Program Overview

If you are passionate about art and want to develop your talents in an exciting and encouraging setting, the Fine Art program can help you reach your creative potential. This advanced diploma program can help prepare you for a career as a practicing artist, teacher, designer, or many other roles in the artistic community.

Program Details

Program Code
FAS1
Credential:
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
90 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2024 September
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2024 September
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open

Your Learning Experience

Fanshawe’s three-year fine arts program celebrates traditional hands-on approaches to the visual arts. Our excellent studios, dedicated to students in this program, will provide you with the perfect environment to explore your talents in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, video, digital art. You’ll also study the history and philosophy of art to help provide a theoretical background for your practice. As part of your education, you will exhibit in several art galleries, enhancing your knowledge and experiences of professional practise and facilitating the beginning of a Fine Art career.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Students wishing to enter the Fine Art advanced diploma program must first successfully complete the one-year Fine Art Foundation certificate program.

 

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.

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Fine Arts program develop practical and creative skills preparing them to enter a wide-range of career opportunities, such as:

  • a professional artist exhibiting and selling their own art
  • a studio assistant to other artists or as a technician in academic or commercial venues
  • curatorial work in galleries and museums
  • a freelance artist or consultant serving the needs of the television, film and theatre industries, commercial art venues, architects, designers and other professionals in the visual field
  • delivering art programming to engage youth or seniors.

Some graduates also choose to continued their studies at the university level in order to attain the qualifications required to enter the teaching profession.

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Fine Art program:

Professional Artist
Market yourself and show your creative, beautiful and thought-provoking art work in galleries, museums and art fairs.

Studio Assistant
Work with artists in studios and galleries across the world.

Curator

Acquire objects and collections, keep records and catalog acquisitions, plan and organize exhibitions, research objects and collections and handle administrative duties.

testimonial_FAS1.jpg
"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."
Lori Jensen-Brazier
Graduate 2015
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.

 

Academic School

Program Coordinator:

Marla Botterill

 

Admission Requirements

Fine Art Foundation Ontario College Certificate from Fanshawe College
OR
An equivalent qualification from another institution as judged by the College
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
Recommended Personal Preparation

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

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

Year 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
WRIT-1036Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design3
This course introduces 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-1110Perceptual Studies 14.5
he elements and principles of art are introduced in this fundamental drawing course. Observational skills are developed through using the figure, still life, objects, the environment, and the studio space. Materials are manipulated to analyze and evaluate the visual world and observing and interpret visual impressions into basic two-dimensional form. Students are introduced to traditional and contemporary drawing media and approaches to mark-making
ARTS-1111Painting 14.5
This is an introductory painting course designed to introduce students to the basic principles and properties of fine art painting. Students will explore fundamental 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 supports. Traditional observation and conceptual approaches are developed within painting themes. Lectures and demonstrations will provide students with an introductory overview of the history of painting. Acrylic paints will be the medium used in this course.
ARTS-1112Sculpture 14.5
This introductory course explores traditional and contemporary sculpture materials and processes. Studio-based projects will explore additive and subtractive methods of working, step processes and translations between sculpture media. The language and concerns of sculpture through applied technical skill development and understanding of physical and expressive possibilities of diverse materials are acquired. Lectures and demonstrations provide the historic, appropriate and safe use of tools and materials.
ARTS-1117Intermedia3.5
This course familiarizes students with the inter-disciplinary aspects of contemporary art through its introduction to moving image history and digital time-based media. Collaborative and independent projects, executed both in class and out-of-class, will involve visual, performance, spoken word and sound applications. Various techniques and methods of planning, recording, and editing video and audio projects using professional equipment and software will be explored.
ARTS-1116Introduction to Photography3.5
This introductory level course is structured to provide a balance between technical instruction. and demonstrations, out-of-class assignments, photographic lab practices, discussion of ideas and concepts related to the history of Fine Art photography. Digital cameras and digital editing tools will be introduced and utilized. A critical analysis of student's work and its connection to the subject of art will be thoroughly investigated.
ARTS-1071Methods & Media in Drawing3
Students will select a single theme (from a provided list - see Course Plan) to explore within the use of multiple drawing media. Historical and contemporary approaches to each drawing medium are introduced and research into material properties is applied through sketchbook activities and two-dimensional projects. Emphasis will be placed on constructing compositions and conceptual development in the creation of an introductory drawing portfolio. Basic colour theory, mark-making, assorted papers, and a range of subjects will be incorporated in studio-based projects. Critique discussion groups will encourage thematic growth and introduce visual language skills in an artistic practice.
ARTS-1115Perceptual Studies 25
This course builds on the techniques and materials explored in ARTS 1110 (Perceptual Studies 1). Students will further explore and evaluate the visual world with an emphasis placed on concept development, analysis and interpretation of perceptions. Students are encouraged to experiment with processes, scale and materials and will include expanded studies in life drawing.
ARTS-1113Painting 25
This course is designed to advance the basic understanding of colour theory and painting techniques acquired in ARTS 1111 (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 projects. The language of painting will continue to develop as well as an introductory understanding of concept-development, inspirations, and processes of painting throughout history.
ARTS-1114Sculpture 25
A continuation of ARTS 1112 (Sculpture 1) this course encourages development of sculpture's visual language through studio practice. Problem-solving in three dimensions and issues including perception, metaphor, communication, and composition will be discussed and explored through projects and presentations. Assemblage formats, including installation will further develop technical abilities. Various 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.
ARTS-1118Introduction to Print Making3
In this foundation course students will be introduced to various traditional and contemporary approaches to printmaking. Relief processes, monoprints, hand printing, mechanical and digital printing methods will be demonstrated and explored through studio projects examining both unique and multiple production processes. Critique will further develop conceptual, technical, and expression related to print production.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$12,640.46
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$33,666.56
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions