Visual Arts Foundation
Certificate, 8 Months
September 2026
This 32-week certificate course is for aspiring artists who wish to advance their visual literacy skills.
Our creative studio environment allows students to learn design fundamentals, critical thinking and time management skills through a series of hands-on projects. They will also have the opportunity to explore various media while developing new techniques and discovering their artistic voice.
Upon successful completion, students will have built an extensive fine art portfolio that can be used to further their studies at McKenzie College or another college of their choice. Continuous learning increases opportunities to flourish within your chosen career field, whether that be fine arts, game and animation, marketing and advertising, design and more.
Areas of Study
Drawing Fundamentals
Design Principles & Application
Colour Theory
Character Design & Development
Exploration with Acrylic
Life Drawing
Water Colour Techniques
Storyboarding
Pastel & Charcoal Studies
Intro to Classical Animation
Student Work
Career Paths
Professional Artist
Small Business Owner
Art Teacher
Tattooist
Artistic Painter
Portrait Painter
Silkscreen Artist
Watercolourist
Tuition & Fees
$8,800 CAD
(Domestic)
$11,440 CAD
(International)
Tuition fees do not include required equipment and supplies.
Required Equipment & Supplies
• 1 Sketch pad, 11” x14” – 60lbs. or heavier (eg: Strathmore, Canson brands)
• 1 Sketch pad, 18” x 24”- 60lbs. or heavier (eg: Strathmore, Canson brands)
• Roll of masking tape, 3/4” or 1” (inexpensive dollar store tape works best!)
• Steel or plastic ruler, 18” or 24”
• Vinyl eraser (eg: Staedtler brand)
• Kneaded rubber eraser
• Set of drawing pencils, from 5B – 4H (eg: Staedtler, Faber Castle, Derwent brands)
• Pencil sharpener (preferably with receptacle to hold shavings)
• Pigment liners (pens), 0.05mm-1mm (eg: prismacolor, Micron, Faber Castle brands)
• 18 x 24 pad of newsprint
• Chalk pastels, set of 24 or larger (eg: prismacolor, Gallery or Rembrandt brands)
• Tortillion (blending) stumps, variety pack
• Charcoal pencil (eg: General or Derwent brands)
• White charcoal pencil (eg: General or Derwent brands)
NOTE: McKenzie offers a full supply package that includes everything above for a fee of $150.
Additional info
FIELD TRIP COSTS
Students will also be responsible for their travel expenses this includes: Daylong field trips, Museum and gallery fees, lunches, and all travel necessary to complete assignments. Students typically spend $10-$50 on these activities during the year.