic freedom and community connection.

*No class September 30

What you'll learn

Cultivate a Studio Routine: Build a consistent, weekly drawing habit within a virtual environment.
Respond to Drawing Prompts: Expand your creative boundaries by adapting individual projects to specific media restrictions or thematic constraints.
Engage in Constructive Art Critique: You will be encouraged to articulate your own creative choices and provide meaningful feedback to peers.
Strengthen Self-Directed Problem Solving: Gain confidence in navigating your own creative process.

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