• Overview - 2020/2021

    If you are passionate about art and are looking for a program that will help you develop your talents in an exciting and encouraging setting, the Fine Art program can help you reach your potential. Not only that, the program can help prepare you for a career as a practicing artist, teacher, designer, or many other roles in the artistic community.

    Fanshawe's fine arts program curriculum celebrates traditional hands-on approach to the visual arts. Our excellent studios, dedicated to the art program, will provide you with the perfect environment to explore your talents in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video, digital art and printmaking. You'll also study the history and philosophy of art to help provide a theoretical background for your work in the pursuit of your diploma in arts.

    After Graduation:

    When you graduate from the fine arts program, you'll have the option of continuing your studies at the university level if you're interested in becoming an art teacher. If you prefer to venture out into the private sector, you may join other students from the fine arts program who have worked as museum curators, studio assistants, commercial technicians, and freelance consultants.

    With a combined focus on artistic and communication skills development, Fine Art at Fanshawe can help you begin your career.

     

    testimonial_FAS1.jpg
    Lori Jensen-Brazier
    Graduate 2015

    "Fine Art is a hands-on, studio-based program that exposed me to a diverse range of artistic techniques taught by supportive professors who are knowledgeable artists themselves. In addition to creative techniques and art history, we also learned about promoting ourselves as artists and the practicalities of participating in art exhibitions. I graduated with a professional portfolio to enter the art world."

     

  • Admission Requirements - 2020/2021

    Fine Art Foundation Ontario College Certificate from Fanshawe College
    OR
    An equivalent qualification from another institution as judged by the College
    OR
    A combination of relevant education and work experience in a related field as judged by the College to be equivalent to the above

    Recommended Personal Preparation

    • Develop an interest and appreciation for art by visiting galleries, attending theatre and reading about the arts
    • Attempt to explore as many facets of art as possible

    Applicant Selection Criteria

    Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
    1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
    2. Receipt of application by May 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
    3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements
    4. Preference will be given to graduates of the Fanshawe College Fine Art Foundation program

