Flexible Learning Certificates

Painting Stream

Flexible Learning Certificates

Painting Stream

Build your foundation in painting and discover your style.

A Visual Arts Certificate in the Painting stream will introduce you to traditional and experimental painting approaches using a range of painting tools and materials.

Develop introductory and intermediate techniques, explore art history and theory, and craft a portfolio of diverse works. Build the confidence to refine your practice and prepare for a colourful journey in a creative painting practice.

Courses in this Certificate Stream

Subject Core – Required 1 Courses
Course Name Course No. Availability
Introductory Painting Techniques CSPN-100 Spring 2026
Subject Core – Select 2 of the following 4 Courses
Course Name Course No. Availability
Elements + Principles of Art CSVA-100 Spring 2026
3D Materials + Media CSVA-101 Spring 2026
Industry Intro: Visual Arts CSVA-102 TBA
Western Art History: An Introduction CSHT-100 Spring 2026
Subject Electives – Select 4 of the following 8 Courses
Course Name Course No. Availability
Introductory Drawing CSDR-100 Spring 2026
Acrylic Painting CSPN-101 Spring 2026
Painting from Life CSPN-102 Spring 2026
Oil Painting CSPN-103 Spring 2026
Watercolour Painting CSPN-104 Spring 2026
Portrait Painting CSPN-111 Spring 2026
Landscape Painting CSPN-112 TBA
Contemporary Painting CSPN-210 Spring 2026
Common Electives – Select 3 of the following 14 Courses
Course Name Course No. Availability
Western Art History: An Introduction CSHT-100 Spring 2026
Colour Theory CSHT-102 Spring 2026
Creative Writing CSSC-100 Spring 2026
Story: An Introduction CSSC-101 TBA
Storyboarding CSSC-102 TBA
Scriptwriting CSSC-103 TBA
Rapid Visualization CSID-160 TBA
Photo Story: Spaces, Places + the Everyday CSPH-010 Spring 2026
Introductory Printmaking Techniques CSPR-100 TBA
Introductory Screen Printing CSPR-104 TBA
Introductory Adobe Photoshop CSSO-100 Spring 2026
Introductory Adobe Illustrator CSSO-101 Spring 2026
Adobe CC Essentials CSSO-109 TBA
Introductory WordPress CSWD-100 TBA
Extending + Enriching Electives – Select 3 of the following 11 Courses

Getting Started with Flexible Learning

Browse the FAQs below for information about getting started, courses, assessments, required materials and more.

Flexible Learning Certificates FAQs
How do I get started?

You can take Continuing Studies courses on their own or as part of a Flexible Learning Certificate.

Before registering for a course, review the recommended prerequisites or self-assess your knowledge to ensure you’re ready for the course level.

Flexible Learning Certificates are open to students aged 19 or older or those who have completed Grade 12. There’s no application required, simply register for each course at your own pace.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Flexible Learning Certificates have no fixed completion timeline. You decide how many courses to take each term based on your schedule, goals, and workload.

We recommend completing your certificate within 2 to 5 years. All courses applied toward a certificate must have been completed within the past 7 years.

Most required courses are offered on evenings and weekends, making them accessible for those with work or other commitments. Browse Individual Courses and register as offerings become available each term.

Which courses should I take?

Each certificate includes a set of Subject Core, Subject Elective, Common Elective and Extending and Enriching Elective courses.

  • Core and subject electives are required and cannot be substituted.
  • Short-term workshops (course numbers starting with 9XX) are not eligible for certificate requirements.

Refer to the certificate webpage for the full list of courses that meet each requirement.

Still have questions? Reach out to an Advisor to book a chat.

In what order should I take courses? 

If you’re new to the subject area, follow the suggested course sequence on the certificate webpage for a gradual learning path.

If you already have prior experience, you can register out of sequence. Just be sure you’ve met any recommended prerequisites. When in doubt, complete prerequisite or foundational courses first to set yourself up for success in higher-level classes.

What is the course load? 

Course workload varies depending on the subject, your learning pace, and how much time you choose to invest in assignments or independent study.

As a general guide, plan for about one hour of homework for every hour of class time. Some studio-based or project courses may require additional time outside of class.

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment is based on assignments, in-class participation, and project work. All Continuing Studies courses are graded Pass (P) or Fail (F).

To earn your certificate, you must achieve a Pass in all core and elective courses. If you do not pass a course, you can retake it the next time it’s offered.

Do I need to buy materials for my courses? 

Most Continuing Studies courses require materials or software, which vary by course. Check the CS Materials Guide linked on each course page for specific details.

Many supplies, such as sketchbooks, essential drawing tools or digital software can be used across multiple courses so you can build a kit that supports your learning throughout the certificate.

When planning your studies, we recommend factoring supply costs into your overall budget.

Can I double-count courses if I’m complete more than one certificate? 

Courses taken as a Subject Elective, Common Elective, Extending + Enriching Elective may only be applied to one certificate stream.

Only courses listed under a Subject Core requirement may be counted toward two certificates and only to fulfill the Subject Core requirement.

How do I request my certificate after completing my courses?

Once you’ve finished all required and elective courses, you can request your certificate by submitting the Continuing Studies Certificate Request Form.

Certificates are printed and mailed twice per year. Check the submission deadlines on the form to ensure your request is included in the next production cycle.

Need Help?

Book a chat with an Advisor.

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm (closure 12:30-1:30 pm)
Closed on statutory holidays

Career Paths

Painting is a creative and enriching personal practice, but you can also use these skills to support professional opportunities and serve as a stepping stone to further study. The certificate builds technical ability, conceptual thinking and a portfolio that can be used to showcase your creative niche.

We are looking at an exhibition space, bisected by a wall. One side has several people looking at something on their side of the wall. The other side is empty. The walls facing us have colourful artwork and sculpture on and around them.

Your career in painting may intersect with these creative disciplines and industries:

  • Fine art practice
  • Art teaching and instruction
  • Mural and public art
  • Art therapy
  • Illustration and portraiture
  • Set and scenic design
  • Art consulting
  • Freelance and studio-based work
  • Art materials and supply industry

Students can also use work from this program in an admissions portfolio when applying for a degree in Fine Arts, Design or Media Arts at ECU.

Get the Latest Updates

Our Continuing Studies programs are always evolving. Sign up today to be the first in line for new courses and upcoming registration dates.

A person wearing a mask stands in front of a massive charcoal drawing on brown paper, depicting two deer with large antlers surrounded by dark, sketchy marks. The figure gently places a hand on one of the deer’s faces.