Welcome to my workshops in oil painting or soft pastel
In each workshop you will learn key principles of composition, colour and application that will allow you to handle these mediums with confidence. Learn to simplify complex images and build in layers to render accurately and create atmosphere and expression in your paintings.
In-person studio workshops
Workshops 2026
The Ah ha! Moments of Mastering Colour
Over decades of painting and years of teaching I've observed so many artists who love to paint but who struggle with how to see, mix and use colour to its fullest potential in their work. In every workshop I teach, I include a section on colour-mixing and this is often when those “ah-ha!!!” moments happen. So I've designed a one-day workshop that focuses on this critical and joyful skillset. Join me to learn:How to see colour more clearly by learning the properties of colour and how to organize them.
How to quickly mix the colour you see and avoid waste.
How to bring out the expression in your work to more fully engage the viewer through colour choices.
How to choose colours that surprise and put energy and expression into your work. The day will include a slide show, demonstration and exercises to deepen your learning and build your colour confidence.
Workshop Date/Time:
Saturday March 14th, 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm
Location
My studio: 100 Crimea Str , Unit C2
Guelph, On
1 day workshop:
$130.00 +hst
Materials are not supplied.
Loosen up
Rendering a subject accurately isn’t really enough to create work with impact. But simplifying is not easy. In fact, it can be one of the most challenging things to do. In "Loosen up" you'll learn to express your ideas with more simplicity, flow, and ease. And you'll learn how to answer the top questions that I get asked so often. How do I eliminate information when everything I see is vying for first place on my canvas? How do I turn the shapes of my composition into a cohesive piece that pops? How do I take risks that will pay off?
In this class you'll learn to rethink your image and how you put it down. I'll help you connect to what it is you really want to say and organize your approach to painting so that your core message shines through. Together we'll look at how to simplify colours, and shapes for visual impact and we'll talk about how to stop being so precious with your work and to value ‘impact’ over ‘detail. We'll get comfortable with making problem on your painting and then solving them - a process that once embraced will free you from the confines of your photo and your inner critic. Embracing these lessons will give you much more access to your true creative expression.
This is not an intro level class. Some painting experience is required.
Workshop Date/Time:
Sat-Sun April 11-12 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm each day
Location
My studio: 100 Crimea Str , Unit C2
Guelph, On
2 day workshop:
$260.00 +hst
Materials are not supplied.
Open Studio
Open Studio Painting Sessions
Open Studio Painting Session
Sometimes getting out of your own head and space to engage with a creative community is exactly what you need to take your work to the next level. This is a great day to explore your work with 1-on-1 tutoring as well as group engagements in a studio environment with others who are painting at an intermediate level.
In Open Studio, students bring their own painting projects and together we review your goals and challenges. I listen to your needs, questions and ideas and I provide feedback designed to support your next steps toward impactful painting. As a group we discuss subjects relating to artmaking such as composition, colour, materials and application. Additional support may be provided through slide shows, printed handouts, themed presentations, demonstrations, as well as critiques. Above all else - this is a day for "creative community" and enjoying the artistic process in my comfortable studio.
This class is open to oil and acrylic painters, and soft pastel artists at an intermediate level. Students should be able to work independently and to contribute in group discussion. Materials and projects are provided by the student - materials are not included. Participants are welcome to join one or multiple sessions Please indicate dates when registering.
Note: My expertise is in oil painting and soft pastel but people using acrylic are welcome to participate with the understanding that my technical experience with this medium is limited - but my foundational teaching and painting principles are still absolutely applicable.
(Materials not included)
Workshop Date/Time:
Friday February 6th - 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Friday March 6th - 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Friday April 3rd -12:30pm - 5:00pm
Cost per day:
$50.00 +hst
Participants are welcome to join one or multiple sessions. Please indicate dates when registering.
Materials are not supplied.
Location
My studio: 100 Crimea Str , Unit C2
Guelph, On
Course details and how to register
Additional Information
REGISTRATION
To register please email: jessicamasters02@gmail.com or call 1-519-829-0641 and provide the following information:
- Indicate which session title, and date you would like to attend .
- Provide payment: Payment via E-transfer to jessicamasters02@gmail.com
- Payment is due within 48hrs of registration
- Please provide best contact/ information - email and phone number
*Payment in full secures your spot
*If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Any class that is cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled. Since we are in the winter months weather can be a factor so please include your best contact when your register for quick communication of any changes (that's the one you answer the fastest (ie cell, or email).
