About the Artist

Linda Hillier is a Canadian artist whose work reflects a lifelong dedication to exploration, learning, and creative expression. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and studied at the Falmouth School of Art in England. Working primarily in watercolour, oil, gouache, and acrylic, Linda Hillier brings both technical skill and emotional depth to her paintings.  Her classical training in drawing, life drawing, and colour theory forms a strong foundation for an ever-evolving body of work inspired by curiosity, travel, and lived experience.  Linda says:  “With a lifelong passion for calligraphy and many years of experience (Calligraphy Society of Ottawa), I look forward to sharing the beauty of the written word and inspiring others to discover the art of the Italic script.”

Throughout her artistic journey, she has taught numerous courses and workshops, continually discovering new ways to interpret the world through visual language. Her art celebrates the dynamic relationship between observation and imagination, and the endless possibilities of seeing the world anew.

Supplies: 2-3 mm broad-edged calligraphy pen, black calligraphy ink , smooth practice paper, pencil, ruler,
eraser, paper towel,
Optional: watercolour, coloured Inks, small brush, good quality paper for final

Dates:  Thursdays, January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

Time:  9:30 –  12:00

Venue: 155 Industrial Avenue, Carleton Place

Fees:  Members: $140.00;  Non-members: $190.00

Registration: Opens for volunteers Oct. 24th , for KAC members Oct. 27th,  non-members Oct. 31st

The Kanata Art Club and Studio 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.  An 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 refunds beyond that date, unless we are able to fill the spot from a waitlist.

​“Katherine McNenly is a painter in the Naturalistic tradition. She is a graduate of Fine Arts from York University and spent her formative years studying in the studio of the renowned portrait artist and teacher, John Angel, in Toronto.  She attended the atelier Cecil-Graves in Florence, Italy in 1990 and has participated in workshops at the Grand Central Academy in New York. She has been featured in the International Artist Magazine and was a finalist in their 2009 Still Life Competition.  She has been a finalist in the Canadian Portrait Society’s Annual Competition, The Kingston Prize and in the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition 2012, where she received an Honour Award. Her work is in private collections across Canada, the United States and Europe” – from: https://www.katherinemcnenly.com/about.

About this class

This 10 week course will concentrate on providing students with a more traditional approach to painting. You will learn about the fundamentals of drawing, colour mixing, materials and how to build up a painting from underpainting to overpainting and glazing. You will learn how to see form and structure and how to approach a more realistic image. The instructor will be doing short demos to aid in understanding concepts. Students will have a choice of subject matter: portrait, landscape or still life. Students may work in either acrylic or oil.  Suitable for students at all levels.

What her students say:

“Kathy is so knowledgeable, friendly, great personality, and has the patience of a Saint. She works with each student individually, helping them achieve their goals. She certainly deserves a medal.” – Shirley

“. . .exceptional.  Over the course of the weeks . . . Kathy became familiar with the painting styles of each of the participants.  In my case, she identified my weaknesses, and helped me with colours, brush strokes, composition, and so much more.   I was very pleased with the final painting, and attribute much of my success with the piece to Kathy’s tutelage.  I will sign up for more classes with Kathy.  She is a star.” – Sandra

“We are fortunate to have a teacher of Kathy’s calibre . .  Kathy is very knowledgeable. . .Regardless of the student’s skill level, Kathy is able to make suggestions that help the students grow and create better paintings.” – Jette

“Kathy is able to customize her teaching,  giving each student individualized instruction where their next step is. . .  She clearly explains the theory behind the why, before she explains and shows the how. That way her students can continually build their capacity at their own pace.  Kathy is an extraordinary art teacher as evidenced by the wide range of repeat students  in her classes,  from beginners up to more advanced students. We are very lucky to have Kathy . . .”-Patty

“ Since I’ve taken classes from her, my paintings have improved dramatically.” – Lucy

“Kathy is cheerful and relaxed and creates a supportive environment” – JoAnne

Kathy McNenly Supply List

Dates: Fridays January 8th to March 5th, 2027.  Please note in the event of inclement weather, Kathy may choose to postpone a class.  A make-up class will be added to the schedule.

Time: 9:00 pm – 12:00 pm

Location: 155 Industrial Avenue, Carleton Place

Registration:  Opens for volunteers Nov. 15th, for KAC members Nov. 18th, non-members Nov. 25th

Fees: KAC members and volunteers: $350.00, non-members: $400.00

Terms & Conditions

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

To withdraw prior to the start date, please contact: treasurer@kanataartclub.com.  A refund less an administrative fee of $25.00 will be issued if a written request is received no less two weeks prior to the start of the first class.  There will be no refund issued beyond that date, unless your spot can be filled from a waitlist

   

About Katherine McNenly

​“Katherine McNenly is a painter in the Naturalistic tradition. She is a graduate of Fine Arts from York University and spent her formative years studying in the studio of the renowned portrait artist and teacher, John Angel, in Toronto.  She attended the atelier Cecil-Graves in Florence, Italy in 1990 and has participated in workshops at the Grand Central Academy in New York. She has been featured in the International Artist Magazine and was a finalist in their 2009 Still Life Competition.  She has been a finalist in the Canadian Portrait Society’s Annual Competition, The Kingston Prize and in the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition 2012, where she received an Honour Award. Her work is in private collections across Canada, the United States and Europe” – from: https://www.katherinemcnenly.com/about.

About this class

This 10 week course will concentrate on providing students with a more traditional approach to painting. You will learn about the fundamentals of drawing, colour mixing, materials and how to build up a painting from underpainting to overpainting and glazing. You will learn how to see form and structure and how to approach a more realistic image. The instructor will be doing short demos to aid in understanding concepts. Students will have a choice of subject matter: portrait, landscape or still life. Students may work in either acrylic or oil.  Suitable for students at all levels.

What her students say:

“Kathy is so knowledgeable, friendly, great personality, and has the patience of a Saint. She works with each student individually, helping them achieve their goals. She certainly deserves a medal.” – Shirley

“. . .exceptional.  Over the course of the weeks . . . Kathy became familiar with the painting styles of each of the participants.  In my case, she identified my weaknesses, and helped me with colours, brush strokes, composition, and so much more.   I was very pleased with the final painting, and attribute much of my success with the piece to Kathy’s tutelage.  I will sign up for more classes with Kathy.  She is a star.” – Sandra

“We are fortunate to have a teacher of Kathy’s calibre . .  Kathy is very knowledgeable. . .Regardless of the student’s skill level, Kathy is able to make suggestions that help the students grow and create better paintings.” – Jette

“Kathy is able to customize her teaching,  giving each student individualized instruction where their next step is. . .  She clearly explains the theory behind the why, before she explains and shows the how. That way her students can continually build their capacity at their own pace.  Kathy is an extraordinary art teacher as evidenced by the wide range of repeat students  in her classes,  from beginners up to more advanced students. We are very lucky to have Kathy . . .”-Patty

“ Since I’ve taken classes from her, my paintings have improved dramatically.” – Lucy

“Kathy is cheerful and relaxed and creates a supportive environment” – JoAnne

Kathy McNenly Supply List

Dates: Fridays, January 8th to March 5th, 2027  Note: in the event of inclement weather, Kathy may choose to postpone a class.  A make-up class will be added to the schedule.

Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: 155 Industrial Avenue, Carleton Place

Registration:  Opens for volunteers Nov15h, for KAC members Nov 18th, non-members Nov 25th

Fees: KAC members and volunteers: $350.00, non-members: $400.00

Terms & Conditions

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

To withdraw prior to the start date, please contact: treasurer@kanataartclub.com.  A refund less an administrative fee of $25.00 will be issued if a written request is received no less two weeks prior to the start of the first class.  There will be no refund issued beyond that date, unless your spot can be filled from a waitlist

Studio Description:

The Life Drawing Studio is a self directed program, no instruction is provided. Artists work from a live, nude model.  Artists may work in the medium of their choice but are required to use studio safe materials that don’t emit odours or affect others. In the case of oil painting no turpentine or dryers like liquin are permitted. Artists are expected to arrive early enough to set up before the studio begins and clean their stations afterwards before leaving.

This studio challenges the artist to explore a range of gestural and short poses (from 90 seconds to 10 minutes) followed by one long pose.

Dates:  Sundays, Jan. 10-Feb. 28 (8 weeks).  Please note:  In the event of inclement weather, a session may be postponed and rescheduled to a later date.

Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Coordinator:  Kie Delgaty: kdelgaty@outlook.com

Venue: 155 Industrial Avenue, Carleton Place

Fees: Members $240.00, Non-Members $290.00

Registration Opens: Volunteers – Nov. 15th, Members – November 18th, Non-members – November 21st

Terms & Conditions

Kanata Art Club reserves the right to cancel a studio 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 no less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the first studio.  There will be no refund issued beyond that date.

Studio Description:

The Kanata Art Club is offering a Portrait/Costume Drawing Studio where participating artists have an opportunity to work from a costumed model. No instruction is provided. Artists may work in the medium of their choice but are required to use studio safe materials that don’t emit odors or affect others. In the case of oil painting no turpentine or dryers like liquin are permitted. Artists are expected to arrive early enough to set up before the studio begins and clean their stations afterwards before leaving.

Dates: Mondays Jan. 11th, 18th, Feb.1,8,15,22, March1 to March 8th (8 weeks, no studio on January 25th).  Please note: In the event of inclement weather, a session may be postponed to a later date.

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Fees:  KAC members $240 non-members, $290

Venue: 155 Industrial Avenue, Carleton Place

Registration: Opens for volunteers Nov. 15, KAC members Nov. 18, non-members Nov. 21

Coordinator: Lydia Steeves lydiasteeves@icloud.com 

Terms & Conditions

Kanata Art Club reserves the right to cancel a studio 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 no less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the first studio.  There will be no refund issued beyond that date.

Discover the magic of using acrylics and coloured pencils on a frosted mylar surface in this exciting, fun online program!

Dive into a world of bold colour exploration where large blocks of vibrant hues collide, flow, and transform. Through hands-on experimentation, you’ll master the art of layering transparent and opaque colours, create beautiful textures and painterly marks, and add decorative elements to create captivating abstract paintings.

Designed for artists of all levels, this course invites you to experiment with evocative colour combinations and techniques that push the boundaries of traditional painting. All you need are a few affordable supplies and your favourite acrylics to begin this creative journey.

Over three immersive days, you’ll experience engaging, guided sessions with access to additional resources for self-paced exploration afterward. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of nature or the intrigue of abstract art, this course offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on both.

Join us in our “Exploring Acrylic and Mylar Magic” online class and discover the transformative power of negative painting. Your imagination will soar as you bring abstract compositions to life, merging the organic with the abstract in awe-inspiring ways. Secure your spot now, and prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary artwork you’ll create!

Supplies Exploring Acrylic and Mylar Magic 2026

Dates: Tuesday January 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2027

Time:  9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location: Virtually on Zoom

Registration:  Opens for volunteers October 15th, for KAC members October 18th non-members October 21st

Fees: KAC members and volunteers: $320.00, non-members: $370.00

Terms & Conditions

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

To withdraw prior to the start date, please contact: treasurer@kanataartclub.com.  A refund less an administrative fee of $25.00 will be issued if a written request is received no less than one month prior to the start of the first class, i.e., by December 11th/2026.  There will be no refund issued beyond that date, unless your spot can be filled from a waitlist

About this Course:

Over three consecutive Tuesdays, we will progress from rendering techniques through the effects of light and the principles of perspective to figure drawing, general proportions and the anatomical foundations of the human form.

Following the initial lectures using graphite pencils, we will work in natural charcoal or monochrome oil (or both, depending on student preference).

We will put our newly acquired skills to the test by analyzing, understanding, and recreating some of Edgar Degas’ iconic ballerinas on our final day.

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.

Dates: Tuesdays, January 12, 19 and 26.

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: Fundamentals of Drawing

Artist’s Statement:

Bookmaking is a logical extension of printmaking, which by its nature enables the artist to work in multiples. This short 5-week course focuses on linocut technique, design and expression. There will be an emphasis on integrating image and text, on composition/layout and on strengthening lettering skills. Along with creating personal prints, a component of the course will be a collaborative project of linocuts bound using a Japanese stab-stitch technique.

About the Instructor:

Deidre Hierlihy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art from Queen’s University, 1981, followed by a year at the Graff, Centre de Conception Graphique in Montréal on a Graff Grant.  She returned to Queens in 1984 to complete a Bachelor of Education.  Her love for printmaking subsequently led to international study in both Japan (woodcut) and Northern Ireland (linocut).  Learn more about Deirdre at https://deidrehierlihy.com.

Supply List:  TBA