Transform surfaces through the material and expressive language of paint.
For artists drawn to colour, movement, and texture, painting is both a material practice and a method of visual exploration.
Our painting courses immerse you in a vibrant studio culture where you’ll explore, experiment and refine your artistic practice. You’ll work alongside renowned practicing artists and a diverse creative community, engaging in rigorous dialogue, material exploration and critical inquiry.
What You’ll Learn
From acrylics to mixed media, analogue to digital, painting at ECU is about discovery. You’ll start with the foundations of colour, form and paint handling, then push your work further in advanced courses that encourage you to develop your own artistic language.
While much of your time will be spent in the studio, you’ll also dive into critical theory and art history, gaining a deeper understanding of painting’s role in contemporary practice.
Program Highlights
- The program integrates painting within contemporary and expanded art practices
- Students develop skills using oils, acrylics, digital, and experimental materials
- Studio-based instruction emphasizes mentorship and critique with award-winning artists
- Students engage in group critiques, theoretical research, and interdisciplinary projects
- The program supports the development of a cohesive body of work that reflects technical growth and artistic inquiry
Program Structure
Painting is one of the disciplines within the Visual Arts Major. In your first year, you’ll complete the Foundation Year alongside all other majors.
Starting in second year, you can tailor your studies by choosing from a range of Painting courses that match your interests and goals.
Sample Painting Courses
PNTG 210 Thinking through Painting PNTG 214 Painting Materials PRAX 300 Dialogues with Painting PNTG 310 Painting: Advanced PNTG 312 The Figure + the Body PNTG 313 Mapping the TerrainShops + Studios
Studio culture is at the heart of your educational experience at Emily Carr University, with spaces where you can create, learn, collaborate, experiment, and play.
Painting students work in spacious, well-equipped shops and studios.
Painting students have access to:
- Painting Studios
- Stretchers + Surfaces Wood Shop
- Scanning Labs
- Photography Studio
- Digital Output Centre
- and more
Expert Technical Staff
Each space is maintained by expert technical staff who collaborate with faculty and staff to provide students with instruction and guidance.
Technical staff ensure safe and accessible working environments and lead instructional workshops to enhance your learning.
Join a Creative + Connected Community
We’re Canada’s #1 art and design university, known for creative excellence that extends from your academic and studio experience into opportunities outside the classroom and after graduation.
You’ll be part of a dynamic arts community both locally and internationally. The Painting program is designed to give students as many opportunities as possible, such as:
- On-campus exhibition space to present your work to the public
- Regular speakers and events, like artist talk series co-run by
- Networking events with notable artists
- Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant and apprenticeship opportunities with faculty
- Industry experience and work-integrated learning opportunities facilitated by our Careers team
- Residency and collaboration opportunities, including with Porch Gallery, a student-run gallery featuring solo and group shows
- Crit Night, an annual opportunity to connect with curators and gallerists to present and receive feedback on your installed work
Opportunities after Graduation
Graduates bring many in-demand skills to the job market, from advanced technical abilities to critical knowledge. Many pursue careers as artists or find creative and commercial work while continuing with their own craft. Upon graduation, students follow a variety of career paths and roles:
- MFA and PhD studies
- Visual artists
- Roles at artist residencies and artist-run centers
- Gallery technicians
- Curational roles
- Art conservation and restoration
- Art teaching and post-secondary positions
- Research chairs and arts boards
In Others’ Words
“Our paintings become an extension of ourselves, of our lives. I’m trying to provide them with tools that they can not only use in class, but outside of class as well to figure out what their narrative is: who are they as artists, who are they as people?”
Russna Kaur, BFA, Visual Arts