Above Ground x Conté à Paris
Drawing from Experience: Techniques and materials know-how with Jimmy Leslie
Join us on Friday, September 11th at 2pm on Zoom! Drawing is the foundation for so many forms of visual art and in this Above Ground Art Supplies virtual demo, Resident Artist and Director of Education, Jimmy Leslie will share some products from the Conté à Paris range. Jimmy will help you understand the materials differences and share useful techniques to help build your drawing skills. This demo is a must see for people seeking drawing materials know-how with a large dose of inspiration and insight into the drawing process.
About the Artist
Jimmy Leslie is painter, former college art professor and currently Resident Artist for the fine art brands Liquitex and Winsor & Newton. Jimmy is also the director of the education program for brands in North America and works with the marketing team on assets related to new product development. His paintings have been exhibited across the United States and reside in collections in the US, England, Wales, Australia and Costa Rica.
Of his personal work Jimmy says, “I am constantly trying to achieve simplicity in my paintings which continues to be a lifelong challenge. While I certainly hope for an outcome that I can feel proud of, I try to enter my studio with a mindset of non-attachment to results. This attitude tends to free me to get lost in the process and not overthink things. And, if I enjoy the process, even when it involves struggle or a knock-down-drag-out fight, I feel good that I gave it my best shot regardless of whether the results go my way”. When teaching, Jimmy enjoys sharing the process of the challenge and seeking ways in which he can convey information to students in a clear and concise manner that helps them overcome stumbling blocks.
Follow Jimmy on Instagram: @jimmyleslieart
Above Ground x Daniel Smith Watercolour
Daniel Smith Watercolour Demo with Scott Stevenson
Ticket Price: $10
Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with Scott Stevenson, Art Educator and Brand Ambassador for DANIEL SMITH Manufacturing.
Have questions about Quinacridone pigments? Curious about the origin of Serpentine or how Moonglow got its name? Ever wondered how DANIEL SMITH tests pigments for lightfastness, or what granulation really means? This is your opportunity to ask these questions and more in a relaxed and informal setting while unlocking the colour chart behind some of watercolour’s most fascinating pigments and effects. Please note space is limited! Tickets are first come first serve.
About the Artist
Scott Stevenson is a Brand Ambassador and Art Educator for DANIEL SMITH Artists’ Materials, known for his engaging, approachable teaching style and deep knowledge of watercolour. With a passion for both the creative and technical sides of painting, Scott helps artists of all levels better understand their materials—from pigment properties to colour behavior—while encouraging exploration and confidence in their work. Through workshops, demonstrations, and industry outreach, he brings the story and innovation of DANIEL SMITH to life for artists across North America.
Join Winsor & Newton's Global Watercolour Gallery
Purchase any of the following to qualify:
Past Events
Above Ground Art Supplies x Speedball Present:
Printmaking Pop-up hosted by Artist Natamori
Join artist Natamori (@hello.natamori) for a hands-on introduction to block printing, presented in collaboration with Speedball!
Drop in and create your own 5″ × 7″ art print using one of four original, pre-carved block designs created by Natamori. You’ll ink your chosen block with Speedball printing ink, print it using a small press, and add your name to your finished artwork.
Once your print has dried, take it home with a commemorative Natamori × Speedball × Above Ground Art Supplies stamp marking the event!
No experience necessary! Just drop in and give block printing a try. Supplies are provided while quantities last.
About the Artist
Natamori (@hello.natamori) is a cozy stationery brand based in Toronto, founded by illustrator and designer Natalia Acevedo. Inspired by nature, nostalgia, and quiet everyday moments, Natamori creates gentle, comforting pieces that bring warmth and joy to daily life.
See her work here: Instagram | Portfolio Website | Etsy
Open Table Event
From Thurs. May 7th to Sun. May 10th | All Locations
Above Ground Premium Series Artists' Acrylic Open Table
Visit our flagship location (74 McCaul St, Toronto, ON) from Thurs. May 7th to Sunday May 10th to test out our Premium Series Artists’ Acrylic Paint.
A member of our staff will be present to answer any questions you may have about our in-house range or acrylic! Swing by anytime to test these paints for yourself and see if they’re right for your studio.
Online Zoom Event
Winsor & Newton Art Mail Watercolour Zoom Demo with Olivia DiGregorio
It’s time to let your art travel: paint a postcard with Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolours and be part of an ever-growing gallery of artists from around the globe.
In this online demo with Above Ground Art Supplies, Winsor & Newton artist Olivia DiGregorio will introduce people to the Art Mail campaign. Demo attendees will learn how they can take part by painting a pre-paid postcard, mailing it to Winsor & Newton, and to join in this collaborative event. Olivia will share inspiration and techniques to help you along your way.
Collect your free campaign postcard pack with a Winsor & Newton Watercolour purchase at Above Ground Art Supplies and register for this free event.
