Painting Certificate

Build a solid foundation in painting practices and techniques, and discover your creative style.

The Painting Certificate provides students with a solid foundation in traditional painting techniques with further exploration towards experimental painting concepts.

Students will work with a range of painting tools and materials, develop introductory and intermediate skills and techniques in various mediums including acrylic, oil and watercolour painting, and learn traditional and experimental processes. Through studio- and lecture-based courses, students will explore art history and critical theories of visual art, contemporary painting applications and the potential of painting as a professional practice.

Through completion of structured and independent projects as well as in-class critiques, students will produce a diverse portfolio of paintings.

A renewed flexible Painting Certificate- effective FALL 2024.

The redesigned Painting Certificate below includes a focused set of required courses and broader electives. Our aim is to provide students with a flexible learning journey tailored to personal and career goals while providing a foundation in professional artistic practices.

We understand that some students may have already invested time and effort in the previous certificate, and we want to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. For those who have started the Painting Certificate prior to Fall 2024, an equivalencies document is available to guide you. You may also consider pursuing the new certificate and know that any courses you have completed will count towards the new requirements.

Regardless of which version you choose, both programs are designed to provide valuable expertise and enhance your creative development!

Please contact us or book an advising appointment if you have any questions about the updated illustration certificate.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CSVA 100	Elements and Principles of Art (formerly CEFA 100: 2D Composition + Form)
CSVA 101	3D Materials + Media (formerly CEFA 101: 3D Materials + Media)
CSHT 102	Colour Theory (formerly CEFA 102: Colour Theory)
CSPN 100	Introductory Painting Techniques
CSDR 100	Introductory Drawing
CSPN 101	Acrylic Painting
CSPN 102	Painting from Life
CSPN 103	Oil Painting
CSPN 104	Watercolour Painting
CSPN 210	Contemporary Painting

History + Theory | Complete both of:

CSHT 100	Western Art History: An Introduction (formerly CESE 101: Art History)
CSHT 101	Visual Culture (formerly CESE 102: Contemporary Critical Theory)

Professional Practices | Complete at least 1 of:

CSPD 100	Portfolio Websites
CSPD 102	Applications: Grants, Residencies + Exhibition
CSPD 105	Business Planning for Creative Practitioners

...or choose a course from any of our Professional Practices courses

Elective Courses | Complete 1 of the following recommendations:

If you would like to choose an elective course topic that is relates to your painting practice, these are our recommendations:

CSPN 111	Portrait Painting
CSPN 112	Landscape Painting
CSVA 102	Industry Intro: Visual Arts
CSSC 100	Creative Writing
CSIL 100	Introductory Illustration

...or choose 1 elective course from any of our offerings

How do I get started?

Courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate, but do take note of the prior learning recommendations for each specific course! Students are to take the recommended prerequisite courses or self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

For those pursuing a certificate pathway, there is no need for an application. Register for each required course at your own pace. View our term schedule and register online today!

The flexible certificate pathway is open to all students over the age of 18 and/or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. There are no academic prerequisites required to begin the journey.

Once you have completed all the required courses successfully, you can request your certificate from the Continuing Studies department here.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Our certificate pathways are designed to be flexible! There are no requirements to complete certificates within a specific timeline.

You can complete each certificate at your own pace and the number of courses you take per term is entirely dependent on your own individual schedule and workload. Register by course based on the course offerings of each term. See our term schedule here.

Courses are scheduled during the evenings and weekends to allow for part-time study.

In what order should I register for courses?

To optimize the your certificate pathway experience and achieve successful learning outcomes, it is recommended that beginners follow the suggested course order listed above for a cohesive learning journey.

For those with prior knowledge, please take note of the recommended prerequisites for each specific course. Students are to self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and prerequisites, please prioritize meeting the recommended prerequisite skills for smooth progression.

What is the general course load and how will I be assessed?

Student assessment is based on each course's learning outcomes. Instructors will evaluate your learning using assignments, exercises, activities and participation. A general rule of thumb is to expect about one hour of homework for every hour spent in class.

All Continuing Studies individual courses are graded using a Pass (P) / Fail (F) system. To successfully complete the certificate pathway, you must receive a passing (P) grade in every required and elective course.

Career + Further Education

This certificate equips students with improved skills and knowledge in the art of painting, and can also be a stepping stone to more advanced studies or specializations within the field of art. Some related fields could require additional training but painting is a foundational skill for many creative industries.

Related fields include:

The skills gained—like attention to detail, understanding of colour and composition, and conceptual thinking—can be applied in many professions and endeavours beyond traditional painting.

Students can also use artwork from their certificate program in an admissions portfolio to apply for a degree in Fine Arts, Design or Media Arts here at ECU.