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est. 2006 · markham, ontario
An art studio.
Two artists.
Twenty years.
Since 2006 — children, teens, and adults
learning, creating, and growing alongside working artists,
in a warm little studio.
exhibit · student work
When a person is seen, quietly,
beauty grows on its own.
foundations · student work01
drawing · student work02
anime · student work03
portfolio · student work04
sketching · at the museum05
figure drawing · student work06
painting · student work07
still life · student work08
studio · in class09
foundations · student work10
portfolio · student work11
anime · student work12
two artists · one studio
The teachers.
Both of our teachers are working artists. The lessons we give are the same lessons we live.
Ji Jinhai 纪金海
contemporary artist · senior teacher
Born in northern China, now based in Toronto. A practicing contemporary artist working in Lithopulse (his own technique), new ink, oil, and ceramics — drawing from Dunhuang murals, Persian miniatures, and Western painting structure. Member of the Ontario Society of Artists; his teaching focuses on adult students and serious art practice.
jinhaiart.com ↗Vera Rigzin Wangmo
illustrator · animator · teacher
Graduate of Sheridan College's animation program. A working illustrator and animator whose research-based practice draws from Buddhist meditation traditions and Himalayan visual culture. At 7 Tones she focuses on portfolio development and younger children — asking, lesson after lesson, how art can help a child grow into a more complete human being.
@rigzinart ↗
classes
Rich programs,
woven with PBL & STEAM.
We use painting to kindle a love of life.
01 · foundations · ages 5–11
Art Foundations
The beginning of an artistic life — learning to observe, and to turn what you see into line, shape, and color.
02 · cartoon & anime · ages 10–15
Cartoon & Anime
Starting from anatomy and proportion, into character design, storytelling, and personal style.
03 · drawing & painting · teens & adults
Drawing & Painting
Oil, acrylic, watercolor, ink — studio practice for developing a personal language.
04 · sketchbook · all ages
Sketchbook Development
Thinking on paper — observation, ideas, and quiet experiments, gathered over time.
05 · portfolio · for arts programs
Portfolio Development
Built slowly and honestly around each student's strengths — for OCAD, Sheridan, and beyond.
06 · mentorship · one-on-one
Artistic Mentorship
A sustained dialogue between mentor and student — long-term projects, deep guidance, fully tailored.
parents & students
From parents.
Even I — someone who never drew — started picking up a brush. I never imagined it. Watching my child's lessons lit something up in me too.
Dora's mum · parent, in class with her child
Your classes are special. Each one feels like a window opening — not just making a picture. After learning to paint, the way I see the world has changed.
Helen · adult student
My child has gained so much. After finishing a painting she tells us about her composition and what she wanted to express — that moment moves me most.
Xiaoqi's mum · parent
where students go
Twenty years of portfolios — students have gone on to OCAD · Sheridan · Emily Carr · RISD and arts-stream high schools.
tuition
Tuition.
The longer the classes, the lower the hourly rate — because we value growing with our students over the long term.
3 months $270 $405 $540
5 months $390 $585 $780
8 months $720 $1,080 $1,440
New students can book a complimentary trial class · sibling discounts available — please ask.
contact
Come try a class.
Everyone's journey begins with a visit — your first trial class is complimentary. Come empty-handed if you want.
the studio
37 Cathedral High St
Markham, ON L6C 0P1
hours
Tue – Sun · by appointment