See the world from a different perspective.
We are what we see: art helps us to see things in different ways. Communicating through colour, shape and form can awaken the imagination and open the doors of perception. If you love seeing the world from different perspectives, then our Visual Arts courses could be the place for you.
Visual Arts courses
From beginner level to advanced, our courses help you learn and practice your skills, and to express your views of the world. Our Visual Arts courses are fun, informative and—best of all—they are hands-on. Learn to create art using different media and techniques, including:
- drawing and sketching
- watercolour painting
- mixed media and collage
- calligraphy
- mark-making
- sculpture and three-dimensional forms
Some art courses have extra fees for materials: please see the individual course pages for more information.
- 3D Animation Studio 1: Introduction to Blender
- 3D Animation Studio 2: Intermediate Blender
- Advanced Methods in Portrait Drawing with Graphite
- African Indigenous Designs in Textile Arts
- Artist Book: From Start to Finish
- Artist Books: Four Techniques in Four Weeks
- Basic Design Principles
- Basic Observational Drawing with Graphite
- Capture Better Smartphone Photos
- Cashing in on Your Photography
- Cattail Hat Weaving
- Character Design Studio
- Collage: Ideas, Materials and Process
- Collage – Value, Colour and Design
- Comics and Graphic Novels Studio
- Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting
- Contours: A Creative Journey
- Creating a Visual Workbook
- Creating Comics
- Drawing and Art History
- Drawing and Collage
- Drawing and Painting for Beginners
- Drawing Basics
- Drawing for Absolute Beginners
- Drawing for All
- Drawing Fundamentals
- Drawing in the Urban Landscape
- Easy Mini Watercolours: Birds and Dragonflies
- Easy Mini Watercolours: Colourful Mandalas
- Easy Mini Watercolours: Snow People and Snow Landscapes
- Editorial Design Studio
- Experimental Clay Modeling
- Flower and Bird Painting
- Fundamentals of Perspective Drawing
- Graphic Design: Past, Present, and Future
- Illustration Essentials
- Image Transfer
- Interior Design 2: Materials and Finishes
- Interior Design Fundamentals
- Intermediate Adobe Illustrator
- Intermediate Adobe Photoshop
- Intermediate SketchUp
- Introduction to Adobe After Effects
- Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
- Introduction to Adobe InDesign
- Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
- Introduction to Collage
- Introduction to Designing Artificial Intelligence Applications
- Introduction to Letterpress Printing
- Introduction to Mixed Media
- Introduction to Portrait Drawing with Graphite
- Introduction to SketchUp
- Introduction to Toon Boom Harmony
- Introduction to Video Editing
- Introduction to Web Development
- iPhone as an Artist Tool
- Islamic Geometry Patterns
- Keeping a Sketchbook for Travel and Fun
- Lost and Found: A Field Guide
- Low Impact Basketry
- Observational Drawing
- Painting Colour and Space
- Responsibilities to Coastal Indigenous Peoples and Lands
- Sea of Watercolours
- Sentimental Affects: Textiles, Wearable Art and Urban Life
- Telling Our Stories Through Comics
- The Art of Type
- Type and Image Studio
- Urban Sketching
- Watercolour for Beginners Workshop
Online Art and Design Courses
The Division of Continuing Studies, in partnership with the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD), is pleased to offer online educational opportunities for interested, creative professionals.
View series
2D Graphics and Rendering Essentials for Video Games
Build on your existing understanding of computer science and gain the fundamental skill set required to develop and manipulate advanced, interactive 2D images used across the creative technology sector, including video game design and development.
View program
3D Graphics and Rendering Essentials for Video Games
Build on your existing understanding of computer science and gain the fundamental skillset required to develop and manipulate advanced, interactive 3D images used across the creative technology sector, including video game and extended reality application design and development.
View program
Just steps away from Jeannette Sirois' house on Salt Spring Island is her art studio—her home away, but not too far from home. Art is always on my mind; I can't go a day without making art of some kind, says Jeannette, an art instructor with Continuing Studies at UVic.
Read Story
"Imagine saying to a Holocaust survivor: 'We'd like to do a comic about your life," chuckles Charlotte Schallié, professor of Germanic Studies and chair of UVic's Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies. It seems, at the surface, like an absurd request.
Read Story
There are several well-known health benefits to engaging in creative endeavors, but sometimes actually getting into a right headspace is easier said than done. So what are some things you can do to get those creative juices flowing?
Read Story
From the earliest markings upon cave walls, to the rhythmic beating of drums, cultural dance or even the creation of written language, people have been driven to express themselves through art since the earliest days of our species.
Read StoryWe are sad to announce the passing of one of our most committed students, Nan Walmsley. Nan passed away peacefully at home, Sept. 13, surrounded by her family. She lived 97 fulfilling years.
Read Story
When you love what you’re doing, balancing a career, family and school is easy. At least according to Kristin Wiens, who started her first class with Continuing Studies as a single mother of two pursuing a Diploma in Intercultural Education, while concurrently completing a degree in Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics at UVic.
Read Story
John Lucas describes himself as “an actor who happens to sing and dance.” Having had one foot in theatre and the other in academia all his life has made him feel like “the illegitimate offspring of Northrop Frye and Daffy Duck,”
Read Story