Please note that this program is being discontinued.

  • Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
  • Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

College-Approved Certificate (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Media and Communications

Although this program is normally delivered on campus, due to COVID-19 restrictions all courses will be delivery remotely until further notice.

Overview

Please note that this program is being discontinued. Some courses will continue to be offered as the program is phased-out over the upcoming year. Students are still welcome to register for individual courses of interest as shown in the Program Plan ; BUT new students will NOT have a path to earn a full College certificate. For more information about this program and related courses, please contact cedesign@algonquincollege.com or (613) 727-4723 ext. 5473.

Although this program is normally delivered on campus, due to COVID-19 restrictions all courses will be delivery remotely until further notice.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Registration Note:

This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Courses

Course
Number
HoursCourse Name
MMA003730.0Creative Mixed Media

MMA0037 Creative Mixed Media

Explore, experiment, combine and create! Students explore alternative means to employ familiar mediums, such as acrylic paint, watercolour, ink, charcoal, pencil, coloured pencil and pastel. Students learn more about the properties of each material and how they interact with each other. They also experiment with an assortment of grounds and mediums available for acrylics, including self-levelling gel, modelling paste and dry medium ground. Each exercise is intended to illustrate the principles of composition and to explain the many techniques available. Students are introduced to a number of historical and contemporary artists whose works attest to the varied and stunning results in the realm of mixed media. Each session includes demonstrations, one-to-one instruction and class discussions.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA032930.0Colour: Practice and Theory

MMA0329 Colour: Practice and Theory

Basic theoretical and practical principles of colour are explored. Areas of study include colour mixing, contrast, hue saturation, tint, shade and value. Students are introduced to the various sensory, psychological and emotional properties associated with colour. Students use either watercolour or acrylic paints for their projects. Students also learn the theory behind colour and put it into practise in their art as they develop their eye for colour combinations and applications.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA031330.0Fundamentals of Drawing

MMA0313 Fundamentals of Drawing

Students gain the necessary skills to create compelling two-dimensional images based on perspective drawing, measuring and judging proportions, with the help of reference points, negative space, use of light sources and shadows, reflections and more. Different drawing materials and methods are introduced. Students learn how to progress their work with easy-to-follow, hands-on tutoring covering the principles of drawing. Students take part in a variety of exercises working from basic to more advanced still-life compositions, then moving to portraiture and the human figure.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Electives chosen must total a minimum of 150 hours
MMA004630.0Contemporary Still Life

MMA0046 Contemporary Still Life

Explore and practise contemporary painting techniques to create exciting and compelling still-life compositions with acrylic paints. Students compare the traditional and current approaches to still-life painting while learning the foundational skills of perspective, depth of field, proportion, use of light and tonal contrasts. Starting with traditional glazing techniques, students move on to experiment with newer methods, such as impasto, scraping, knife painting, sgraffito, broken colour effects, dry brush technique, spattering, scumbling and other mediums to enhance creative expression.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA021830.0Advanced Drawing Techniques

MMA0218 Advanced Drawing Techniques

Students explore drawing techniques, media and methods of composition in greater depth, beyond the fundamentals. Through a sequence of extended studies, students expand their critical-thinking skills and develop strong technical skills with exposure to new mediums, expanded opportunities for creative expression and increased time for more carefully refined work.

Pre-requisites: MMA0313

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA023230.0Exploring Acrylic Painting

MMA0232 Exploring Acrylic Painting

Discover the pleasures and versatility of acrylic paints. Painting subjects range from landscape, still-life and working from the Impressionists. Students explore a wide range of techniques including, colour mixing, paint and brush handling, glazing, surface textures and composition. Students with more experience can work on projects to further refine skills in glazes, impasto painting with a knife and other effects. Experience step-by-step demonstrations, group discussions and many opportunities for practice and personalized feedback to build skills in acrylic painting.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA023330.0Exploring Watercolours

MMA0233 Exploring Watercolours

Watercolour painting offers many beautiful effects and possibilities for creative expression. The medium is lightweight and travels well. Students learn the characteristics and techniques for making the most of this unique medium. An experienced art educator coaches students through demonstrations, step-by-step instructions and individual guidance to learn basic techniques and colour blending while creating a number of small projects. Students also develop and practice new skills in a fun and positive setting, using a variety of brushes, surfaces, paints and watercolour pencils, as well as graphite, pen and ink, gouache and soft pastels to create original artwork.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA023430.0Advanced Portrait Drawing

MMA0234 Advanced Portrait Drawing

Bring faces to life with advanced drawing techniques. Students build on previous experience in portrait drawing and practice pencil and charcoal techniques to go beyond realistic visual representations to bring out the essence, expression and personality of the subject. Guided exercises build skill and confidence in creating captivating portraits.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA023530.0Portrait Painting in Oils and Acrylics

