Victorian Vistas

a Watercolour Experience

Create Memories in Victoria through Watercolors!

  • painting opportunities featuring the natural beauty and urban dynamism of Victoria

  • painting tips presented by award-winning painter and art instructor Rose Cowles Martin

  • a chance to pause and give expression to your experience

Don’t just walk on by! Learn about the places and people unique to Victoria and capture it using painting techniques taught during the tour. Suitable whether you are an experienced artist or have never held a brush before.

Learn a painting technique and dedicate time to practicing and applying your new skills. Share your work with like-minded humans and take home the unique piece you created.

Duration is 2.5 - 3 hours. Folding chair with sling bag and all required supplies provided (guests are required to carry their chair and supplies short distances).

Our tours & experiences accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, but detours may be required due to the historical nature of some locations.

Small Groups!

Max 8 adults means our tours feel like private tours - an opportunity to connect and share with us and your fellow travelers.

Private Group Tours are available.

Each Experience is Unique

Check the details for each tour below:

  • Chinatown/Market Square - water views, lanterns, alleyways, fun storefronts, veggie stands 

    *meeting and ending at Opus Art Supplies

  • Beacon Hill Park - ocean views, peacocks/goats/mallards, the story pole and moss lady sculpture

    *meeting at the Petting Zoo

  • Empress Inner Harbour - Parliament Building, boats/float planes, flower baskets, vendors

    *meeting at the Emily Carr Statue

  • Fishermans Wharf - houseboats, park, cafe, seals

    *meeting at Imagine Studio Cafe

  • Bastion Square - hanging baskets, maritime museum, waterviews, unique architecture, good coffee :)

    * meeting outside of GAGE Gallery

painting totem.png
sidewalk group.png
painting action shot.png
dragon alley.png
painting fishermans warf.png
painting parliament.png
painting - guest.png
painting in the shade.png
gate of harmonious interest.png
May 24 group.png

Your Guide - Rose Cowles Martin

My life began out East, but I followed my heart West. After graduating from Sheridan College in Illustration and Design (1990), I began my career in Toronto as a junior designer at Penguin Books Canada. But soon after, I packed my dreams and headed West as a freelance artist.

Now settled in Victoria, BC, I’ve balanced creative work with raising two wonderful daughters and an ever-growing menagerie, crafting from kitchen tables, spare rooms, and downtown studios alike. After 25 years, with renewed time and energy, I’m embracing the art scene as a re-emerging artist.

Let’s Go!

  • Meet at the starting point at 1pm (1.5km or less from the Visitor’s Center) for your date:

  • Arrive 5 min before the tour starts

  • Dress to be comfortable outside!

    • tour will mostly be conducted in outdoor locations

  • Tour will end at or near the meeting point