Arts on Fire

Designed for ages 8+ who want to strengthen their drawing fundamentals and begin building a drawing portfolio. Previous experience in drawing, or in our Kids Art or Youth Art programs are an asset but not required. This is the perfect place to start your professional drawing journey.

What They’ll Learn

In this progressive, skill-building course, students will:

• Learn the building blocks of drawing through line, shape, perspective, and shading
• Explore techniques for working with color, blending, and layering to create depth
• Complete projects including still life studies, perspective exercises, and shading explorations
• Build confidence in their ability to observe, analyze, and reproduce what they see onto canvas

Why It Matters

Strong drawing techniques begins with mastery of fundamentals. This course provides a structured approach to essential concepts — line, shape, perspective, shading, and color theory — that form the technical backbone of visual art. By focusing on accuracy, control, and observation, students develop the discipline needed to progress into more advanced techniques and produce higher-quality, portfolio-ready work.

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 teens can easily grasp — balancing professional techniques with an encouraging approach.

End Experience

Throughout the course, students will complete a series of smaller studies and assignments — such as perspective exercises, shading drills, and color blending practice — to build their technical toolkit. These skills will culminate in a final drawing project that brings together everything they’ve learned, giving them a polished piece suitable for inclusion in their developing portfolio.

What’s Included

✔ All drawing materials included (Pencils, erasers, drawing paper, blending stumps, charcoal sticks, etc)

✔ Makeup lessons for any missed classes

Progression

Prepares students for the Portfolio Track Drawing Level 1 course.

Class Format & Schedule

🗓 7-week course
📅Tuesdays 6:30 - 8pm. Nov 4, 11, 18, 25. Dec 2, 9, 16
📍 Arts on Fire Studio, Ajax
(Classes are progressive, attendance starting from day 1 of the course is required. Exceptions are possible based on instructor's discretion)

🔴 Portfolio Track

• ⏱️ Duration: 1.5 hours per class | 7 - 12 sessions
• 📚 Levels: Foundations, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
• ✅ Join Policy: Start at the beginning of a session (mid-session entry possible with instructor approval)
• 🎓 Progression: Previous level required unless assessed by instructor