About this Course:
Discover the dynamic and captivating world of Van Gogh. This course explores his use of vibrant colours and complementary contrast, his advanced composition skills and his effortless application of the Golden Ratio proportion. His bold, directional heavy impasto brushwork links him well to his previously studied contemporaries, Tom Thomson and Helen McNicoll, all three sharing tragically short lives but incredibly productive, groundbreaking careers.
Following and condensing our recent Helen McNicoll workshop format, we will study and copy Van Gogh’s work step-by-step during our first day together. Students will then apply these techniques to a complex piece of their choice or translate a personal reference photo into his unique style.
While acrylics are a slightly preferred medium to utilize texture boosting mediums and decrease drying times, all levels of acrylic and oil painters are welcome.
About Donata Szafian
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 her a practical and problem-solving mindset. She studied with Nelson Shanks at the Grand Cenral Atelier in New York and with Michael John Angel while attending 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.
What her Students Say:
“This is the first time I have taken a class with your club and I am very impressed. Donata is very knowledgeable and kind. She spends time with each student and tailors her instructions to various levels of skill. I am very happy and look forward to taking more classes with her.” J.L.
“A creative and energetic teacher, Donata has helped me progress in my goals to accomplish a much higher level of work both in drawing and painting. I appreciate her direction and support. She is also fun to work with”. J.C.
“Donata is both a talented professional artist and an exceptional teacher. She provides individual guidance and encouragement, helping each student develop skills and confidence at their own pace. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to help.
I highly recommend her!” J.P.
“I took two drawing classes with Donata, one on the fundamentals and a second on portraiture. They were both fabulous. In addition to the lectures and demos, there was homework. I now understand the proportions of the face and the human body, and I see in a new way. I am able to draw a likeness of a face and to render form. I highly recommend Donata – she is an outstanding instructor.” – kd
“In my humble opinion it would be difficult to find a better art teacher than Donata. Classically trained, proficient in a range of mediums, excellent colourist, patient, with a consistently positive disposition and generally fun to be around.” J.H.
“Donata is both a talented professional artist and an exceptional teacher. She provides individual guidance and encouragement, helping each student develop their skills and confidence at their own pace. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to help.
Her classes are not only inspiring and educational but also great fun! Donata brings wonderful ceativity, enthusiasm, and energy to every class. I highly recommend her!”
Dates: Tuesdays, March 16, 23 and 30
Please note, that in the event of inclement weather, a class may be postponed. All participants will be notified via email and the make-up class will be added to the schedule.
Time: 9:30am to 4pm with a half-hour lunch break
List of supplies: Impasto technique of Van Gogh
Fees: $240 for members and $290 for non-members
Registration: Opens for KAC volunteers November 15th , KAC members November 18th, non-members November 21st
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 prior to the start date, please contact the treasurer at
treasurer@kanataartclub.com. An e-transfer for a full refund less an administrative fee of $25.00 will be issued if a written request is received by December 15th. There will be no refund issued beyond that date, unless we can fill your spot from a waitlist.
