The Art of Watercolour - Fall Weekend Workshop

Over the years, numerous artists, photographers and other creative-minded individuals have been drawn to Upper Canada Village for its picturesque and authentic qualities, capturing the essence of the historic surroundings for their own enjoyment. This year, Upper Canada Village will become the backdrop for three new Fall Workshops that cater to enthusiasts in these creative fields, one of which is a special Watercolour Weekend Getaway ...

THE ART OF WATERCOLOUR WEEKEND AT UPPER CANADA VILLAGE, will be held from Friday, October 12, at 7:00 p.m. until Sunday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m. This enriching course at Upper Canada Village’s Guest House offers a no-pressure, relaxing weekend on the beautiful St. Lawrence where students will learn from experienced art teachers. The course is designed for beginners or those who have some familiarity with the medium and would like to extend their knowledge. Working with simple arrangements, the class will cover techniques, colour theory and practice, and mixing colours … all with an emphasis on personal expression.

The cost for the course is $295 per person, and includes accommodation on Friday and Saturday nights, a Friday evening wine & cheese ice-breaker, two breakfasts, two lunches and a Saturday evening meal. Materials are extra.

The course instructors will be Denise Hayes and Jeannette Shirley. Both artists love their craft, and have tons of experience sharing their talents with others.

Denise Hayes received the Elizabeth Jacques Scholarship to travel to Pangnirtung in the Northwest Territories to learn primitive carving techniques. At that time she also taught drawing and oil painting techniques to adults. Graduating from McGill University with a Bachelor of Education - Art Major, she taught an adult watercolour course in St. Lambert, Quebec. Denise was also a high school art teacher for over a decade, and has provided other drawing and private watercolour lessons on many occasions. For the past five years, she has been an historical interpreter at Upper Canada Village, where she leads drawing sessions with the Village’s youth program participants. Denise has belonged to several Artists’ Guilds in both Quebec and Ontario, and has exhibited and sold paintings in a variety of mediums.

Jeannette Shirley has spent a lifetime of painting in oil, pastels and watercolours. Originally from Cornwall, Ontario, Jeannette has spent many years traveling in Canada and around the world. For twelve years she taught in the primary school system, and for thirteen years she worked at Upper Canada Village as educator, creator, designer and programmer. She was in a graphic arts program at Canadore College for three years. She also spent five years in Australia providing French Language training to the staff of the Canadian High Commission, and perfecting her painting skills by taking watercolour courses at the Australian National University. For two years she has taught watercolour painting during the winter months in an adult community in Phoenix, Arizona.

Participants in The Art of Watercolour Weekend workshop will stay at the Guest House, located just outside of the Village. The Guest House provides a picturesque home-like setting on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, and can sleep up to eight people (two bedrooms with two beds in each, plus one larger bedroom with four beds).

The Art of Watercolour Workshop is the second of a series of three courses being offered by Upper Canada Village, which also includes “DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY” (August 31 to September 2, 2007) and the “QUILTING AND RUGMAKING WEEKEND” (October 19 to 21, 2007).

For more information, or to book one of the workshops, please call 1-800-437-2233 or (613) 543-4328.
PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINE FOR BOOKING IS 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF EACH WORKSHOP.