‘Art-ist Class’:
URBAN LANDSCAPE PAINTING
~ An 8‑Part Course ~
Saturday, September 19th - Wednesday, November 7th: 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm + EXHIBITION
This course is designed for artists with some oil painting experience who want to learn how to paint buildings, streetscapes, and the built environment with confidence and character. Over eight sessions, participants will explore the essential elements that make compelling urban landscape paintings: perspective, composition, light, atmosphere, and the relationship between architecture and place. Working from photographs, sketches, and observation, students will develop a single resolved painting while learning how to transform everyday scenes into meaningful works of art.
These Urban Landscape Oil Painting “Art-ist” classes aren’t just about learning technique — they’re about learning how to think, decide, and create like an artist. As an international exhibiting artist, Christopher pulls back the curtain on the process: how to embrace experimentation, work through doubt, and make choices with an exhibition in mind. Each class is about painting, yes — but also about the mindset of an artist: balancing confidence and vulnerability, shaping work for an audience, and finding meaning in process.
Course Highlights:
Class 1 – Architecture & Atmosphere: Seeing the Urban Landscape
We begin by examining what makes urban landscapes different from traditional landscapes. Through discussion, analysis, and painting exercises, participants learn how buildings, roads, signs, and human-made structures can become powerful compositional elements. Emphasis is placed on simplifying complexity and finding the visual story within a scene.
Class 2 – Perspective Without Fear: Understanding Space & Structure
Many artists are intimidated by perspective. This class breaks down one-point and two-point perspective into practical tools that help us understand space rather than restrict creativity. Through a series of studies, participants learn how to create believable architecture while maintaining a painterly approach.
Class 3 – Urban Tonal Studies: Light, Shadow & Design
Working in a limited palette, participants create a series of quick studies focused on value and composition. We explore how dramatic light, cast shadows, and strong tonal design can transform an ordinary street or building into a compelling image.
Class 4 – Beyond the Photograph: Reimagining the Urban Scene
Using a single reference image, participants develop multiple compositional variations that explore different focal points, formats, and moods. This class encourages artists to move beyond simply copying a photograph and begin making creative decisions that strengthen the painting.
Class 5 – Colour & Character: Creating Mood Through Palette
Urban environments can be painted in countless ways. Participants explore how colour choices influence atmosphere and emotion, learning how a scene can become nostalgic, dramatic, contemporary, or serene through the manipulation of colour temperature, harmony, and contrast.
Class 6 – Beginning the Major Painting: Design, Blocking-In & Commitment
Participants select a subject and begin a larger, resolved urban landscape painting. Emphasis is placed on strong compositional decisions, establishing large shapes, and creating a solid foundation of value and colour. Christopher demonstrates his own approach to beginning a painting and working efficiently.
Class 7 – Editing Reality: Developing a Personal Visual Language
As paintings develop, participants learn one of the most important skills in contemporary painting: editing. We discuss what to include, what to leave out, and how to alter reality in service of the artwork. Individual guidance helps artists strengthen their paintings while developing their own unique voice.
Class 8 – Resolution & Presentation: Bringing the Painting Home
The final class focuses on refinement, balance, and completion. Participants make final adjustments to colour, edges, focal points, and atmosphere while preparing their work for exhibition. We also discuss titling, presentation, and how to speak about one's work with confidence and clarity.
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Exhibition – A Celebration of the Process
The course ends with a relaxed, community-driven pop-up exhibition. Each participant will display a selection of works - from sketches and studies to final paintings - in a casual, non-commercial setting. It’s a celebration of growth, creativity, and shared experience.
When: Saturday, September 19th - Saturday, November 7th: 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm + EXHIBITION
Where: Suite 201 - 995 Herring Cove Road, Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, B3V-1H6
Fee: $250.00 (tax inc.)
Maximum 8 Participant Spaces
Registration: to register for the session or for more information, please email Christopher at info@cwebb.ca and he will respond within 1 day.
“I have taken two courses from Christopher and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. His classes are relaxed and highly informative. He is very comfortable and generous sharing his many years of experience as a professional artist.”
Eight Weeks. So much growth.
Meet your instructor
Christopher Webb is an internationally recognized, award-winning artist and art educator. His work has been exhibited across Canada and Europe, including a recent show at Marina Bastianello Gallery (Venice, 2026) following his receipt of the CREA - Cantieri Del Contemporaneo Venezia Prize for Painting. Click this link to learn more about Christopher and his art practice.
Testimonial
“Christopher’s classes are a game-changer for any artist ready to level up. His expert instruction and supportive mentorship have helped me grow not just as a painter but as a professional artist. Christopher combines technical excellence with real-world insight into the business of art—something rarely found in one teacher.
Best of all, his classes are fun, energizing, and filled with inspiration. His international experience and unique perspective have continually pushed me to create fresher, more dynamic work.”
[ From precise detail work to abstracted backgrounds, Christopher’s landscape paintings consistently evoke a strong sense of place, atmosphere, and emotional resonance. ]
About Christopher Webb’s Studio Workshop Series
Welcome to the STUDIO WORKSHOP SERIES, a unique offering of hands-on art workshops led by celebrated Canadian multidisciplinary artist Christopher Webb. These intimate sessions take place in Webb’s stunning, light-filled studio above PAVIA in Herring Cove—an inspiring creative space surrounded by natural beauty.
With over 20 years of experience teaching, lecturing, and mentoring, Christopher has built a reputation for offering thoughtful, engaging, and artistically enriching workshops. His work has been exhibited internationally, and his career spans visual arts, curation, and arts entrepreneurship. Through this workshop series, he brings his deep knowledge, generosity of spirit, and passion for artistic exploration to a small group setting—providing a rare opportunity to develop technique, build creative confidence, and expand your visual language.
While most workshops are led by Christopher himself, he also invites guest artists whose work and teaching he deeply respects. With only 8-10 participant spaces available per workshop, these are truly immersive, high-quality experiences for those looking to take their creative practice to the next level in a meaningful and supportive environment.