  • Courses

    Fine Art-2020/2021

    Year 1
    Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
    WRIT-1037Reason & Writing 1-Contemporary Media3
    This course will introduce contemporary media students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking.
    ARTS-1002Perceptual Studies 14
    Using the figure, still life, objects, materials, the environment and the studio space, the student will learn to see and evaluate the visual world and, through analysis, interpret visual impressions into basic two-dimensional form. This will be done through the use of a variety of drawing media including; pencil, ink, conte, crayon, chalk and collage.
    ARTS-1005Painting 14
    This is an introductory painting course designed to introduce students to the basic principles and properties of fine art painting. Students will explore basic colour theory and a variety of introductory painting techniques. Knowledge of the tools of painting and their proper handling, as well as the language of painting will be introduced. Students will execute compositions in paint in differing scales and from a variety of sources. Lectures, demonstrations and field trips will provide students with an introductory overview of the history of painting. Acrylic paints will be the painting medium used in this course.
    ARTS-1006Sculpture 14
    This studio course explores traditional as well as contemporary sculpture materials and processes. Emphasis is on both additive and subtractive methods of working. Goals include acquiring technical skills, understanding the physical and expressive possibilities of diverse materials, and learning safe, appropriate use of tools and materials
    ARTS-1054Intermedia5
    This one semester course is designed to introduce students to an appreciation of the inter-disciplinary aspects of contemporary art. The course will provide students with an introduction to work in digital time-based media, including video and sound. Class projects will be structured around various techniques and methods of working and shooting and editing of video including the spoken word and performance.
    ARTS-1015Introduction to Photography4
    This introductory level course is structured to provide a balance between technical instruction and demonstrations, out-of-class shooting assignments, photographic lab practices, discussion of ideas and concepts related to the history of Fine Art photographic images and processes. A critical analysis of student's work and its connection to the subject of art will be ongoing.
    ARTS-1071Methods & Media in Drawing3
    In this introductory course students will investigate methods and materials in two dimensional artworks such as; watercolour, pencil crayon, ink, pastel, relief printing and collage. Emphasis will be placed on constructing composition, design principles and implementing basic colour theory in drawing. Subject matter and visual resources may consist of studies from the object, figure, the constructed/natural landscape and pattern. Students will work in a variety of scales and use a variety of paper supports. Students will select, from a list provided (see course plan), and explore a single theme throughout the term applied within the use of multiple drawing media. Compositions must be created from a variety of sources e.g. found and personal photographs, still life, direct observation, dioramas, imagination etc.
    ARTS-10072D & 3D Design4
    In this course, formal, communicative and conceptual aspects of basic design are covered through projects, in-class assignments, lectures and discussions. Students are presented with introductory visual problems and are challenged to devise their own solutions in both 2-and 3-dimensions, in a variety of media including computer graphics. Problem-solving skills, willingness to research, craftsmanship, and professionalism are all important to success in this course.
    ARTS-1009Perceptual Studies 24
    This course builds on the techniques and materials explored in ARTS 1002. Students will further explore and evaluate the visual world with an emphasis placed on concept development, analysis and interpretation of the visual world. Students are encouraged to experiment with drawing media. Students will work in a variety of scales and in a variety of drawing media.
    ARTS-1010Painting 24
    This course is designed to advance the basic understanding of colour theory and painting techniques acquired in ARTS 1005--Painting 1. Expanded colour theory, increasingly complex techniques and compositional strategies are emphasized. Students will be introduced to the uses of various acrylic mediums and will explore a variety of supports/grounds and scales in their work. The language of painting will continue to develop as well as an introductory understanding of the concept-development, inspirations and processes of painting throughout history.
    ARTS-1011Sculpture 24
    A continuation of Sculpture 1 this course encourages the further development of understanding sculpture through studio practice. Problem solving in three dimensions and issues including perception, metaphor, communication and composition will be discussed and explored through projects, discussions and presentations. Fundamental development of technical skills and manipulation of media are explored while maintaining safe and appropriate use of tools and materials.
    COMM-3074Communications for Design3
    This course, designed for students who plan to work in the field of art and design, focuses on professional written and verbal communication skills. Students learn to prepare a variety of work-related documents. In addition, students learn about research methods and documentation formats. The principles of effective writing - organization, grammar, style, clarity, and tone - are reinforced throughout the course. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations they will encounter in the workplace in order to meet the needs of employers and/or the communities they will serve.
    HIST-1046Ancient Origins to High Renaissance3
    This course introduces students to the history of Western art and architecture by examining key works within the intellectual and social context that they were created. Because art does not develop in a vacuum, the philosophical, religious, scientific, etc., background of each period will be examined in order to gain a fuller understanding of important artistic trends. The overall goal of this course is to provide a working knowledge of the history of Western art and architecture as well as a foundation for critical thinking about art's history.
    HIST-3028European Art: Mannerism to Contemporary3
    This course continues students' education of the history of Western art and architecture by examining key works within the intellectual and social context that they were created. Beginning with Mannerism which wind downs the Renaissance period and points to heralding the birth of the Modern era, students will learn about the technological and intellectual advances that will shape and inform some of the most radical changes in Art History, including the foundation of abstraction, the birth of photography and the move into the post-modern era. The background of each period will be examined in order to gain a fuller understanding of important artistic trends. The overall goal of this course is to provide a working knowledge of the history of Western art and architecture as well as a foundation for critical thinking about art's history.

