Who It’s For

Designed for student artists who have completed Painting Level 1 (or equivalent experience) and are ready to deepen their painting practice. If your youth/teen is excited to move past the fundamentals and tackle more advanced work — this course is for them.

What They’ll Learn

In this structured and progressive 10-week course, students will:

Expand painting work beyond still life and landscapes into narrative compositions, capturing scenes that tell a story
Use layering, glazing, and texture techniques to build depth, atmosphere, and rich surface qualities
Explore color harmony, contrast, and lighting effects to enhance mood and visual impact
Develop brush control and compositional structure in more complex works, moving from observation toward expressive interpretation

Why It Matters

At Level 1, students transition from foundational technique to more sophisticated visual problem-solving. This stage emphasizes controlled layering, glazing, texture development, and the use of color harmony and lighting to create depth and intentional mood. Students also begin working with more complex compositions, integrating observational accuracy with narrative or conceptual elements. These intermediate skills are essential for progressing toward advanced coursework, building a competitive portfolio, and aligning with expectations found in specialized high school arts programs and post-secondary fine arts admissions.

Instructor Bio

Led by Mira Armstrong, an OCAD graduate and professional artist with many years of experience teaching all age groups. Mira is technically gifted and skilled at translating her knowledge into lessons students can easily grasp — balancing professional techniques with an encouraging approach.

End Experience

By the end of the course, each student will complete a finished, portfolio-worthy narrative painting that demonstrates layered technique, strong composition, texture, lighting, and story. This work gives them a tangible piece to include in an art portfolio.

Prerequisites

Completion of Painting Foundations (or equivalent beginner foundational program) is required.

Progression

Prepares students for Painting Level 2 – Intermediate/Advanced Techniques, where they will take on self-directed projects with enhanced sophistication and personal style.

Pricing & What’s Included

💲 $375 for 10 weeks
✔ All materials included (paints, canvas/paper, brushes, palettes, glazing mediums)
➕ Makeup classes for any missed classes

Class Format & Schedule

🗓 10-week session
📅 Mondays starting January 12 (Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2, 9 23, 30)
📍 Arts on Fire Studio, Ajax
(Structured weekly projects + instructor demonstrations + individual feedback to support growth.)

Spots are limited to only 10 students per session to ensure personalized attention — register today to secure your artist's spot.

[JAN - MAR] Painting LEVEL 1 – Intermediate Techniques & Narrative Painting | Ages 8+ | Mondays 6:30 -8:pm | 10 Weeks | Portfolio Track