6 Best Online Art Courses For Canadians in 2024

Written by Fiona Thompson

Are you looking for online art courses in Canada? Unleash your creativity and start your art learning journey with our curated list of top online art courses below.

Course Name Students Enrolled Reviews
Udemy – Character Art School 300,000+ 60,000+
Coursera – Modern Arts and Ideas 400,000+ 55,000+
Thompson Rivers University – Bachelor of Fine Arts 85,000+ 18,000+
Canadian Contemporary School of Art – Online Art Classes For Kids 25,000+ 18,000+
The Art Institute – The Online Art Appreciation Course 100,000+ 85,000+
Emily Carr University – Fine Art Certificate 38,000+ 12,000+

Udemy – Character Art School

the screenshot from the course of Udemy - Character Art School

Character Art School is a comprehensive video course designed to teach creating professional character illustrations for various mediums, including books, games, animation, manga, and comics. This course will teach you all the fundamentals and advanced skills for drawing and sketching characters.

If you’re a complete novice or already have intermediate sketching skills, this course will take you to the next level. The course module includes the following topics:

  • Intro to Art Fundamentals
  • Drawing Fundamentals
  • Character Forms and Proportions
  • Gesture Drawing Foundations
  • Character Drawing Workflows
  • Character Composition and Design
  • Facial Expression and Emotion
  • Hair and Cloth Dynamics
  • Character Post-Production

This Udemy course also includes a thorough 10-module guided video course, with the only limit to your success being your determination and participation in the rewarding assignments. Discover the course at this link.

Coursera – Modern Arts and Ideas

the screenshot from the course of Coursera - Modern Arts and Ideas

This course is suitable for individuals who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of modern and contemporary art. The course overviews key artistic movements, influential artists, and significant works that have shaped the modern art landscape. You will explore various aspects of art through different themes: 

  • Places & Spaces,
  • Art & Identity,
  • Transforming Everyday Objects, and
  • Art & Society.

You will also have the chance to listen to audio interviews with artists, designers, and curators and delve into supplementary readings and resources to gain deeper insights into selected works. Explore the course by clicking here.

Thompson Rivers University – Bachelor of Fine Arts

The screenshot from the course of Thompson Rivers University - Bachelor of Fine Arts

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers a dynamic Bachelor of Fine Arts program that provides students with a comprehensive visual and performing arts education.

You will learn a lot in this program, from theory to gallery. Upon completion of this online course, you will obtain knowledge and skills such as:

  • A diverse range of artistic mediums 
  • Paint mixing and application techniques
  • Intricate approaches using mediums such as watercolor and oil
  • Using a wide array of materials, objects, techniques, and ideas essential to the three-dimensional aspects of visual art
  • Understanding both historical and contemporary art practices
  • Develop familiarity with gallery operations and programming at local, regional, national, and international levels, and gain insights into artistic communities’ economic structure and impact.
  • Participate in art exhibitions on campus and in the local community, showcasing your work alongside fellow students and esteemed professors.

You can also grab opportunities to exhibit your art in international galleries, all while earning credits towards your degree, or opt for a semester abroad to broaden your artistic horizons. Check out the course here.

Canadian Contemporary School of Art – Online Art Classes For Kids

the screenshot from the course of Canadian Contemporary School of Art - Online Art Classes For Kids

If you are looking for online art classes for your kids, the Canadian Contemporary School of Art is your best choice. The art school primarily focuses on nurturing art education for children, and they offer an excellent online platform to young artists nationwide.

The online art courses are designed to engage and inspire young minds, fostering their creativity and artistic development.

Canadian Contemporary School of Art has a team of highly motivated and professional art teachers dedicated to providing top-notch online classes. They utilize engaging and effective teaching methods, ensuring each child receives personalized attention and guidance.

To ensure your child’s experience is a perfect fit, they offer a free trial session for all our online art classes. This allows your child to explore various art mediums and teaching styles while finding the course that resonates with their interests and aspirations. Discover the course at this link.

The Art Institute – The Online Art Appreciation Course

the screenshot from the course of The Art Institute - The Online Art Appreciation Course

 The Art Institute’s comprehensive online Art Appreciation Course is a dynamic program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a new career path or pursue your passion for art as a dedicated hobbyist.

Directed by esteemed art and antique consultant Hilary Kay and written by some of the most accomplished art practitioners in the field, this Diploma course ensures a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

The Art Appreciation Course is delivered entirely online, allowing you to access the material and participate at your own pace and convenience. With 12 modules and 12 assignments, this course offers a structured and comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of art-related topics.

You will explore various aspects of art, including its history, different art movements, influential artists, and vital artistic techniques. You will also learn about the captivating art world through engaging and insightful lessons created by a team of experts. 

When you finish the course, you will receive a Diploma in Art Appreciation from The Art Institute. This esteemed qualification is a testament to your dedication, knowledge, and mastery of art appreciation. Explore the course by clicking here.

Emily Carr University – Fine Art Certificate

the screenshot from the course of Emily Carr University - Fine Art Certificate

The Emily Carr University Fine Art Certification Course is created to provide students with a solid foundation in diverse fine arts techniques, processes, and concepts. This program serves as a stepping stone for students interested in pursuing further education or engaging in transdisciplinary art practices.

Students will be able to explore a wide range of tools and materials. They can develop their skills and techniques in various mediums, from drawing to photography and painting.

The curriculum combines studio and lecture courses to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of art history, modern theories, and transdisciplinary professional practices. 

Students of this course will also benefit from the advice and mentorship of seasoned faculty members who are talented artists. The instructors’ skills and different artistic backgrounds create an enriching learning environment. Find the course details right here.

Conclusion

With a wide range of courses offered by reputable institutions and talented instructors, individuals across the country can now explore various art mediums, techniques, and art history from their homes.

Udemy’s Character Art School and Coursera’s Modern Art & Ideas are our top choices on the list. These classes provide valuable insights and are well worth your money.

These online art classes provide a flexible learning environment, allowing students to set their own pace and tailor their artistic journey to their individual needs and schedules. 

About the author

Fiona Thompson

Fiona Thompson is an education consultant who has dedicated her efforts to assisting international students in coming to study in Canada. However, during her work, she realized that many Canadians were unaware of the affordable online options available for studying within their own country. With her extensive research and experience in the education sector, Fiona decided to create CanadaCourses.ca, a website aimed at helping Canadians find the best online course options available across various industries.

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