    Year 2
    Gen Ed-Take two 3 credit General Education elective courses
    Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
    ARTS-3003Visual Research 14
    This intermediate level course is experimental and open-ended, and includes analytical drawing to discover new ways of seeing, including the examination of every day objects in changing situations. Perception and the principles of looking in a larger context will be explored through application and experimentation using a wide range of materials and drawing surfaces. Drawing will be addressed as medium, process, and metaphor.
    ARTS-3004Three Dimensional 13.5
    This course investigates sculpture as practice at an intermediate level with an emphasis placed on acquiring a working knowledge of a number of new materials and processes. The acquired information will be applied in a number of three-dimensional projects. A higher level of conceptualization is expected than at the introductory course level.
    ARTS-3005Canadian Art2
    This intermediate level art history course provides a survey of Canadian Art History from pre-European contact to Canadian Contemporary Art. The artistic growth is aligned to the growth of Canada's historical and cultural development, specifically First Nations, French, and English cultures to an emerging international country. Artifacts, painting, sculpture, photography, and avant-garde artwork will all be addressed.
    ARTS-3006Printmaking 13.5
    This intermediate level course will examine traditional methods of printmaking in a contemporary art context. Many variations of relief and intaglio printing techniques will be explored to a high degree of experimentation and resolution. Technical competence and conceptualization will be expected from the student.
    ARTS-3034Fine Art Studio 38.5
    This second year intermediate level course builds on the insights and information obtained in the first year, placing emphasis on concepts and processes. The course takes the form of a series of group and individual projects, each specifically dealing with the links between concept and material definition. The understanding of shifting concepts, process, documentation, installations, painting, narrative, and associative cultural relations is explored.
    ARTS-3035Fine Art Studio 48.5
    This intermediate level course builds on the concepts and information obtained in Fine Art Studio 3 (ARTS-3034), placing more emphasis on digital media processes. The course takes the form of a series of individual and group projects that stress the development and deconstruction of concepts and subject. Projects in drawing, performance, installation, photography, and video give access to the concerns of subject.
    ARTS-3009Visual Research 24
    In this intermediate level course, the student will continue to discover new ways of seeing. Perception and the principles of looking in a larger context will be explored through application and experimentation using a wide range of materials. Drawing will be extended to include major group painting/mixed media projects as well as the exploration of drawing in time-based media and three-dimensional space.
    ARTS-3010Three Dimensional 25
    This course extends the visual investigations begun in ARTS-3004 (Three Dimensional) with an emphasis placed on acquiring a working knowledge of a number of different materials and processes. Through several projects, students will further develop conceptual skills and expand the notions of sculpture. Several of the large-scale projects begun in the first semester will be continued in this course.
    ARTS-3011Cubism to Abstract Expressionism2
    This course covers art history primarily in the United States, Canada, and Europe since 1910. Topics include exploration of Abstract art in the forms of Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Social Realism, DeStijl, etc to Abstract Expressionism. Through the course we will consider the social position of the artist, how the two Great Wars affected art and society. Lectures will have a particular focus and will be explored with historical currents.
    ARTS-3012Printmaking 25
    This intermediate level course will examine traditional and contemporary methods of printmaking in a contemporary art context. Many variations of digital and silkscreen printing techniques will be explored to a high degree of experimentation and resolution. Technical competence and conceptualization will be expected from the student. Projects explore how print media (particularly the printed multiple) and photography may be used to comment on / intervene into a mediated world.