Open Table Event
Saturday, May 2nd | 74 McCaul St. Location | 2-5pm
Winsor & Newton Art Mail Watercolour Open Table with Olivia DiGregorio
Visit our flagship location (74 McCaul St, Toronto, ON) Saturday May 2nd to learn all about the Winsor & Newton Art Mail Campaign with Olivia DiGregorio.
Drop by during this event to paint alongside Olivia using Winsor & Newton watercolour products, ask her your burning questions, and create your own postcard to participate in this global art mail campaign.
Online Zoom Event
Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colours Demo with James Jennings
Oil colour has been around for 600 years but it can still be daunting. Luckily Winsor & Newton has been at it for long time too! If you’ve wanted to dive into oil painting but don’t know where to start, this demonstration with artist James Jennings will help take the mystery out of the materials and the colour mixing process.
All 133 of the Artists’ Oil Colours have the highest level of pigmentation consistent with the broadest handling properties which gives artists excellent covering power and tinting strength. Artists in attendance will learn colour mixing from James as he focuses on the Winsor & Newton Primary, Neutral and Winsor colour sets. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about expanding your colour palette.
Open Table Event
Premium Series Artists' Acrylic Open Table
Visit our flagship location or our Junction location on Saturday February 28th and Sunday March 1st to paint with our Premium Series Artists’ Acrylic Paint!
Above Ground’s Premium Series Artists’ Acrylic paints are crafted for artists, priced for all. Created and produced by the world’s leading artist paint manufacturer, this collection is packed with high-quality pigments with excellent opacity and strong covering power. Featuring permanence, top-notch lightfastness and a versatile medium-body consistency, this series is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Test them out for yourself and see why our paint is loved by professional artists and hobbyists.
Open Table Event
MaimeriBlu Valentine's Day Card Demo with Artist Kelly Baskin
Visit our flagship location 74 McCaul St. on Saturday February 7th from 3-6 pm to create Valentine’s Day Cards with MaimeriBlu Watercolour Paint!
Join local artist and art educator Kelly Baskin as she walks you through helpful watercolour tricks, tips and techniques. You’ll be able to personalize your own Valentine’s Day cards for that special someone, right in-store with a professional artist to guide you. Test out the most popular shades of MaimeriBlu’s watercolour range, and prepare the perfect gift!
About the Artist
Kelly Baskin is a Professional Artist based out of Toronto, ON. Baskin graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in Art History from Queen’s University. She is currently working as the Fine Art Educator and Professional Artist for the FILA Group- Dixon Ticonderoga ART ULC, representing some of the world’s leading Fine Art brands including Canson, Strathmore, Arches, Saunders, Bockingford, Daler-Rowney, Princeton and Maimeri.
See and follow her work on: Instagram: @artbykellybaskin – Website: www.kellybaskin.studio
Zoom Session
Friday December 5th, 10:30am EST | Zoom Session
Fleur Professional Matt Artist Colours Demo
Join us on Friday, December 5th at 10:30 am EST with Colorifico Centrale who will teach us all about Fleur Mineral Paint and products in an informative zoom demonstration! We’ll learn about the huge colour range, how mineral paint beahves, and how it spreads on different surfaces. The team will also demonstrate the glazing effect, and the Fleur pouring medium which is a fascinating watch!
Colorifico Centrale’s team will answer all your questions about mineral paint, mineral spray paint, mediums and more from their expansive range. Reserve your spot by clicking the button below!
Zoom Session
Liquitex Acrylic Ink Zoom Demo with Abby Williams
Join artist Abby Williams on Friday, October 17th, for an online demo of Liquitex Acrylic Inks with Above Ground Art Supplies. Acrylic Inks are the most fluid liquid acrylic in the Liquitex range of materials and come in 55 bold colours. In this demo, Abby will discuss the differences between acrylic inks and alcohol inks, show multiple ways of applying ink, and share the use of Liquitex Masking Fluid as a means of preserving specific areas of your surface while layering colour. She’ll also show you her favorite go-to colours that are sure to inspire.
Abby will splash and splatter Liquitex Acrylic Ink in a fun way that will allow people of any level to get creative, building gorgeous passages of flowing colour as art for art’s sake, as well as for greeting cards, bookmarks, and more!
Recommended Materials
Open Table Event
Liquitex Acrylic Ink Open Table
Visit us at any Above Ground Art Supplies Location on Saturday October 18th to test out Liquitex Acrylic Ink.
Liquitex Acrylic Ink! is a range of extremely fluid acrylic paints that use super-fine pigments in a state-of-the-art acrylic emulsion. They dry quickly, are permanent, water resistant and non-clogging, which makes them ideal for a variety of techniques from watercolour effects to stamping. Intermixable with all other Liquitex acrylics and mediums.