MMA0235 Portrait Painting in Oils and Acrylics

Learn to paint the human head in an expressive way, capturing the likeness and personality of the subject! Students are provided with the skills to venture into portraiture painting, progressing from traditional transferring methods to a free form approach. Facial proportion, skin tones, brushwork and other compositional considerations are topics covered. Work from the initial stages to the finished piece and be rewarded with a memorable portrait painting and the desire to paint many more. Some painting experience is recommended.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA023730.0Visual Journaling

MMA0237 Visual Journaling

Visual journaling can be an essential tool for self-reflection and creativity. Students explore bookbinding combined with numerous image making techniques such as collage, image transfers, drawing and painting. Visual journaling techniques are covered including how to integrate verbal and visual elements. Students practice making a variety of different handmade books from simple folded books to hardcover hand sewn books. They also learn to use various writing prompts and topic ideas to enhance visual self-expression in the book form during the course and as an ongoing practice.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA024330.0Exploring Pastels

MMA0243 Exploring Pastels

Pastels are a versatile medium that require no preparation or drying time. They can be used to create many interesting effects and hold their rich colour over time. Students learn basic techniques such as pointillism, hatching, cross hatching, scumbling, feathering, glazing and practicing these skills with soft and firm pastels, as well as pastel pencils. Composition and colour theory, as it applies to pastels, will also be covered. Students have an opportunity to experiment with different papers to create a variety of textures, complete a number of different works and learn how to preserve and frame their finished art pieces.

Pre-requisites: MMA0313 and MMA0329

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA033015.0Portrait Drawing

MMA0330 Portrait Drawing

Focus on faces in this supportive and fun workshop. Students enhance their drawing skills and follow a step-by-step approach to create accurate and realistic human portraits. Our dynamic artist-educator provides demonstrations and extended studies of a live model and covers detailed tips and techniques for looking at and representing all parts of the human face and head.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA035115.0Figure Drawing Workshop

MMA0351 Figure Drawing Workshop

The human form is found in a wide range of art forms but many aspiring artists find it a challenge to draw the human figure. Our reassuring artist-educator leads students through a traditional approach to drawing realistic human figures with an emphasis on gesture, proportions, form development and practice exercises drawing a live model. From quick gesture sketches through structural drawings and extended tonal studies, students develop their drawing technique to reflect a more complete realization of the human form.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MMA024515.0Oil Painting Workshop

MMA0245 Oil Painting Workshop

Oil paints are valued by artists because the longer drying time allows the artist to manipulate the paint at a later time. Oil paints also have rich, saturated colours that endure. Take this weekend introductory workshop to experiment with this surprisingly versatile medium that cleans up easily with odourless mineral spirits. Practise selecting and using the paints, tools and techniques, with an emphasis on classic and contemporary applications. Build your skills by creating a still life, floral or landscape piece of your choice in Grisaille (monochrome) style.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MMA0037 Creative Mixed Media

Explore, experiment, combine and create! Students explore alternative means to employ familiar mediums, such as acrylic paint, watercolour, ink, charcoal, pencil, coloured pencil and pastel. Students learn more about the properties of each material and how they interact with each other. They also experiment with an assortment of grounds and mediums available for acrylics, including self-levelling gel, modelling paste and dry medium ground. Each exercise is intended to illustrate the principles of composition and to explain the many techniques available. Students are introduced to a number of historical and contemporary artists whose works attest to the varied and stunning results in the realm of mixed media. Each session includes demonstrations, one-to-one instruction and class discussions.

MMA0329 Colour: Practice and Theory

Basic theoretical and practical principles of colour are explored. Areas of study include colour mixing, contrast, hue saturation, tint, shade and value. Students are introduced to the various sensory, psychological and emotional properties associated with colour. Students use either watercolour or acrylic paints for their projects. Students also learn the theory behind colour and put it into practise in their art as they develop their eye for colour combinations and applications.

MMA0313 Fundamentals of Drawing

Students gain the necessary skills to create compelling two-dimensional images based on perspective drawing, measuring and judging proportions, with the help of reference points, negative space, use of light sources and shadows, reflections and more. Different drawing materials and methods are introduced. Students learn how to progress their work with easy-to-follow, hands-on tutoring covering the principles of drawing. Students take part in a variety of exercises working from basic to more advanced still-life compositions, then moving to portraiture and the human figure.

MMA0046 Contemporary Still Life

Explore and practise contemporary painting techniques to create exciting and compelling still-life compositions with acrylic paints. Students compare the traditional and current approaches to still-life painting while learning the foundational skills of perspective, depth of field, proportion, use of light and tonal contrasts. Starting with traditional glazing techniques, students move on to experiment with newer methods, such as impasto, scraping, knife painting, sgraffito, broken colour effects, dry brush technique, spattering, scumbling and other mediums to enhance creative expression.

MMA0218 Advanced Drawing Techniques

Students explore drawing techniques, media and methods of composition in greater depth, beyond the fundamentals. Through a sequence of extended studies, students expand their critical-thinking skills and develop strong technical skills with exposure to new mediums, expanded opportunities for creative expression and increased time for more carefully refined work.

