Brianna HarrisonI was wandering through a market, soaking in the vibrant street art and colorful murals, when all these cool pieces got me thinking: wouldn’t it be amazing to try my hand at painting?
This thought made me want to pick up a brush and start experimenting right away. So, I hit up all my artsy friends, did some research on the best painting classes in Toronto, and booked myself a class.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner looking to pick up a new hobby or a seasoned painter wanting to refine your skills, we’ve got options for everyone!
How much do painting classes cost in Toronto?
Painting classes in Toronto usually cost between $20 to $60 per session for group classes and $50 to $100 per hour for private sessions.
These prices will vary depending on the instructor, location, and the length of the course.
How We Chose the Best Painting Classes in Toronto
1. Fresh Paint Studio + Café
Fresh Paint Studio + Café is a cozy spot that combines all the charms of a café with a creative studio. It’s perfect for grabbing a coffee or nibbling on a snack while painting.
While you sip on a latte, you can choose from a wide variety of classes with different mediums—from acrylic and watercolor to mixed media.
We also love the diversity in these classes, with dedicated workshops for both kids and adults. They even have a family painting class available—everyone from the gang can come!
If you prefer a more casual painting session, you can also just drop in the studio anytime. This is great for people who need a little more flexibility in their schedules.
While these casual drop-in sessions are convenient, we’ve heard that they can sometimes get crowded, especially on weekends.
Pros
- Studio and café in one
- Wide variety of paint mediums for classes
- Classes available for all ages
- Family painting option available
- Casual painting sessions available
Cons
- Casual painting sessions can get crowded on weekends
They expressed their confidence in me and made me feel so good with my painting
“Victoria and Molly were amazing at guiding me through my first painting. They expressed their confidence in me and made me feel so good with my painting even when I felt like I made mistakes. Both of their personalities are very warm, positive and inviting. I would strongly recommend Fresh Paint Studios for a fun date day!! :)”
-Kara T., Google Review
Fun place to chill with your friends
“Fresh paint studio is a fun place to chill with your friends. My friends and I went there for a tote bag painting session. Victoria was really nice and guided us through the entire process. It was a great experience and totally worth it.”
-Ms. Monterey, Google Review
2. Toronto School of Art
Toronto School of Art (TSA) is an independent art school that has been teaching for over 40 years. Over time, they’ve built up a stellar faculty filled with seasoned artists.
During the summer and fall, TSA offers painting classes that last anywhere from 4 to 11 weeks. But if you’re short on time, they also have some quick 1-day workshops.
No matter your skill level, they’ve got courses from beginner to intermediate. If you’re looking to dive deeper, their advanced classes can get super detailed, with topics like wax effects in acrylics and autobiographical painting.
Plus, some of these courses are actually accredited. This means that you can count these units towards a certificate or a diploma!
We did notice, however, that these classes can be on the pricier end.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience in teaching
- Faculty full of experienced artists
- Wide range of class lengths
- Courses available for all levels
- Detailed advanced classes
- Accredited courses available
Cons
- Classes are on the pricier end
The instructors are amazing artists and great at teaching
“I have taken multiple classes here, my favourites being the Life Drawing course taught by Thomas Hendry and Painting Foundations by Brian Harvey. The instructors are amazing artists and great at teaching and providing feedback, while allowing students to maintain their own voice in art. The studios are spacious, equipped and quiet. I highly recommend TSA to any one looking to deepen their skills in art.”
-Helia Sehat, Google Review
Solid learning experience that left me feeling satisfied
“Throughout the years, I took two courses: one was an anatomy drawing class several years ago followed by ‘Perspective’ with Lindsey Rosenow. Each time I received technical expertise, lots of attention, and a solid learning experience that left me feeling satisfied.
As an instructor, Lindsey Rosenow , showed interest in my development and was patient in teaching me trickier elements whilst being one of the kindest teachers I have ever come across. I highly recommend this school and its lovely teachers.”
-P M, Google Review
3. Paintlounge
Paintlounge is a creative space that focuses on the social side of painting, offering group classes for up to over 50 people. This makes it great for painting nights with friends or bonding sessions with the whole office.
You can bring your group to their studio (minimum of 10 people) or hop online for a Zoom painting session (minimum of 6 people).
And don’t worry about supplies—they’ll provide everything you need. For online classes, they’ll even ship the tools and paints straight to everyone in your group, making it super easy to just focus on getting creative.
On the downside, we’ve heard reports that the staff at their studio can be a bit less responsive and engaging during some of the workshops.
