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.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CEFA 100	2D Composition + Form
CEFA 101	3D Materials + Media
CEPN 100	Introductory Painting Techniques
CEDR 100	Introductory Drawing
CEFA 102	Colour Theory
CEPN 102	Introductory Acrylic Painting
CEPN 103	Introductory Oil Painting
CEPN 104	Introductory Watercolor Painting
CEPN 105	Mixed Media Painting
CEPN 205	Figure Painting
CEPN 210	Contemporary Painting

History + Theory | Complete both of:

CESE 101	Art History
CESE 102	Contemporary Critical Theory

Professional Practices | Complete either:

CSPD 105

Business Planning for Creative Practitioners
(formerly CEPD 200: Professional Practices for Artists)

Or both of the following...

CSPD 100	Portfolio Websites (formerly CEPD 202: Artist Statement, CV + Portfolio Development and CEPD 203: Artist Website + Social Media)
CSPD 102	Applications: Grants, Residencies + Exhibitions (formerly CEPD 204: Artist Grants, Residencies + Exhibition Applications)

Elective Courses | Complete 1 of the following recommendations:

CEPN 206	Painting the Portrait
CEPN 207	Landscape Painting
CEPN 222	Intermediate Acrylic Painting
CEPN 223	Intermediate Oil Painting
CEPN 224	Intermediate Watercolor Painting
CEPR 100	Introductory Printmaking Techniques
CEPR 104	Introductory Screen Printing

...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.