Farida Zaman

Farida Zaman has a passion for art and design and in her 20 years as a freelance illustrator she has worked in Europe, North America, and the Middle East with clients across the world, bringing style, colour, and joy to many. Trained in fine art and illustration and now a seasoned freelance professional, Farida displays a wide versatility of applications of her style: her art has been used in posters, book covers, children's book illustrations, clothing, packaging, and giftware. The look is unmistakable - lively, colourful, whimsical, and executed with flair and drama - designs that always enhance and enliven. Her style includes watercolours, gouache, and digital mediums.

Farida enjoys travel and loves food, music, and culture from around the world. She travels extensively – across oceans and across continents. Her travel influences come through strongly in her work: she is cosmopolitan, appreciates global cultures and multiculturalism, and has a world view. All of this translates into a passion which makes her art enriching and inspiring. Farida went to boarding school in England and went on to a foundation course at the Chelsea School of Art in London. Graduating at the top of her class with honors from the Wimbledon School of Art, Farida built an international career as a freelance illustrator in Geneva, London, New York, and Toronto. Her work has been exhibited at private shows and public galleries in New York City, New Jersey, and Toronto. She is a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York, SCBWI (Society for Children's Book writers and Illustrators), and CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers). She has taught art at colleges, high school, and elementary school levels and also run adult art workshops. Farida is married and lives in Toronto where she has her friends, family, and art studio

Teaches:

1.

The Art of Letting Go: Intuitive & Abstract Painting

What past students are saying

"Brenda’s gift of a course was one of the most lovely presents I have ever had! I utterly loved the course. Farida is such a kind and caring person, and treated all our efforts with enthusiasm and joy. I learnt so much and have the confidence to keep painting I hope in a more creative and free manner. I hope to do another course one day.” - Joan B.

"I registered my 14 year old daughter, who is also on the spectrum, in Artistic Liberation because at the time, it was the only spot left of all the in person art classes. We needed an art class for her "homeschooling" program. What an amazing benefit and discovery we got. Not only did my daughter find an amazing nurturing teacher, Miss Farida Zaman, but also a healthy environment that gave her space to be happy, bloom and grow. Her art improved but most important, she always joyfully looked forward to seeing her group. People are kind and friendly. She feels so in her element and welcomed. This is our 3rd time in a row registering for this class. Thank you so much Miss Farida!

Cindy Landerman

Rachel Crummey

Rachel Crummey is a visual artist working primarily in painting and drawing. Her work incorporates pattern, improvisation, and collage. She has worked with children in a variety of contexts and loves sharing her passion and enthusiasm for art making. She has been an artist in residence with Kulturkontakt Austria and the Salzburger Kunstverein, and was the 2015 winner of the Joseph Plaskett Foundation’s Nancy Petry Award for emerging Canadian painters. She has exhibited in Canada, London UK, Austria, and Italy. She gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council. She received her BFA from Concordia University in 2010, and her MFA from the University of Guelph in 2014.

Teaches:

1.

The Gesture of Paint: Ink Staining, Movement & Expression

2.

The Art of Seeing: Observational Drawing & Painting in Toronto

3.

Drawing for Beginners – Intensive

4.

Masterclass: Mixed Media Painting Techniques

What past students are saying

"I loved Rachel’s class and found it to be inspiring and helpful as I try to work through a bit of a creative and personal mind block. There was a good mix of time spent looking at the work of selected women abstract artists followed by well-led practical exercises that could be completed during class or worked on further. Your interest and enthusiasm was clear through all five weeks of the class and I wish there were more!” - Janine

"I thought that the class was the perfect balance—lots of interesting information about fascinating artists (most of whom were new to me), plus plenty of time to try out the new techniques ourselves. Rachel, you were an excellent guide, and your enthusiastic knowledge of art history put things in perspective and encouraged interesting discussion.” - Andie Pilot (Geneva)

"This class was great! It made me relive my younger high school days! I would love to continue with 'next steps' or 'drawing 2'. Definitely made me look forward to Monday evenings. Rachel's demeanor is great! Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment."

