Becoming a painter or visual artist in Canada is an exciting career choice if you are passionate about art. However, to succeed in this competitive field, you will need more than talent and creativity. As with any profession nowadays, pursuing a solid education and gaining relevant experience in the art field is crucial to developing the skills and knowledge to stand out as a successful painter artist in Canada.
Welcome to the fascinating world of painting and art in Canada! Explore all the requirements you must accomplish to become a painter artist. From different education programs and job training, discover who can become painter artist in Canada, the different paths to get your career off the ground as a painter artist, and the skills you'll need to succeed! But first, let's test your art and painting knowledge!
The history of art and painting: Test your knowledge!
Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each statement.
- Mona Lisa, also called La Gioconda or La Joconde, is Michelangelo's most famous oil painting. It was painted between 1503 and 1519 in Florence and is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Her unproven identity and mysterious smile are sources of ongoing investigation and fascination.
- True
- False
- The Baroque period is known for its decorative style and dramatic use of light and dark. Some of its qualities are richness, drama, dynamism, movement, tension, theatrical aesthetic, and emotional exuberance.
- True
- False
- The ancient Egypt civilization is known for the emphasis on life after death and knowledge of the past in their stylized and symbolic painting and sculpture.
- True
- False
- Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who became one of Western art history's most famous and influential figures during his lifetime, creating over 2,000 works of art during his lifetime.
- True
- False
- Renaissance was a period of the European cultural, artistic, political, and economic "rebirth" following the Middle Ages that began in Italy in the 14th century, marked by significant advancements in art, science, and philosophy.
- True
- False
- Idealized depictions of the human body and idealized beauty characterize ancient Greek art. Ancient Greek art stands out among other ancient cultures since its nude male figures were generally innovative.
- True
- False
Are you ready to emerge in Canada's fascinating world of artists and painters? Let's go!

What education do you need to be a painter in Canada?
If you want to become a painter artist in Canada, you will typically need to go through formal education, gain professional experience and work on improving your artistic techniques, which could take some years of preparation to excel in the arts. The education requirements may vary depending on the art specializations you are interested in and the industries where you want to work. However, most painter artists in Canada have completed a university degree or Bachelor's diploma in Arts or Visual arts. Some of the programs you should keep an eye on if you are an aspiring painter artist in Canada are:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): This is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides a comprehensive education in visual arts, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. These programs generally include courses in art history, theory, and practical lessons.
- Diploma in Visual Arts: This program lasts two or three years and provides art history, studio practice, and professional development courses. It gives you the skills to work as a visual artist, creator, and art tutor in the creative arts industry.
- Certificate programs: Art schools, community colleges, and art institutions offer this type of painting or other visual arts programs and provide a shorter education to learn fundamental skills and techniques.
Getting a bachelor's degree or a university certificate will be very important if you are willing to work in larger or international companies. Also, consider gaining practical experience throughout your studies and start networking to get known by the artistic community in Canada. Participating in art shows and festivals, creating your art portfolio, and meeting other artists and industry professionals, can give you many opportunities in the future and doors will open for you the top jobs for painters in Canada!
Where can I study to become a painter artist in Canada?
Here you will find a list of the best Canadian universities to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or to obtain a Diploma in Visual Arts. Choose the program that best suits your professional objectives:
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design
- Ontario College of Art and Design University, also known as OCAD University
- University of British Columbia
- Concordia University
- The Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts)
- University of Calgary in Calgary
- York's School of the Arts, Media, Performance, and Design (AMPD)
- University of Manitoba
- University of Ottawa
- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University).

What qualifications do you need for painting?
Here are some typical qualifications involving academic training and professional experience you have to go through to become a painting artist in Canada. Let's find them out together!
- Focus on pursuing a Bachelor's degree: Most painting artists complete a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or a related field. Some universities and colleges in Canada offer diverse programs, specifically in painting or visual arts.
- What about getting experience? Building your portfolio of work and participating in art exhibitions, art shows, and festivals will help you create a substantial body of work.
- Train, train, and train again: Besides pursuing a bachelor's degree, many painting artists also undertake training in various techniques, such as oil painting, watercolors, or acrylics. Training is essential to build a skill set with the abilities you need to perform professionally as a painter and find your style.
- Passion and creativity are a must: Both are essential qualities for success in any artistic career. Taking risks, experimenting, and overcoming limits are keys for any aspiring artist.
There is no right path to becoming a painting artist in Canada. However, having a strong artistic background, technical skills, developing your style, and adapting to new technologies and trends in the art industry will definitely be critical success factors.
Learn more about the salary expectation for painter artists in Canada!
How do I become a beginner painter?
Are you ready to start getting to know all about painting styles and techniques? Here you will find five easy steps to get started!
- Book a class with Superprof! Taking a painting class to learn from a professional artist will be the best idea to get off on the right foot. Keep reading to find the best painting teachers near you in Canada!
- Get the necessary materials: Once you book your painting class, talk to your private painting tutor about which basic materials you will need to get, for example, paintbrushes, canvas or paper, and a palette.
- Start with the very basics! Start with basic painting techniques such as color mixing, brush strokes, and layering, and experiment with different brushes and painting techniques that will help you find your style.
- Practice makes perfect: Like any skill, painting will take time and practice. Set aside a specific time for painting and try to paint as often as possible during your week or free time.
- Get feedback! Sharing your work with your private tutor will help you identify where to improve. What could be better than becoming an expert painter with the help of a professional? Let's get down to business!
Would you like to find the best private tutors near you? With Superprof private tutoring, you can become an expert painter artist anywhere in Canada! Private tutoring can be an excellent option to improve your painting skills, especially if you need to gain experience. A private tutor can offer personalized lessons tailored to your needs and budget and a more flexible schedule for you to excel as an artist!
Welcome to the Superprof family!

The history of art and painting: Test your knowledge!
Find out the correct answers:
- Michelangelo painted the Mona Lisa. Answer: False. Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.
- The Baroque period is known for its ornamental style and dramatic use of light and dark. Answer: True.
- The ancient Egyptians are known for their emphasis on life after death in their paintings and sculptures. Answer: True.
- Vincent van Gogh was a prolific artist who created over 2,000 artworks and gained fame during his lifetime. Answer: False. Vincent van Gogh became one of the most recognized painters posthumously.
- The Renaissance was a transformative period in Europe marked by significant advancements in art, science, and philosophy. Answer: True.
- The art of the ancient Greeks was focused mainly on idealized depictions of the human form and idealized beauty. Answer: True.