    Year 3
    Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
    ARTS-5028Fine Arts Studio 519.5
    Building upon the satisfactory completion of work covered in the prerequisite studio courses, students enter into an advanced level program of semi-independent research in a variety of media, as defined and developed by the faculty using tutorial methods and group critiques. Emphasis is towards ongoing displays and exhibitions.
    ARTS-5027Pop Art to Post Modern2
    This course covers art history primarily in the United States, Canada and Europe, since 1960. We will explore a variety topics from different regions in the context of formalism, gender, ethnicity and history. Through the course we will consider the social position of the artist, the emergence of art markets, the intersection of popular culture and art, and how art has changed since 1960. As this is a particularly large topic, lectures will have a particular focus and will be explored with historical currents.
    ARTS-5019Fine Art Studio 616
    Students continue into an advanced level program of semi-independent research in a variety of media, as defined and developed by the faculty and individual students using a semi-tutorial method and group critiques. The emphasis is towards ongoing exhibitions, Satellite Project Space involvement and graduation exhibition. This course includes practical experience on business aspects of art: e.g. designing and printing a catalogue, research and writing about artwork, documenting artwork, making professional presentations, organizing, selecting and hanging exhibitions. Graduating students are required to participate in a group public exhibition. If a student is missing a course or courses and will not be graduating, he/she will not be allowed to exhibit in this event but must participate in the preparation and installation of the exhibition.
    ARTS-5006Information for Artists1
    This course is designed to assist graduating students to meet their objectives as practicing artists. The series of lectures will provide information relevant to the pursuit of becoming a professional artist in Canada. Course content will include grant writing, documentation of work, portfolio presentation, exhibition and curatorial practices, and preparation of public relations materials, as they relate to an individual professional artist. This course is a co-requisite for ARTS-5019 (Fine Art Studio 6).

    Gen Ed - Electives
    Take 6 General Education Credits -
    Normally taken in Year 2

    Program Residency
    Students Must Complete a Minimum of 36 credits in this
    program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency
    requirement and graduate from this program

  • Careers - 2020/2021

    Career Opportunities

    • Work as a professional artist, exhibiting and selling art.
    • Work as a studio assistant to other artists or as a technician in academic or commercial venues.
    • Curatorial work in galleries and museums.
    • Work as a freelance artist or consultant, servicing the needs of the television, film and theatre industries, commercial art venues, architects, designers and other professionals in the visual field.
    • Work for youth and senior's activity programs in the arts.
    • Continued studies at university level in order to attain the qualifications required to enter the teaching profession.

  • More Information - 2020/2021

    A Three-Year Ontario College Advanced Diploma Program
    Program Code: FAS1
    Campus Code: LC (LC - London)
    September Admission
    15 week terms
    Academic Calendars available at www.fanshawec.ca/academicdates     

    Contact

    School of Design: 519-452-4227

    Program Description

    The Fine Art program is an intensive three-year course of study. It emphasizes the development of manual, perceptual and conceptual skills in various media which are used as disciplines considered necessary for working as a professional artist and/or teacher.

    Other Information

    • IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
      Students wishing to enter the Fine Art program, Program Code FAS1, must first successfully complete the Fine Art Foundation program, Program Code FAF1. 
    • Students that have successfully completed the Fine Art Foundation program, and wish to continue with the Fine Art program, must complete an "Application for Program Transfer" form available from the Office of the Registrar, Room E1012.
    Learning Outcomes 

    The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

    1. Produce a portfolio of work including a comprehensive artist's statement that reflects an advanced and sophisticated ability to communicate visually.

    2. Solve complex problems related to the conceptual process involving project specifications, deadlines, budgetary restrictions and potential client directives.

    3. Express artistic concepts and personal vision through the manipulation of a variety of media.

    4. Enhance visual, written and verbal communication in the practice and promotion of personal artwork through the use of technology.

    5. Communicate effectively in visual, verbal and written forms appropriate to the presentation and promotion of one's work.

    6. Evaluate contemporary developments and issues in visual and creative arts, as well as current trends in the market, in order to make informed decisions about one's career in the arts.

    7. Observe guidelines and regulations with respect to health and safety applicable to the use of art materials and methodology.

    8. Evaluate historical and contemporary works of art from a critical perspective.

    9. Conduct research for visual, written and oral presentation that directs problem solving, informs the creative process and reflects the influence of artistic styles and individuals from periods of history.

    10. Create a career plan that reflects professional business practices and a knowledge of organizations and institutions that support the arts, for purposes of self-promotion and other art-related activities.

    11. Prepare for exhibitions of one's work in public galleries, displays and shows, including the documentation of work.

    12. Collaborate effectively with faculty and peers.

    Program Pathways

    For information about Program Pathways visit www.fanshawec.ca/programpathways.
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