The Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) is a renowned institution located in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation through art, design, and digital media education. As Canada's largest and oldest university specializing in art and design, OCAD U offers a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as continuing studies and research opportunities. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, OCAD U provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students can explore their artistic passions, engage in critical discourse, and develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the creative industries.

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Explore new forms of digital artmaking, installations, and experimental approaches to painting. In the Drawing & Painting program, you’ll learn to become a creative and engaged artist. You can concentrate on your painting studio skills and study art theory, history and contemporary social issues. You’ll learn to speak and write about your artwork in various formats. A wide variety of options for courses are available that focus in digital, landscape, figurative and abstract painting. Your instructors will also encourage you to explore new forms of digital artmaking, installations, and experimental approaches to painting. Our instructors are professional artists who share their career advice and provide one-on-one, in-depth, feedback on your progress. You’ll have many opportunities to present your work professionally in public exhibitions. Drawing & Painting admits first-year students directly into the program. Applicants selecting this major will have their portfolios reviewed by Drawing & Painting faculty for the limited number of spaces available for direct entry. Applicants not accepted for direct entry will be considered for the general, first-year program. Program Highlights Show less

First Year
If you are accepted into the program in first year, you will take introduction to painting classes, time-based media, drawing across disciplines, art history and a course that interests you in topics such as:

Body and technology
Drawing processes
Printmaking
Art and code
Animation fundamentals
Sculpture
Photography
Drawing nature and culture
Narrative media

Second Year
​​​​​In second year, courses in Drawing & Painting move through building techniques and understanding mediums, while developing skills from basic drawing to digital imaging. A variety of approaches to painting include:

Mixed media
Figurative
Landscape
Digital
Installation
Abstract art

Third Year
In third year, you’lldevelop a critical understanding of how to assess work. You’ll beencouraged to explore various types of drawing and painting. At this level, we provide a course dedicated to supporting your experiences after you complete your degree. Professional Practice focuses on the skills needed to be a practicing artist.

The course introduces you to the local art community and the essential skills needed for the development of an art career.

Fourth Year
In fourth year, you can choose between the Thesis and the Advanced Studio Option. Both options lead to Bachelor of Fine Arts. In both options, you’ll showcase your work at GradEx ̶ OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with more than 40,000 visitors.

Thesis Option

You’ll work with a group of instructors over the school year to research, produce and present a coherent body of work of a professional exhibition quality. The artistic development in this course offers you an opportunity to create an advanced portfolio to launch your career.

Advanced Studio Option

In Advanced Studio, you’ll pursue multiple projects and refine your technical skills. You will learn how to speak and write about your work to promote your practice. This option allows you more options and flexibility in how you approach the final year of your studies. You’ll also take courses in Criticism & Curatorial Practice, fabrication studio courses and a range of electives across the Faculty of Art.

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OCAD University, formerly known as the Ontario College of Art and Design University, is a leading institution dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking in the fields of art, design, and digital media. Located in Toronto, Canada, OCAD U has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1876. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as continuing studies, research opportunities, and professional development courses. As Canada's largest and oldest university specialized in art and design, OCAD U is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to education and its commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving creative industries. The university embraces an interdisciplinary approach that encourages collaboration and exploration across disciplines, enabling students to gain a well-rounded understanding of the creative process. OCAD U boasts a vibrant and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expression and innovation on campus. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized studios, labs, and exhibition spaces, where students can experiment, create, and showcase their work. At OCAD U, students have the opportunity to engage with renowned faculty members who are accomplished artists, designers, and scholars in their respective fields. Through a combination of rigorous academic instruction, hands-on studio work, and critical discourse, students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders and change-makers in their chosen creative fields. Beyond the classroom, OCAD U actively promotes community engagement and collaboration. The university encourages students to connect with the vibrant arts and design scene in Toronto, forging meaningful partnerships with industry professionals and cultural organizations. This emphasis on real-world experience prepares students for successful careers and entrepreneurial endeavors in the global creative economy. With its rich heritage, commitment to innovation, and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, OCAD University continues to be at the forefront of art, design, and digital media education. It nurtures and empowers the next generation of creative thinkers, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and making a significant impact in the cultural landscape of Canada and beyond.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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