FAQ

General questions

How do I pay? ▹

Online: You can pay online with a credit card or a debit card (that has an expiry date and CVC).
You can then register for a class/workshop in our easy-to-use booking system.
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Cheque: You can pay with cheque, by mailing it to: Canvas Method, 1710 Victoria drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4J8. Please pay to the order of Justin Ogilvie (not Canvas Method). Please mail the cheque with a note including your full name and email address clearly printed.
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Cash DROP OFF: If bringing cash, please bring the exact amount in an envelope to Canvas Method at #101-1610 Pandora Street, with your full name and email address clearly printed. Please deliver the cash up to 15 minutes after the end of any class in our schedule. Students will be charged $50 for cheques returned due to non-sufficient funds.

Please see Schedule for class hours and Contact for a map of our location.

Upon receipt of payment with cheque or cash, we will email you with your login information so you will be able to book your class/workshop.
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Where is the school located? ▹

We are located at #101-1610 Pandora Street, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1L6
Please see the map below, or click here for the Google map location.

Is there parking at the studio? ▹

For evening and weekend classes, there is plenty of free parking in the area on both Pandora street and the surrounding area.

For daytime weekday classes, if you can’t find parking close to the studio, you can always park on Powell street between 9AM and 3PM daily. Make sure to set your alarm to avoid being towed at 3PM!
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How do I get there by public transit? ▹

‍by bus:
There are many buses that will drop you off nearby the school, travelling down Commercial Drive, Hastings and Powell street.
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How do I contact the school? ▹

Please click CONTACT at the top of the website and fill out the form.

registration

What are your course offerings? ▹

Canvas Method offers a broad range of learning experiences, including classes, workshops, and demonstrations.
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classes: These are ongoing classes for various levels of experience. Evening and daytime classes are usually 4–6 sessions in length, 3 hours per class.
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workshops: These are one and two-day full day workshops addressing specific themes, typically held on weekends.
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How do I reserve a seat in a class? ▹

classes + workshoPs: After registering, you will be asked to set up your login information. You will then be taken to our booking page, where you can purchase classes/workshops. Your seat is confirmed once you have made a purchase. We encourage you to book 1–2 weeks in advance, as seats fill up quickly. If the class/workshop is full, you are encouraged to join the waitlist.
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Is there a beginning and end to the program? ▹

This is an open-ended program. There is no end to mastering the technical fundamentals. Creative expression and thinking conceptually about your work is also a lifelong journey. We at Canvas Method offer a home for those who want to live within an artistic life.

Since progress is directly related to effort, students are encouraged to attend classes regularly, so that they may progress quickly and enjoy tangible results within their artwork.
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What are the prerequisites? ▹

All levels are welcome, unless otherwise specified within the class/workshop description.
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What is the maximum number of students for a class / workshop? ▹

Painting classes/workshops range between 10–12 students. Drawing classes/workshops range between 12–15 students.
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What is the minimum number of students for a class / workshop ▹

There is a minimum class size for a class/workshop to take place. You will receive 3 days notice, should the class/workshop be cancelled, due to minimum class size not being met.

How many seats are available for demonstrations? ▹

Seats are limited to 25 and fill quickly, so you are encouraged to sign up early.

Is your school accredited? ▹

We are not an accredited educational institution at this time.
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class format + structure

What are class times? ▹

Class times can be found on the schedule here.
Morning classes: 10AM–1PM
Evening classes: 6:30–9:30PM
Workshops: 10AM–4PM

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What’s the class setup like? ▹

Students are arranged in a semi-circular format. Each student is provided with their own easel, glass palette, side table, and stool or chair.
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Are drawing and painting materials provided by the school? ▹

You will need to bring your own material. Please see the materials list under class/workshop descriptions.
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What drawing & painting materials do I bring? ▹

Please see the materials list for your specific class/workshop under designated descriptions.
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Are easels, tables and painting palettes provided? ▹

Included in the class/workshop are:

easel
side table
glass palette
access to fridge, microwave and kettle
industrial sink
washroom facilities
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What time should I arrive at the studio? ▹

The doors will be open 15 minutes before the start of class/workshop (not earlier). Please arrive at that time, so you are prepared to start on time.

Can I stay after class/workshop to talk with the instructor? ▹

Yes, however, instructors need ample time to clean up, etc.
You are encouraged to speak to the instructor during class time.
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Can I bring my own headphones? ▹

You are welcome to listen to your own music, although we recommend that you listen to the instructor, as they move from student to student, so you can absorb information throughout the class/workshop.
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the space

Do you have storage for my art supplies and art work? ▹

Yes, we have storage available for both art supplies and wet/dry paintings. The storage includes 2 parts:

a storage cubby that is 13" x 13" x 15" deep, ideal for brushes, paints, pencils, etc.
a canvas rack that fits approximately 3–5 canvases or panels.