Pros
- Can host over 50 people
- Online option available
- All materials provided
- Will ship materials for online classes
Cons
- Reports of staff being less responsive and engaging
Really cool experience
“Our office went to paint lounge for team bonding and we had a great time. The instructor was easy to follow and friendly. The painting was not too difficult so we were all able to follow along. A really cool experience and I would definitely go again!”
-Amy Dew, Google Review
Activity was creative, relaxing and allowed us to have conversations throughout
“Elen was a pleasure to work with for our corporate event. She explained the process for booking thoroughly with email correspondence. We did a mobile event at a local restaurant and she was easily able to work with the venue to prepare our set up.
The painting was a ton of fun! Elen engaged our group and provided easy to follow steps as well as helpful tips. Our group felt like the activity was creative, relaxing and allowed us to have conversation throughout. I would highly recommend them for a group event or party!”
-Jaclyn Flom, Google Review
4. Avenue Road Arts School
Avenue Road Arts School has been a go-to spot for art classes in the neighborhood since 1993! Now, they’ve grown their curriculum to accommodate all kinds of students and artists.
Aside from the usual beginner to advanced level classes, they offer private classes that support customized learning. They’ll adjust the class schedule and curriculum based on the specific skills you want to work on.
Plus, if you’re looking to start an art portfolio, they’ll guide you and give you feedback from experts! This is great for intermediate artists looking to take their lessons to the next level.
Speaking of experts, their painting instructors are seasoned pros in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best.
Just a heads-up, though—most of their courses are on the longer side, so there aren’t many options for those looking for a more casual painting experience.
Pros
- Over 30 years of experience in teaching
- Beginner to advanced classes available
- Offers customized cleaning option
- Art portfolio guidance available
- Experienced painting instructors
Cons
- Limited options for short classes
Classes are as well-organized, engaging, and interesting
“I cannot recommend them highly enough! I have registered three kids over the last three years – for in person and online classes. Their online classes are as well organized, engaging and interesting for the kids as were their in person classes. The teachers are super, the communication to parents is clear and helpful and my kids loved each art class they took at Avenue Road Art School. Your classes were a bright light of hope through the pandemic for kids. Thank you for everything. You are great people doing great work.”
-Alex Johnston, Google Review
Instructors have welcomed and supported our artistic development
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every art course I’ve participated in at ARAS over the past 5 years. The instructors have welcomed and supported our artistic development. Additionally, they facilitated a friendly environment that created numerous supportive groups of adult artists. If you are a beginner, intermediate or even an advanced artist and want to develop further, I highly recommend looking at any of their course offerings and talented instructors.”
-Warren Eberlin, Google Review
5. Artbarn School
Artbarn School is both an art school and a registered charity. Aside from picking up a new skill, you get to contribute to ART for Cancer and help their patients attend art classes too.
One thing we love about them is their flexible class options—whether you’re in for a long-term course or just a quick one-day workshop, they’ve got you covered. This makes it easier to find one that’s perfect for your schedule.
These courses change every fall and summer, so they’re always refreshing their selection of available painting classes.
If you’re looking to celebrate someone’s birthday, they also host private art parties at their studio. They’ll take care of everything, from materials to setting up a fun theme with decorations and loot bags!
However, we did notice that their classes and events can be a bit pricey.
Pros
- Studio contributes to ART for Cancer
- Flexible class lengths
- New classes every fall and summer
- Private art parties available
Cons
- A bit pricey
Amazing and diverse programs
“I love this art school and the sense of community created by a group of people and teachers who care about all things art and by enriching the community with amazing and diverse programs. They run afterschool workshops for kids as well as diverse cool and creative workshops for adults. There is always something great going on here, tucked behind construction on Eglinton and Avenue Rd. in Toronto, they have managed to thrive during the LRT transit construction because of their commitment to this little gem of an art school!”
-Sandra Iafrate, Google Review
All are welcome to pursue and improve their artistic skills
“While doing an interview with Linda McMaster of the Artbarn School for Eglinton Ave Living, I was introduced to a wonderful non-profit organization. The Artbarn School offers art classes to people of all ages from the very young to seniors.
The opportunity for the community and beyond opens a new world of creativity for many. The children and youth in need are offered scholarships that fund their classes. Under the kind and gentle leadership of Linda McMaster all are welcome to pursue and improve their artistic skills. Thank you for all that you do for the community Linda. I can’t wait for the next art sale fund raiser.”
-Donna Koegl, Google Review