519-829-0641
Please note: Jessica reserves the right to cancel any class that is under-subscribed and, in such a case, guarantees a full refund of tuition. Jessica is not responsible for travel expenses. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact
testimonials
"Oh my goodness Jessica, you’ve gone above and beyond. These resources are fabulous! Thank you so much for being so incredibly supportive and generous with your time and expertise. You really are one of the greatest instructors I’ve ever had, I can’t thank you enough! I now feel a lot more confident about oil painting." Michelle Purchase
"I want to thank you once again for such a great weekend workshop! I really enjoyed it and learned some great new things...several AHA moments!!!!
You are a very effective instructor! You create a relaxed atmosphere where people feel emotionally safe even when pushed out of their comfort zone. I love your party analogies, they always make me chuckle and drive the point home. You clearly know your stuff; materials, skills, theory! I always learn a lot from you and have fun doing it, so thank you!" Renata Bradshaw
Thank YOU for an awesome weekend! I had an absolutely wonderful time being creative, learning new things and remembering past ones with a great group. I can't thank you enough for waking up my curiosity, my reason why and my desire to paint! Your knowledge, experience, incredible talent and words of wisdom were truly appreciated! Yup! I really had a great time... even tho my brain is still trying to process it all.. lol
I look forward to the adventure ahead of me and I am positive you will see me again".
Liz Turnbull
"Jessica's insight and encouragement helped me discover the bold, painterly style that had been eluding me". Susan Typert
"Jessica is not only a wonderful teacher and artist but she is also the most welcoming host...and that makes her workshops something truly special. I had so much fun while I was learning, I can't wait for the next time. " Andrea Pyman-Varangura
"I attended Jessica Master's July, 2017 workshop held in Thornbury, Ontario, and can very much recommend Ms. Master's approaches to using pastels and teaching. Jessica is a terrifically generous teacher with materials and her demos, and has developed the uncanny ability to work with each participant at the right level. Great planning and execution provided comfortable working spaces. Fit this workshop into your schedule." Catherine
"I really like your teaching style (not too fast) and your friendly, approachable personality made for a very relaxed atmosphere. Your new space is great and I felt sufficiently distanced from the other participants.
All in all, a very positive experience where I felt that I really learned a lot. Colleen
Ah-Ha Moment in Colour Materials list
Materials List
Main list of Colours
- Hansa Yellow light
- Cadmium Yellow medium
- Cadmium Red light or Cadmium Red Medium
- Permanent Rose or Alizarin Crimson
- Phthalo Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Burnt Sienna
- Yellow Ochre
- Titanium White
- Ivory or Mars Black
Brushes:
A selection of brushes in suggested size range of #4, #6, #8. I favour hog hair brushes but synthetic brushes will work too if that is your preference. Count on having roughly 6 brushes so you can keep your colours clean.
Note: If you have brushes and aren't sure how to use them or if they are still good - feel free to bring them in and we can discuss and organize them together.
Other materials:
- Disposable GREY palette paper - 12"x16
- Blue industrial Paper towel roll (Canadian Tire, Home Depot)
- Disposable gloves
- Travel or table top easel (email me if you need this to be provided - I have a few)
- Apron
- Pencil and notebook
- Small Jar with lid for water or solvent
- Small bottle of Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits (for oil painters). Sink on hand of acrylic painters
All painting surfaces will be supplied..
Loosen Up (in oils) Materials list
Materials List
Main list of Colours
- Hansa Yellow light
- Cadmium Yellow medium
- Cadmium Red light or Cadmium Red Medium
- Permanent Rose or Alizarin Crimson
- Phthalo Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Burnt Sienna
- Yellow Ochre
- Titanium White
- Ivory or Mars Black
Brushes:
Please bring:
- #'s 4,6,8, &10 In a combination of Rounds, and Filberts (or Long Flats) in hog hair. I recommend Winsor and Newton Hog Hair Brushes.
- Note: please feel free to bring any other brushes you enjoy working with but also have the ones listed.
- Palette knives
- rubber painting spatula - if you want to.
- Small rubber brayer also called a lino cut roller
Other materials:
- Disposable GREY palette paper - 12"x16
- Canvas "PAPER" PAD by Strathmore 12"x16" (click link for more info) Please note this is not a pad of canvas- it's a paper suitable for oils.
- Blue industrial Paper towel roll (Canadian Tire, Home Depot)
- Disposable gloves
- Travel or table top easel (email me if you need this to be provided - I have a few)
- Apron
- Sketch book, pencil, eraser, ruler
- Black marker
- Plain masking tape (not green or blue)
- Gamblin's Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits (***please do not bring any other brand).
- 2 sealable jam jars: 1 for clean solvent and 1 for dirty solvent