Storage is available for $20 per course period, which can be purchased HERE.‍

We encourage repeat students to rent storage space, as transporting wet oil paintings and art supplies is inconvenient and (potentially) messy.
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Is there a place for my jacket and bag? ▹

We have an area to hang your coat and place your bag.
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Do you have a kitchen? Do you have a fridge? ▹

We have a small fridge to store your food during class. Please do not store your food / beverages in the fridge overnight, as there is limited space. You can also use the microwave and electric kettle. Please keep areas clean for other students.

We have cups and filtered water for student use, but no cutlery. Please remember to wash your dishes at the end of class.
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Can I eat at the studio? ▹

You are welcome to eat at the studio during break times only.
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Can I bring my own solvents? ▹

Please only bring 'Gamsol' brand odourless mineral spirits. Please do not bring other brands, turpentine, other 'fumey' solvents are. During class times, please remember to keep lids on top of solvents.

Fumey mediums such as Liquin are not allowed. We allow mediums such as walnut based mediums, gamblin solvent free medium, linseed and other non-fumey products..
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Is the environment 'fumey' because of oil paints? ▹

We go to great efforts to keep a non-fumey, clean air environment with a high-powered ventilation fan, and always cover solvents.
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Is there a lost and found? ▹

We store lost and found items at the school for up to 3 months. Any items not claimed within that time period will be donated to charity.
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teaching method

What is the teaching approach for each class/workshop? ▹

Technique based classes/workshops emphasize observational studies, using the figure, photographic references and still life arrangements. Classes/workshops of a creative and conceptual nature combine observational studies with working from imagination.

What’s the difference between working from life, photographic sources, or master copies? ▹

The teaching approach at canvas method is specially designed to make you a well-rounded artist, which includes working from a full range of source material:
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Working from Life: This includes working from live models, still-life setups, and plein air landscape. This is a time-tested approach to train the artist’s eye in achieving accurate proportion, color, and value. Being close to your subject increases your sensitivity, bringing life, spontaneity and realism into your work.
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Working from Photographic Source: This is an effective resource to focus on developing high-level realism, as you work from well-lit imagery, with close-up details in extraordinary compositions. Learning how to work with photographic source material is a vitally important aspect of being an artist today.
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Working from Master Copy: This is how you learn most directly from the Masters. This is the most efficient way to learn and integrate invaluable techniques into your own process. You can expect to learn a wide range of drawing and painting approaches of master artists, including composition, color palettes and brushwork.
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What is a master copy? ▹

In the school we have a large selection of full-color reproductions of both paintings & drawings, carefully selected from a wide range of master artists. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced level artist, copying a master painting / drawing is a time-tested method for learning techniques. The instructor will take you step-by-step through the process of that particular artist.
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Can I bring my own photographs?▹

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own printed photos, or work from a tablet or laptop. Please remember to bring your charger.
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Can I get feedback about my personal artwork done outside of class? ▹

Each student will receive a portion of the class time to receive feedback on their choice of class work or personal work.
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further information

What if I am absent or late to a class? ▹

If you are absent for a class/workshop, no refunds or credit are issued. If you are late, the outer door may be locked, so please ring the doorbell for Unit 101 and someone will let you in. Please do your best to show up 15 minutes early, to minimize distractions for other students and the instructor.
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What happens if a class/workshop is full? ▹

‍Students are encouraged to register early, as seats fill up quickly. If a class/workshop is full, you can still register to be placed on a waitlist. A seat will be offered to you, if and when a seat becomes available.
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How early can I arrive before class? ▹

We will open the door no earlier than 15 minutes before each class/workshop.
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How late can I stay after class? ▹

You will have 15 minutes after class/workshop to clean up.
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Can I visit the studio before I sign up? ▹

Please contact us here to set up an appointment.
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Is there an age restriction? ▹

There are no age restrictions for our classes.
However, with life drawing / painting classes and workshops, parental consent is required for students under 18 years of age.
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Is there a language requirement? ▹

Instruction will be in English, so a basic conversational knowledge of English is recommended.
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Can I get a Canadian student visa for your program? ▹

Our school is not eligible for student visas at this time.
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What happens if I encounter a problem with another student? ▹

Please speak to your instructor for help.
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faq