KIDS ART CAMPS
“It was really fun at art camp because I got to paint something that I had never painted before and it was way easier than I thought!” – Mia K. (11)
What is Art Camp all about? Kids love art! I've enjoyed teaching kids throughout North and Central America since 2006. My mission is to support their interest and confidence in expressing themselves creatively grows with them. Kids learn important tools and techniques, and apply what they learn to create art they are proud of. We work with quality materials on a variety of projects, including drawing, collage, painting with watercolours or acrylics, and more.
Art Camps range from 2-4 hours, over one or more consecutive days, depending on the time of year and availability. Contact Daina to learn what camps are coming up, or to book a private camp that runs weekly.
Class sizes are small, only 4-5 kids, to ensure one-on-one support to support bringing their unique visions to life.
PAINT WORKSHOPS & PRIVATE PARTIES
“Daina has a gift for teaching painting. She was able to break down the steps for our group of 7 both times we attended her workshops. Most of us have no experience with painting and we all came away with successful, beautiful pieces that we we proud to hang on our walls or give as gifts. Her classes are affordable and the atmosphere is so relaxed. We were able to eat, drink and paint in a wonderful, comfortable studio. This is a great way to spend time with friends and learn something new at the same time.
Thanks Daina!” – Carol J Bremner, Principal, Salt Spring Centre School
“A group of us friends went to Daina's paint night workshop and it was excellent!! We were all big fans of Daina's work to begin with. Her studio was a lovely space for the workshop and Daina is an awesome instructor. We could hardly believe how well all of our paintings turned out. Thanks for such a great evening, Daina!!” – Jan Jensen
Treat your self to a solo date and meet new friends, or gather some of your favourite people together for a fun upscale Paint & Wine experience offered nights or weekends. This is a classy twist on the popular "paint night" events offered throughout North America. At Ocean Art Studio you will feel relaxed among a small group in a safe, supportive environment, and enjoy painting a beautiful scene based on one of Daina's original paintings that you will be proud to hang on your wall.
Set in the former radio station, you'll feel instantly relaxed in this brightly transformed, well-ventilated, open "beach house" space. You will be guided step-by-step by Daina using quality acrylic paints on stretched canvas, where you will create your own finished painting.
This workshop is open to all creative levels and ages, and is especially beneficial for boosting beginner's confidence. Click the Register Here button to see the incredible paintings created by people with little to no prior experience. Imagine... There is no better time to open the door and let your creativity shine through!
“I attended a workshop with Daina and, to my surprise, created a painting that I'm proud of. Daina was patient, methodical, and encouraging as she coached our group through the process of painting a picture. It was fun and satisfying. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, give it a try, and you might be surprised like me.” –Jayne Lloyd-Jones, Hedgerow House
“I recently participated in one of Daina’s Paint Nights as part of a group of friends. Daina was an excellent teacher who patiently walked our group through the steps required to recreate one of her gorgeous paintings. No one in our group had any experience in painting. However, Daina created a safe space where we all felt encouraged to try. She is an excellent teacher, painter and host. I highly recommend attending one of her Paint Nights!” – Laura Upton
INTRO TO ENCAUSTIC WORKSHOP
Be free to express your creative side using one of the oldest mediums, painting with molten filtered and pigmented beeswax, in this exciting Intro to Encaustic Painting workshop. The earliest applications of encaustic wax paint was done by the artists of Ancient Greece- hence, where the Greek word "enkaustikos" meaning "to burn in" originated. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to create your own unique artwork (about 3 pieces) that you will feel proud to hang on your wall or gift to someone special.
You will learn to make your own encaustic paint, how to set up your own home studio, and tips and techniques on how to use this highly versatile medium. You will have the option of creating art using just the medium as paint, or creating mixed media art with the medium as a binder.
All materials and supplies are provided.
Personal protective equipment will be provided (mask, gloves, apron).
Maximum 2 people per workshop to ensure 1-on-1 instruction.
A handout with tips and techniques covered and materials list will be supplied at the end of the workshop.
INTRO TO OIL PAINTING
“I have never painted with oil and always assumed that it would be too difficult, Daina was able to make achievable and enjoyable. Not only did I leave with an awesome painting but some fundamental skills for mixing paint and layering paint. She is very helpful, passionate and knowledgable. I would highly recommend taking a course from her." - Annis Downey, RMT
Learn how to apply one of the oldest fine art forms in this Intro to Oil Painting Workshop. Oil painting is the process of painting with pigments with a medium drying oil such as linseed oil as the binder. It has been the popular choice of medium among classic artists since the 15th century. Slow drying, no other medium can represent colour and the effects of light and texture as oil can.
We will begin with the basics and work our way through everything you need to know about this luscious, forgiving medium.
You will each create your own painting, guided step-by-step, that you will be proud to hang on your wall by the end of the day.
All materials and supplies are provided.
Maximum 7 people per workshop.
A handout with tips and techniques covered and materials list will be supplied at the end of the workshop.
PRIVATE OIL PAINTING LESSONS
"Taking painting lessons from Daina was a fantastic experience. Her knowledge, approach, and technique inspired me to continue and develop my artistic abilities. Very grateful to have had this experience. I would highly recommend Daina as a teacher." - Kerry Fraser
“I have had two private lessons with Daina and both sessions were amazing. Daina’s calm and friendly vibe will put you at ease and let your creativity flow. Daina is a master at mixing colors and will expertly guide you to your completed masterpiece.” - Thanks! Cathy G.
For beginners, private lessons take part over 3 sessions. The first session is 3 hours, where we will learn basic composition, colour theory, paint mixing, helpful tips and safety.
I will do a demonstration, and then you will begin your own painting with my guidance.
The 2nd and 3rd sessions will begin with revisiting the previous lessons, a brief demo, tips and techniques that relate to your work in progress, and guidance while you continue and complete your painting. These last two sessions will be 2 hrs each.
A handout with tips and techniques covered and materials list will be provided.
CREATIVE JOURNALING with INK & WATERCOLOUR
"Daina… I have so enjoyed your class. You will not know how much. I have appreciated your quiet and reflective manner and your appreciation of where your students are in watercolour. A difficult task given our individual abilities. But your listening skills in such a careful and thoughtful manner to each participant as you figured out where each of us was … that is an incredible gift. I sure feel more confident about recording what I see... without a camera now. I now feel that the camera is a tool and not the main thing." - S. Savage, Salt Spring Island Tourism Info Centre
“A super-fun day. I LOVED Daina’s Creative Journaling Workshop. It was a great way to change up my normal routine and spend a day doing something different. While I am not an artist, I took this workshop to do something creative with the memories from my 2016 Camino in Spain. Playing with watercolours and using a marker to practice shading and lettering lead to some dedicated time creating a journal-type post card. I was super happy with the outcome. Daina is extremely supportive and encourages students to experiment. I have already “creatively journaled” my first three Camino days and look forward to completing the journey. Thanks Daina.” - Andrea LeBorgne, Monsoon Coast Exotic World Spices, SSI
In this 3-week workshop I will guide you towards finding your "voice" in documenting subjects you may be drawn to such as botanical nature studies or travel, and how to approach them from a creative standpoint, as well as gain inspiration from other creative journaling artists.
We'll learn many different journaling techniques from watercolour painting to creating textures with ink, and even designing your own lettering.
Never again feel embarrassed at the thought of someone reading your journal. You might even find yourself sharing it with friends and family, inspiring them to begin their own!
This is a jam-packed inspiring class where your creative expression is as unique as you are.
All materials and supplies are provided. If you have a small watercolour journal, such as Moleskine or Pentalic brand, please bring it.
A handout with tips and techniques covered and materials list will be supplied.
*This workshop is also offered as a single day private workshop!*
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH COLOUR WORKSHOP SERIES
A 5-Week Guide to falling in love with Colour through drawing and painting.
From contradicting emotions to harmonizing chakras, colour has great influence on our psyche every day. Savour the richness of each colour in all its natural glory as we become attuned to each one, one week at a time.
This workshop emphasizes the fluid, sensual, loose expression of watercolour paints. The fundamentals of observational drawing will be touched upon each day, as a simple guide to encapsulate colour.
Here you are free to embrace and fall in love with your own style. The idea is to release negative old programing so we can move forward with ease in our individual creative practice.
The beauty of watercolour is twofold- it is so compact you can take it anywhere, and like love, it teaches you the balance between control and letting go.
All materials are provided. Simply show up to this high vibrational space with an open mind, and a willingness to let go.
Beginner and intermediate levels are welcome!
ATTUNED ABSTRACTION with MIXED MEDIA
Abstract painting is an intuitive process. Working from what we see externally but also with what we feel internally, we can capture and express a sensory experience.
Experiences in nature give us full sensory pleasure. Sounds, textures, rhythms, sights, dissolve together and become a feeling. Translate this experience through line, texture, colour and material play.
Notice your critical mind begin to disappear as you let go and trust your intuition, one mark at a time in to the present, in to your centre. This is the place where we feel grounded and peaceful, where creative conversations have the opportunity to flow forth with ease...
You may be pleasantly surprised at how nourishing and exciting these abstract conversations with colour can be!
All materials are provided. Beginners are welcome. No prior creative experience is necessary. Simply come with an open mind and the willingness to let go.