Pre-requisites: MMA0313

MMA0232 Exploring Acrylic Painting

Discover the pleasures and versatility of acrylic paints. Painting subjects range from landscape, still-life and working from the Impressionists. Students explore a wide range of techniques including, colour mixing, paint and brush handling, glazing, surface textures and composition. Students with more experience can work on projects to further refine skills in glazes, impasto painting with a knife and other effects. Experience step-by-step demonstrations, group discussions and many opportunities for practice and personalized feedback to build skills in acrylic painting.

MMA0233 Exploring Watercolours

Watercolour painting offers many beautiful effects and possibilities for creative expression. The medium is lightweight and travels well. Students learn the characteristics and techniques for making the most of this unique medium. An experienced art educator coaches students through demonstrations, step-by-step instructions and individual guidance to learn basic techniques and colour blending while creating a number of small projects. Students also develop and practice new skills in a fun and positive setting, using a variety of brushes, surfaces, paints and watercolour pencils, as well as graphite, pen and ink, gouache and soft pastels to create original artwork.

MMA0234 Advanced Portrait Drawing

Bring faces to life with advanced drawing techniques. Students build on previous experience in portrait drawing and practice pencil and charcoal techniques to go beyond realistic visual representations to bring out the essence, expression and personality of the subject. Guided exercises build skill and confidence in creating captivating portraits.

MMA0235 Portrait Painting in Oils and Acrylics

Learn to paint the human head in an expressive way, capturing the likeness and personality of the subject! Students are provided with the skills to venture into portraiture painting, progressing from traditional transferring methods to a free form approach. Facial proportion, skin tones, brushwork and other compositional considerations are topics covered. Work from the initial stages to the finished piece and be rewarded with a memorable portrait painting and the desire to paint many more. Some painting experience is recommended.

MMA0237 Visual Journaling

Visual journaling can be an essential tool for self-reflection and creativity. Students explore bookbinding combined with numerous image making techniques such as collage, image transfers, drawing and painting. Visual journaling techniques are covered including how to integrate verbal and visual elements. Students practice making a variety of different handmade books from simple folded books to hardcover hand sewn books. They also learn to use various writing prompts and topic ideas to enhance visual self-expression in the book form during the course and as an ongoing practice.

MMA0243 Exploring Pastels

Pastels are a versatile medium that require no preparation or drying time. They can be used to create many interesting effects and hold their rich colour over time. Students learn basic techniques such as pointillism, hatching, cross hatching, scumbling, feathering, glazing and practicing these skills with soft and firm pastels, as well as pastel pencils. Composition and colour theory, as it applies to pastels, will also be covered. Students have an opportunity to experiment with different papers to create a variety of textures, complete a number of different works and learn how to preserve and frame their finished art pieces.

Pre-requisites: MMA0313 and MMA0329

MMA0330 Portrait Drawing

Focus on faces in this supportive and fun workshop. Students enhance their drawing skills and follow a step-by-step approach to create accurate and realistic human portraits. Our dynamic artist-educator provides demonstrations and extended studies of a live model and covers detailed tips and techniques for looking at and representing all parts of the human face and head.

MMA0351 Figure Drawing Workshop

The human form is found in a wide range of art forms but many aspiring artists find it a challenge to draw the human figure. Our reassuring artist-educator leads students through a traditional approach to drawing realistic human figures with an emphasis on gesture, proportions, form development and practice exercises drawing a live model. From quick gesture sketches through structural drawings and extended tonal studies, students develop their drawing technique to reflect a more complete realization of the human form.

MMA0245 Oil Painting Workshop

Oil paints are valued by artists because the longer drying time allows the artist to manipulate the paint at a later time. Oil paints also have rich, saturated colours that endure. Take this weekend introductory workshop to experiment with this surprisingly versatile medium that cleans up easily with odourless mineral spirits. Practise selecting and using the paints, tools and techniques, with an emphasis on classic and contemporary applications. Build your skills by creating a still life, floral or landscape piece of your choice in Grisaille (monochrome) style.

Careers & Pathways

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2021/2022 Academic Year

Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.

Graduation Fee

Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the Registrar's Office to obtain a certificate/diploma application. A graduation fee of $22 will be charged when the application is submitted. When your certificate/diploma application has been approved, you will be invited to Spring or Fall Convocation.

Most courses require students to bring specific materials and supplies. Students can expect additional costs ranging from $10-$125 per course. For more information, please refer to each course webpage.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Please note that this program is being discontinued. Some courses will continue to be offered as the program is phased-out over the upcoming year. Students are still welcome to register for individual courses of interest as shown in the Program Plan ; BUT new students will NOT have a path to earn a full College certificate. For more information about this program and related courses, please contact cedesign@algonquincollege.com or (613) 727-4723 ext. 5473.

Application Information

Registration Note:

This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Additional Information

Program Resources

Please note that this program is being discontinued. Some courses will continue to be offered as the program is phased-out over the upcoming year. Students are still welcome to register for individual courses of interest as shown in the Program Plan ; BUT new students will NOT have a path to earn a full College certificate. For more information about this program and related courses, please contact cedesign@algonquincollege.com or (613) 727-4723 ext. 5473.

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