Zoom Session
In Conversation: Michael Harding
Come join the Fellow of the Royal Society of British Artists! Join us and meet the distinguished artist, paint maker and brand founder Michael Harding. Known for his smooth and vibrant oil paints, this will be a chance for you to chat with Michael virtually! Michael will focus the session on why he got into paint making, what makes his products different and will share his whimsical stories about well-known artists who use his paints and mediums – think David Hockney!
About the Artist: Michael Harding
Originally from Kent, England, Michael Harding studied at Fine Arts College and has since established himself as both an artist and an innovator. A current fellow of The Royal Society of British Artists, he is the driving force behind his namesake brand, personally overseeing the research and production of every product. Inspired by the techniques of the Old Masters and shaped by conversations with modern artists, Harding’s paints are carefully matched by eye resulting in colours that are individually distinctive. He is committed to authenticity and quality, avoiding the use of fillers, extenders, or driers in his formulations.
Urban Sketchers Toronto Carousel Event
About the carousel event
The Carousel demo/learning activity is a cooperative learning strategy where participants work in small groups to achieve a shared learning goal. Six different stations, each led by an instructor, will be set up throughout the store. You will spend 15 minutes at each station, learning how to use various art supplies in the context of urban sketching.
After completing all six stations, you’ll apply what you’ve learned by using the provided materials to sketch in Butterfield Park. The activity will conclude with a Throwdown (show and tell) session, where participants will present their artworks, share their experiences, and reflect on their learning. Instructors will then offer constructive feedback and critique.
- 9:30 am – Attendee Check-in, opening remarks, Instructions
- 10:00 am – Event launch –15 minutes per station. 5 minutes allowed to move stations.
- 12:00 pm – Lunch Break
- 1:30 pm – Start Sketching at Butterfield Park (next to Above Ground Art Supplies)
- 3:30 pm – Throwdown (Show and Tell)
- 4:00 pm – Closing Remarks, Raffle and End of event.
- A bag with supplies from our generous partners
- A chance to win 1 of 3 art supply bags worth $375
- A 15% off* discount to use on any purchases on June 8th
This discount cannot be combined with any other discount or sale. No rain checks, holds or special orders. Discount cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards or E-Gift Cards. In stock items only.
Thank you to our partners for making this possible
Daniel Smith, Derwent, Ecoline, Hahnemühle, Magnani 1404 and Winsor & Newton
I am an imaginative Architect and Illustrator, who is driven by an incredible passion for art through different expressions, mediums and techniques such as graphite pencils, ink, color pencils, markers and acrylic. I am an active Urban Sketcher as a member of the global Urban Sketchers organization and USKToronto chapter. I combine both my background as an architect for more than 20 years and my passion for art in my sketches. I have participated in several collective exhibitions in Toronto as an abstract painter using acrylic color that reflects my Latin roots.
A Pencil telling a Story
We are going to use a graphite pencil (the Basic tool) to tell a story in a few lines and details. We will focus in drawing a building detail giving tones and values, darks and lights to express the idea using just the black of the graphite pencil and a few color lines applying watercolor pencils.
Eileen is an artist in Toronto who has been sketching her travels since she was a child. As if one wasn’t bad enough, she has two degrees in Art History.
Waterbrush to the rescue!
When you don’t have access to running water and you’re on the go a waterbrush will be perfect for adding colour to your sketch.
Suzanne Aboushakra is a visual artist, qualified educator, and urban sketcher. Her vibrant, spontaneous urban sketches capture fleeting moments of people and places around her.
Paper matters- how to choose the right watercolour paper.
I will introduce the different types of watercolour paper (hot/cold/rough press), weights, formats, and show how the same pen and wash sketch would look like on different watercolour papers. Participants can try out sketching on different types of paper. Although the sketches that I will share, or sketch during the demo, will be in pen and wash, I will have a few other materials (markers, fountain pens with different inks, coloured pencils, watercolours) available for participants to try out on the different types of paper.
Andrey Shmatnik is an Architect and Urban Sketcher, member of USK Toronto since 2017.
Sketching
How to sketch with fine liners and what is the best sketching medium
Vivian has been sketching relentlessly for 6 years after a 20-year break from the practice. She’s now trying to catch up for lost time.
An Urban Scene Study with Markers.
The demo is to show how one can start and build up an urban sketch using water soluble markers (in place of pencil) and watercolours.
Judy Onody is a Toronto watercolour artist. She has been an active member of USK Toronto for several years and is a volunteer on the USK Toronto Events Team. She has hosted sketching events in Scarborough and will continue to promote participation from our east-end members. Judy Enjoys the rich and varied results that watercolour techniques can add to urban sketches, and she is constantly experimenting with new uses of colour.
Add POP to your Shadows
In this brief demonstration, Judy will use a variety of unexpected colours to give new life and interest to the shadowed areas of your sketches. In the urban landscape of a big city, like Toronto, or any city with towering buildings, the shadows can take over a large part of a sketch. But those shadows often tell a big story! Let’s see how we can bring excitement and interest to otherwise gloomy grey space!