Unconventional Canvas

About This Class

This course offers a dynamic and contemporary approach to art-making, designed to help participants stay in step with the fast-moving world of modern art. Participants will learn to use any inspiring object or material as a starting point—such as a jar, a distressed wooden plank, a chair, a custom-made textured surface, foam, or modifications to a traditional canvas. From solving technical surface challenges to producing a final artwork, the course provides extensive hands-on experience and opens new creative horizons. Analytical group discussions will support each project and encourage the exchange of ideas and techniques.

The program includes a concise historical overview of painting surfaces and canvases from ancient times to the present, supported by images and examples. It also introduces the methods and experimental approaches of renowned contemporary artists. Each participant will receive guidance to imagine, develop, and refine their concept both technically and artistically, through open discussions that benefit the entire group.

The course brings together a wide range of artistic practices and remains intentionally broad and flexible, with 40% of the content tailored to each participant’s individual creative direction.

Skills Developed

Participants will develop skills in:

• Artistic planning and design
• Project execution
• Technical problem-solving
• Confidence in experimentation
• Expanded historical and critical knowledge
• Surface preparation and manipulation
• Color application techniques
• Workflow planning
• Balanced artistic decision-making

Participants will work with acrylics, professional markers, selected paint-pouring techniques, and other non-oil mediums as relevant to their projects.

Participants will undertake a bold and distinctive artistic journey within a professional-level course structure that enhances their artistic experience and builds confidence. They will gain focused historical knowledge, practice critical analysis to evaluate and compare artworks, and explore techniques they may have previously used in new ways—or never tried before. This rich and transformative experience supports both emerging and experienced artists in reaching their next level, while keeping the creative process engaging, accessible, and deeply enjoyable. in reaching their next level, while keeping the creative process deeply enjoyable and achievable.

Class Outline

Lesson 1

An introduction to the history of canvas and painting surfaces, from ancient times to the present, including an inspiring overview of contemporary art.

The session will begin with a listening phase, followed by an open discussion and a Q&A about materials and the artworks presented.

Introduction to concept formation through:

• Writing down initial thoughts and ideas
• Identifying available materials
• Creating a preliminary sketch of the concept

Lesson 2

• Presentation of examples from Arab art, supported by images
• Presentation of examples from local artist artworks to encourage questions and discussion
• Open exchange with participants, allowing each to share their ideas

Focus areas:

• Defending their own ideas
• Concept development
• Guided feedback and suggestions
• Technical guidance and answers

Lesson 3

Introduction to new techniques, including:

• Innovative approaches to using acrylics
• Toothbrush spray technique
• Continued implementation of the artworks
• Questions and answers

Lesson 4

• Continued implementation of the artworks
• Further experimentation with new techniques
• Questions and answers

Lesson 5

• Continued implementation of the artworks
• Questions and answers

Lesson 6

• Continued implementation of the artworks
• Questions and answers
• Further development, edits, and exchange of ideas

Lesson 7

• Continued implementation of the artworks
• Questions and answers
• Further development, edits, and exchange of ideas

Lesson 8

Final presentation and reflection

• Submission of completed artworks
• Each participant will present their artwork, including:
  • The title of the artwork
  • Material choices and the reasons behind them
  • The concept behind the artwork
• Writing a short artwork brief as if applying to an exhibition

Materials and Equipment Needed

Please note: VCUQatar reserves the right to cancel classes in cases where an insufficient number of participants are registered. Any fees already paid will be fully refunded.

Items needed in Class

Participants may purchase their own materials in advance and bring them to each class; Only essential materials and equipment will be provided during the sessions.

The materials that will be provided in class are as follows:

• Acrylic paints
• Acrylic brushes
• Sponges
• Pencils
• Sketching paper
• Mixing palettes
• Varnish (for finishing and final sealing)
• Canvas (including unconventional or alternative surfaces)
• Pastel crayons

Other items that participants need to bring to the class:

• Wooden pieces
• Earthenware pots
• Foam
• Jars
• Any object that can be inspirational to their work

The instructor will give guides to the participants during the first session. For any questions about these objects please email [email protected]

Schedule

Start: Sun April 26, 2026
End: Wed, May 20, 2026
Lessons: 8
Days: Sundays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:00-7:30 PM
Location: VCUarts Qatar Campus
Cost: 950 QAR

Instructors

Suzana Joumaa

Suzana Joumaa is a multidisciplinary artist, interior architect, singer, and songwriter. She earned her Bachelor’s (BA) degree in Fine Arts in 2006/2007 from Damascus University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree with distinction, specializing in surreal art and architecture also from Damascus University in 2018. Joumaa furthered her studies to receive a diploma in International Arbitration at Ain Shams University in Egypt in 2014. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Joumaa previously served as an assistant professor in the Department of Architecture at the Arab International University (AIU) in Damascus.

Joumaa has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as Qatar Museums and FIFA. Additionally, she lends her expertise as a jury member for the ArtBeat competition. An alumna of the Doha Fire Station Residency program, Joumaa was honored as the recipient of the Qatar Al Fann award. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries, and she has published papers in a range of scientific and art journals. She is also a regular keynote speaker at international conferences.

Working across a diverse spectrum of media and artistic formats, Joumaa aims to shape what she terms “the new wave of arts”. Her creative language is rooted in an architectural perspective, combining composition and spatial visualization with the dynamic interplay of shadow and light inspired from printmaking. She adds her voice and music to create an experience that engages the senses, amalgamating these elements into a state of delirium, transcending gravity, and alluding to the subconscious. This approach serves as a metaphor for the human endeavor to adapt to a semblance of normalcy following traumatic experiences, such as war, violence, and profound transformations, impacting both individual and collective existence at a human existential level.