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Study Fine Art in Ottawa

Ottawa stands out in Canada as one of the most exciting cities to study Fine Art. Canada’s capital is not only a government hub but a serious college and university town with competitive arts programs in schools like the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Ottawa School of Art. The city is also home to the National Gallery of Canada, where art history fans can explore the most comprehensive collection of Canadian art in the country. Featuring works from renowned Canadian artists like Emily Carr, Cornelius Krieghoff, and Lawren Harris, to international artists like Marc Chagall and Claude Monet, the National Gallery will not disappoint. The Ottawa Art Gallery will also appeal to art buffs, its collections of local Canadian and Indigenous art housed in a slick new building filled with natural light.

Ottawa is a city that will surely appeal to creatives with its picturesque location on the Ottawa River and dynamic, diverse culture. Walk by the Parliament at sunset and watch the sun glint off the imposing Gothic architecture; cross the bridge into neighbouring Hull and admire the undulating lines of the National Museum of History. Enjoy the lively shops, restaurants, and bars of Byward market, or wander through the eclectic Little Italy and Glebe neighbourhoods. Located at the provincial Quebec border, Ottawa also has a distinct French flair and is a short drive to picturesque Quebec towns like Montebello. 

Why Study Fine Art?

Fine Art Studies is one of the most exciting and rewarding programs you can take. Often paired with majors in History, Renaissance Studies, Film, English, or Philosophy, a program in Fine Art involves looking deeply into the different movements and styles of art around the world. You will develop exceptional analytical skills from examining works of art, and build your capacity as a researcher as you write papers and reports. If you are taking studio courses, you will have the opportunity to create alongside other artists, participate in art shows, and exchange ideas. In short, if you love studying visual art and creating - you will find your place in a Fine Art Studies program.

There are plenty of options for study too. You can take a certificate or diploma at a college, or complete a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, or even a PhD. Any Fine Art Studies program will involve traditional forms of study like lectures and readings, and studio time for working with different media.

Another benefit to studying Fine Art is that you can focus deeply on what interests you most. Though you will likely have to start with generalist courses that take a sweeping view of major movements like Dadaism or Cubism, you can eventually hone in on what you are passionate about. Maybe you are fascinated by modern sculpture and installation of the 20th century; perhaps you want to know everything about ancient Chinese paintings. Maybe you are also taking courses in Women’s Studies and want to explore Feminism in 1980s photography - you can focus on whatever it is that awakens your creative spirit.

Jobs You Can Get with A Fine Arts Degree

If you’ve been put off to a study in the arts because of the ‘starving artist’ stereotype, you can set aside your bias - there are so many careers in which you can apply artistic skills and knowledge. Let’s explore some popular careers that art students often pursue once they have graduated.

Get into Graphic Design 

With a background in the arts, you will be well suited to a career in graphic design. Design has become more important than ever in popular culture, with digital media becoming a central part of everyday life. As a graphic designer, you will develop visual concepts for clients using software and your own creative ideas. Picture yourself helping to create a beautiful website for an international brand or slick marketing collateral: if that intrigues you, look into a career in graphic design.

Be a Fine Artist 

Becoming a full-time artist is not for the faint of heart - it requires dedication to the craft, a bit of business savvy, and a strong sense of self-confidence. Professional artists sell their pieces in galleries or use websites and social media to promote their creations. Depending on your financial needs, you may find this pathway a bit risky as you do not have the stability of a regular paycheck. The rewards? Having full control over what you create and becoming part of the exciting modern arts scene. Of course, you can make a part-time commitment to art or take a side job to fund your creative endeavours. In any case, the life of an artist is one that is personally rewarding and professionally challenging.

Practice Art Therapy 

If you have a strong sense of empathy and have a love for health and wellness, your Fine Arts background can lead you to a career in Art Therapy. In this role, you will work with and support patients dealing with mental health issues, emotional pain, trauma and other psychological issues. You will help people of all ages and backgrounds, from kids to seniors, by showing them how to use art as a means of articulating thoughts and ideas. Becoming an Art therapist involves taking courses at the graduate level. You may work in a private practice, alternative health centre, hospital, nursing home, or schools.

Teach Art

Do you love education? If so, becoming an art teacher may be your calling. As an art teacher, you will teach students about different media and types of art. There are many options for those looking to teach art: work in private or public education, teach painting or collage to mature students for recreational purposes, teach classes for kids and adults in neighbourhood studios, or open your own art school. To gain the qualifications to teach, you may need a bachelor of education to prove you have instructional abilities.

Be an Art Curator

Art curators have the exciting and unique job of selecting collections of art for galleries, museums, and showing those works in the best way. Curators may also work in media, choosing works to feature in magazines or websites. In this role, you use your background in art history and studio to help others appreciate and even buy the art you are showing.

Where to Study Fine Art in Ottawa

Whatever career pathway you take, you will likely need to take classes to build a portfolio, and have a degree or diploma in hand. As we stated earlier, Ottawa is one of the best places to study and create art.

If you are looking to study Fine Art in Ottawa, you will find lots of options in the city’s public and private learning institutions. The University of Ottawa and Carleton are two major Ottawa universities that have bachelors and graduate degree options in art history and fine art. While a degree is not necessary to be an artist, it can certainly be helpful if you are looking to build a resume or gain prerequisites for Teachers College and other post-graduate programs.

Another popular choice is the Ottawa School of Art, which offers courses for adults, teens, and kids. This is one of Ottawa’s major art schools, with locations downtown and in Orleans attracting students from all over the world. This art school has classes and short courses in drawing, painting, letterpress, linocut, colour theory, sculpture, photography, media, and even a business skills class for artists. You’ll also find a 3-year arts diploma and a 1-year certificate for building a portfolio. 

Whatever your learning and career goals are, you will find an excellent option in Ottawa!

Find a Private Art Teacher on Superprof

A final option you might explore is to find a tutor or art teacher on sites like Superprof. With a private instructor, you can focus on what’s important to you - studying for a big art history exam, learning the finer skills of oil painting, or having someone teach pastel drawing to your kids. With a private teacher, you can also schedule times that work for you, learn online, or schedule a meeting in a studio space or cafe.