Discover Your Creative Spark: Upcoming Painterly Workshops
Located in the historic heart of Brockville, Ontario, Arts Hub Brockville transforms the beautifully renovated St. John's United Church into a vibrant centre for visual and performing arts. From gallery shows to creative workshops, it's a beloved cultural home for both new and seasoned artists.
This fall, Arts Hub is hosting two inspiring workshops led by painter and instructor, Bob Shackles. Spaces are limited, so consider this your nudge to sign up!
Featured Workshops by Bob Shackles
1. Swans: Painting Wonderful Watercolours
Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 9 am – 4 pm
Medium:Watercolour
Focus: Learn how to paint luminous, fluid swans by mastering value, composition, edges, and the interplay of shape and light
Price: $120
2. Paint Beautiful Plein Air Paintings
Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9 am – 4 pm
Medium: Oil or chosen medium
Focus: Plein air (outdoor) painting. Capture Brockville’s outdoor beauty. Bob shares tips for finding inspiring subjects, lighting, and shade, then sets you to painting on location
Price: $120
“I took a class with Bob. He’s very organized. Shared many excellent techniques. Gave plenty of individual feedback. He’s an excellent teacher and enjoyable to learn from.”
About Bob Shackles
A Well-Established, Respected Artist
Bob Shackles is an elected memberof both the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA)and the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (CSPWC), prestigious affiliations that affirm his expertise and recognition in Canada’s art community.
He’s showcased his work in significant shows, including the CSPWC 100th Anniversary Members Show in Toronto (March 2025) and the SCA Open International Juried Exhibition(April–June 2025). A recent article featuring his work in Art Hub Brockville’s ‘The River Art Show’ underscored his mastery in portrait and landscape painting, rendered in oil with confident, dynamic brushwork..
Experienced Educator and Workshop Leader
Bob has years of teaching experience, including college-level instruction. Notably, he taught oil painting at St. Lawrence College in 2015, bringing both technical skill and theory to his students. Bob’s website mentions he’s conducted “over eight instructional workshops” and emphasizes developing both artistic mastery and creative expression.
Artistry Rooted in Strong Design Principles
Bob’s teaching philosophy goes beyond “paint what you see”, instead, he emphasizes how to paint. His mantra: “Paint what you see but know how to paint.”
He focuses on design, composition, and painterly finesse to transform ordinary subjects into beautiful works of art.
Locally Inspired and Revered
Bob’s work deeply connects to the Brockville and Thousand Islands landscapes, earning recognition numerous Art Shows, celebrated for its technical mastery and evocative portrayal of the region.
What These Workshops Offer You
Artistic Growth - Learn advanced techniques in color, composition, and design.
Hands-on Experience - Practice both plein air and studio approaches for versatile skill-building.
Guidance from a Pro - Benefit from Bob’s decade-plus teaching background and professional insights.
Community - Engage with fellow artists in a supportive, local creative setting.
Ready to Create?
Now’s the time to dive in:
Swans: Painting Wonderful Watercolours: Sept 18, 2025 $120
Paint Beautiful Plein Air Paintings: Sept 27, 2025 $120
Both taught by Bob Shackles, a celebrated artist and educator rooted in Brockville’s vibrant creative community.
Stay inspired, keep creating—and if you decide to register, I’d love to see what you paint!