Fine Art Workshops
Space is limited for all classes. Location, unless otherwise noted, is 120 Garafraxa St N, in Durham, Ontario.
Payment is required in advance at The Colour Jar in cash, credit / debit cards. Sign up for our notification mailing list on our home page.
2026 Art Courses
All classes taught by Timothy Dyck MFA, at The Colour Jar unless otherwise indicated.
**NEW: Group Rate: Gather your friends or family to enjoy a fun, memorable activity together! Any class labelled as Group Rate can be customized to suit your calendar, in consultation with Tim. You can divide the cost among the number of friends you can gather (or just take it by yourself!). Maximum participants listed still applies.
Private lessons: These can be arranged for any of the courses listed here. Rate is $50/hour plus materials. Inquire about appropriate age/skill levels.
Registration: Payment confirms registration. (Please note that prices include 13% hst.) Payment may be made by e-transfer to info@thecolourjar.ca, or in-store with cash, or card.
Questions/registration: info@thecolourjar.ca or 519-369-1283. www.thecolourjar.ca. View the calendar with all classes under Classes>calendar.
Location: The Colour Jar, 120 Garafraxa St N, Durham, unless otherwise listed.
Ages: classes listed for adults may be enjoyed by “keen” kids and teens as well.
Call for more info or to register: 519-369-1283; or email info@thecolourjar.ca.
These 6-day comprehensive courses teach fundamental binding skills such as sewing styles and cutting, and concepts like flexibility and balance. BB1 students make six different book models including two full hardcover books. BB2 furthers the knowledge of rounding the spine, decoration and headbands. BB3 is focused on leather covers. Tool kits are available to borrow. $485 plus $50 materials fee. Taught as core courses through Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG), they are credited toward the Certificate of Completion. [See www.cbbag.ca for further information.]
Dates: Call or email to inquire. Cost: $485 plus $50 materials fee and a CBBAG membership (varies). Information: 519-369-1283/ info@thecolourjar.ca.
This class introduces participants to the skills of pencil sketching. Eye-hand coordination will be improved and strengthened with focused exercises. Group rate: $130 shared among your group. Add optional supply kit incl. sketch book: $30/student. Schedule this 2-hour class to suit your group! All ages. Maximum students: 8.
Keep your life mottos front-and-center by printing your own posters! We’ll use traditional wood type, arranging it to bring out the full character of the words. Print a small edition of your posters like the times before there were photocopiers, with ink and rollers. Adults and teens. Maximum students: 5. Group Rate: ($130 +10 per person). Includes all supplies.
For info, or to set a date: 519-369-1283, info@thecolourjar.ca
For beginner or intermediate level. Learn to handle pastels to produce different effects and extend your techniques tool belt. You’ll gain confidence as you paint while watching demos by Tim. Unison hand-rolled pastels will be featured. Includes supplies, but you can bring your own. For adults and keen kids. Maximum students: 8. Group Rate: $110 +10 per student).
For info, or to set a date: 519-369-1283, info@thecolourjar.ca
Learn to sew and bind this ancient style of book with wooden covers. Decorate it by carving or painting. Ability to hold/use a needle is required. Teens/adults. Get a group of friends together: Example: five friends would pay $40 each (150 div. by 5 = 30 plus 10). Group Rate: as a 3-hour version ($150 together +10 per student).
For info, or to set a date: 519-369-1283, info@thecolourjar.ca
Designed for beginners, this course will be step-by-step, starting with some small pre-cut blocks, and progress to the excitement of designing, carving and printing your image in multiples! You can choose to print by hand, or use the large press. Teens and adults. Ideally planned over 2 x 3-hr sessions, but can be the same day. Includes borrowed carving tools and all other supplies like linoleum, ink and paper. Maximum students: 6. Group Rate: $290).
For info, or to set a date: 519-369-1283, info@thecolourjar.ca
Co-owner Barbara Dyck has a masters degree in piano pedagogy, and offers lessons to all ages and levels. Contact her at 519-369-1283 or email barbdyck@thecolourjar.ca.
For beginner and intermediate level. Learn the unique skills and joys of watercolour as you paint along with Tim. Learn about how to blend pigment for maximum effect and enjoy the flowing nature of water. Maximum students: 8. Can be made appropriate for kids groups. 1.5 hours. Group Rate: $110 plus $5 per student. For info, or to set a date: 519-369-1283, info@thecolourjar.ca
Location: Goderich, Ontario; Register: celticfestival.ca. Description: The oldest binding style found in Ireland (600CE), this sturdy and attractive “herringbone” stitch connects the pages to the covers and remains visible on the spine. Students will decorate the covers with a fun and beautiful crumple technique. Ability to hold a needle is required. All material is supplied. Four 80-min periods over four days. Take other “Celtic College” courses at the same time, like Wood Type Sketchbook/Journal and Leather Notebook Wrapper (or a music class)! Cost for one class: $282; 2 classes: $372; three classes: $435; four classes: $497
Location: Goderich, Ontario; Register: celticfestival.ca. Description: Create a rugged leather wrap for notebooks refills (size A5) that can be used for years. Students will hand-sew it all together in a tri-fold structure, and attach an elastic tie. Customize it with ink and designs, and your hand-stitching. Ability to hold a needle is required. All material is supplied. Four 80-min periods over four days. Take other “Celtic College” courses at the same time, like Wood Type Sketchbook/Journal and Herringbone Sketchbook/Journal (or a music class)! Cost for one class: $282; two classes: $372; three classes: $435; four classes: $497
Location: Goderich, Ontario; Register: celticfestival.ca. Description: Use large wooden letters to print your book cover with a favourite phrase or motto. Students will sew the book pages directly to the flexible cover which ingeniously opens flat. Ability to hold a needle is required. All material is supplied. Four 80-min periods over four days. Take other “Celtic College” courses at the same time, like Herringbone Sketchbook/Journal and Leather Notebook Wrapper (or a music class)! Cost for one class: $282; 2 classes: $372; three classes: $435; four classes: $497
Working on black paper, create colours that glow! We’ll cover colour blending, designing a mandala or geometric patterns, and practice brush control. Class cost includes a beautiful 12-pan set of metallic watercolours. $55. Adults and teens. Friday July 10, 6:30 to 8pm. (Also available as a private function.) Maximum students: 8. Can be made appropriate for kids groups. 1.5 hours. Group Rate: $45 plus $30 per student. For info, or to set a date: 519-369-1283, info@thecolourjar.ca
Why Take Art Classes In-Person?
- You ask questions and get answers
- A talented and caring instructor is looking at what you do
- You benefit from interacting with other students … and many more!
All prices have HST included. Students receive a 10% discount on most supplies from The Colour Jar.