The Art of Making Joyful Art – Spring Awakens
An 8-Week Studio Series for Seniors – Spring Awakens at Cloverdale Mall
8 Thursday Sessions | April 16 to June 11, 2026 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
I am so thrilled to be partnering with Arts Etobicoke to bring you The Art of Making Joyful Art – Spring Awakens, an 8-week Studio Series for Seniors at Cloverdale Common, Cloverdale Mall. This course is designed with you in mind — a warm, encouraging space to explore drawing, painting, and the pure joy of making art.
Introducing a Studio Series for Seniors!
This course offers a balance of technical skills alongside real insight into the mindset it takes to make joyful art. We ease in with fun and approachable drawing exercises, learning to observe and describe without judgment — discovering how each of us sees the world through our own unique perspective. A fundamental skill we’ll develop together is understanding value, and I’ll be bringing in artists like Etel Adnan, Kandinsky, Johannes Itten, and Vasarely to inspire and guide us. Each class includes time to develop a painting from your own reference, a famous artist, or by exploring my style.
I want this to feel like a space where you truly feel comfortable sharing, learning, and being creative. There will be gentle feedback to support your growth, and I promise — no pressure, just the joy of making.
“Darlene’s whole approach to teaching (and painting) is so delightful, engaging and life affirming! I’d never really painted before, but the class I’ve just finished with her has started me on a great new journey. I’m really grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from such a gifted artist.”
Lee
What we’ll explore – week by week
Week one
We warm up with a quick and fun drawing exercise, then block out and paint the grey scale on card stock using black and white. We’ll also explore the power of positive and negative shape.
Week two
After our warm-up, we look at tints and mix a drifted tint scale. Using a restricted palette of black, white, one warm colour, and one cool colour, we explore how temperature changes everything — plus open studio time on canvas.
Week three
We explore tones, mix a tone scale, visit the colour wheel, and paint a cube. Open studio time on canvas follows.
Week four
One of my favourite weeks — we copy a Kandinsky black and white drawing and explore the beautiful relationship between music and art. Open studio time to paint on canvas.
Week five
We look at shades, mix a shade scale, and continue our colour wheel journey by exploring complementary colour systems. Open studio time on canvas.
Week six
We look at “Frame of Reference” and break down how to design and block out the big divisions in a painting — a game-changing concept. Open studio time on canvas.
Week seven
We paint Johannes Itten’s “Two Grids of Squares” to discover new colour possibilities and expand our palettes. Students are always surprised by what they find! Open studio time on canvas.
Week eight
We draw our “Life Story” using our dazzling doodle skills, inspired by Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. We review everything we’ve learned — and celebrate with a Puzzle Party! I’ll have my cards and puzzles (available at the AGO Gift Shop) on hand, along with the personal stories behind some of my most meaningful works.
Details
When: Thursdays, April 16 to June 11, 2026 (no class May 14) | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Cloverdale Common, Cloverdale Mall, 250 The East Mall, Toronto, ON M9B 3Y8
Cost: $156 + HST (subsidized rate) | Age 55+
If you choose to register, please note that regular attendance really does make a difference — both for your own learning and for the lovely community we build together in the room. I can’t wait to paint with you this spring!