Upcoming The Impressionism of Helen McNicoll – Donata Szafian – Fall 2026

 Donata Szafian is a classically trained artist with a BFA in Sculpture, a BA in Industrial Design, and an MA in Jewellery Design. Her background in both fine art and design gives Donata a practical, problem-solving mindset. She studied in New York with Nelson Shanks and with Michael John Angel at the Angel Academy in Florence. Donata taught drawing, painting, and sculpting at Algonquin College for 15 years, but now teaches privately and primarily works on commissioned pieces.

The Impressionism of Helen McNicoll

Discover the luminous world of Helen McNicoll, a pioneering Canadian Impressionist. This course explores her quiet, European-influenced scenes captured with heavy texture and a vibrant palette, beautifully bridging traditional Impressionism and rugged Canadian modernism. This style links her directly to contemporaries Tom Thomson and Vincent van Gogh, all three sharing tragically short lives but incredibly productive, groundbreaking careers. 

Participants will learn plein air techniques to capture the effects of light in heavy impasto. Following our recent Tom Thomson workshop format, we will study and copy McNicoll’s work step-by-step. Students will then apply these techniques to a complex piece of their choice or translate a personal reference photo into her unique style.

While acrylics are the preferred medium to utilize texture boosting mediums and decrease drying times, all levels of acrylic and oil painters are welcome. 

Supply List:  To be announced

Dates:  Tuesday mornings from September 22 to November 24 (10 weeks, no breaks)

Time:  9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Venue: 155 Industrial Avenue, Carleton Place

Fees:  Members: $350; Non-members: $400

Registration: Opens for volunteers August 1st, for KAC members August 5th, non-members August 12th

Terms and Conditions: Kanata Art Club reserves the right to cancel a class where there is insufficient registration.  You will be notified and receive a full refund.

To withdraw, please contact the treasurer at treasurer@kanataartclub.com.  A cheque or e-transfer for a full refund less an administrative fee of $25.00 will be issued if a written request is received no less than 14 days prior to the start of the first class.  There will be no refund beyond that date, unless we are able to fill your spot from a waitlist.