Artists of all ages, from novices to professionals, are encouraged to check out art classes beginning today at Innisfil Community Church (1571 Innisfil Beach Rd.).
Taught by local artist Liam Jones, classes for youngsters from ages seven to 16 run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., while classes for those 17 years of age and older go from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“Art classes start this Thursday and run until Dec. 19th, just $10 per class,” Jones said. “I’m committed to teaching once a week, rain or shine. Why? Because art brings so much joy to people’s lives. This session will focus on drawing faces — no experience necessary, just come as you are.”
“I’ll be teaching pencil and conté on paper, guiding each person individually on basics like structure and the Loomis method,” he explained.
Participants will learn structure, anatomy, and techniques like the Loomis method to achieve better proportions, line, light and shadow.
Jones posts educational content on his YouTube channel, and he taught art classes during a one-week camp at the church this past summer for children ages seven and up.
Pictured with his art titled Music of Paco de Lucia, which is inspired by mountains he saw while on a trip to southern Spain, Jones said he has been drawing since he was a young child.
“I started drawing as a kid, tracing from a book, and just never stopped. That’s the key — just keep going and you’ll see improvement,” he said.
Jones studied fine art for six years at York University and the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD).
“My time in school showed me a lot, not just about art but the whole education system," he said.
These days, Jones mostly paints with acrylics because they are fast-drying, but he also does a lot of work digitally with Clip Studio Paint.
When asked what inspires him, Jones said, “I get inspired by comic books, trees, and scenes that catch my eye out the car window — always thinking about how I’d paint them. That being said, I get the best inspiration from God and through the (lens) of faith.”
He is one of 14 artists who participated in the Innisfil Autumn Art Show and Sale last weekend. “(It) was such a great weekend, meeting folks and hearing their stories.,” Jones said. “For me, art is all about people and connections first, and then about the art itself. Shows like this bring out the heart of it all.”
In addition to teaching art classes and selling his artwork, Jones is writing a comic book.
“I’ve been in Innisfil for over a decade now, meeting my wife here and finding a wonderful community,” Jones said. “This year, we’re diving into the art business full-time together.”
Contact Liam Jones via Meetup to sign up for weekly art classes, or drop by the church on Thursday evenings. Signs will be posted to direct participants to the correct room.
Students are welcome to bring their own sketchpad, gum or white eraser, and HB — or darker — pencil, but supplies will be available to those who need them.