Itzel Rendon

"This course is a great intro to drawing. I really appreciate the focus on the right brain orientations and learning to be in a more receptive and curious state. The warm-up exercises were often fun and novel which helped with getting out of a left brain analytical state.[I particularly enjoyed] The warm-up exercises and the collegial atmosphere of sharing our successes and challenges with other classmates."

S. Siskind

Kirk Sutherland

Kirk Sutherland is a Toronto-based Canadian artist. He has exhibited his work under the representation of many art galleries internationally over the last 30 years. Many of his pieces are included in both private and corporate collections globally.

Sutherland graduated with high-honours from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in 1991, majoring in Contemporary Art and Drawing and Painting from the Faculty of Experiential Arts.

While at OCAD Sutherland studied under Canadian 20th century masters Graham Coughtry, Robert Hedrick, Paul Sloggett and Daniel Solomon as well as studying colour theory with internationally revered colourist and theorist Francois Thepot.

Kirk Sutherland is a renowned colourist who was born with synesthesia. This blending of senses very much enhances his perception of colour and his overall creative process.

Sutherland is also known for working with the Hollywood Film Industry, creating and designing public art in urban environments and working with the music industry creating album cover designs.

Kirk Sutherland is a teacher, educator and lecturer. With a wide and profound knowledge of classical and contemporary art history, Sutherland has taught a myriad of studio and theoretical course for over 20 years.

https://www.kirksutherland.com/

Teaches:

1.

Abstraction: Mixed Media and Materials

2.

Modern Art Movements: Innovation in Colour, Form, and Space

What past students are saying

I can't say enough good things about Kirk as an instructor. I love the format that he uses for his classes. He makes Modern art so accessible for everyone. I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art or painting beforehand and I was just looking for something fun to fill my time with. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students. I think that I can honestly say that everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work. He is approachable and has introduced me to so many fascinating artists and their practices. It has been a positive experience which has led me to want to take future courses with Avenue Road School of Art.

Jamie Mudrick

MARTHA JOHNSON

Martha Johnson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honours, from the University of Guelph, worked with and was mentored by Tom Hodgson (Painter’s 11). She is known for figurative and landscape painting as well as ephemeral animal sculptures typically seen in installation and photography. Her work often incorporates an environmental subtext. Martha has researched and developed a body of work based on a hundred-year-old narrative about an Albatross found in the Bay of Fundy. As a history painter SHADOW RED, a solo exhibition in 2017 referenced the hundredth anniversary of Tom Thomson’s death. She shares a family connection to the discovery of the artist’s remains on Canoe Lake (The Tom Thomson Mystery; Judge William T Little). A listed Canadian artist, her work is held public, corporate and in private collections worldwide. Martha’s work is carried by Art Interiors and White Wall North in Toronto. Visit www.marthajohnson.ca.

Teaches:

1.

The Art of Seeing: Observational Drawing & Painting in Toronto

2.

Acrylic Art 101: Building a Painting Foundation

3.

Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting

4.

Everything SPRING: A Seasonal Art Exploration

5.

Inspired by Nature: Painting Canada’s Flora & Fauna

6.

Acrylic Art: Intermediate Painting

7.

Acrylic Art 101: Building a Painting Foundation

8.

Acrylic Art: Intermediate Painting

9.

Drawing Freely: Stroke, Line, Gesture

What past students are saying

"Martha, you are amazing!! I'm so impressed with how you managed to bring your usual caring touch and humour to the class without being in the same room.” - Adult student

"Martha was exceptional! 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

"I attended 3 courses with Martha Johnson [at ARAS], and it was a lovely experience. I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and feel confident to paint on my own. I definitely plan to stay in touch. "

Shipra Pandey

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