Fundamental Arts
Arts and Media
The Fundamental Arts program provides you with the opportunity to develop and enhance your skills as an artist through courses in art history, drawing, design, animation, digital photography and more.
You will explore mediums such as lino-printing, etching, sculpture, collage, acrylic and watercolour paint.
Strong emphasis is placed on learning the basics of effective design and enhancing your drawing skills. This program helps you develop your portfolio and prepare yourself for a future in the visual arts.
This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
1 Year
Credential
Certificate, Fundamental Arts
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Accepting Applications
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Accepting Applications
Other International Applicants
Accepting Applications
Notes:
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| NSCAD | Bachelor of Fine Arts | Graduates with a minimum cumulative average of 75% receive up to 30 credits toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. |
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:ARTS-1020
An exploration of divergent thinking to see possibilities for creative expression in the everyday, and perceive the world in a multi-sensory way. Through employing brainstorming, using analogy, and open-ended problem solving, students will build a toolkit of solutions to assist them as they approach artistic problems.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ARTS-1030
An introduction to the development of art in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the identification of well-known artists throughout history. Explore the key stylistic characteristics of major artistic movements. Using the Feldman method of art criticism, learn to discuss and evaluate various forms of creative expression. Gain a wide variety of artistic experiences to help move from the role of observer to one of active engagement in the world of art.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ARTS-1041
Learn drawing terminology and improve observational drawing skills. Develop the technique of sighting, apply the rules of perspective, and create drawings using line, shape, value and tone. Learn the proportions of the figure and the face using gesture drawing, and more sustained drawing, employing both clothed and nude figures.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:ARTS-1050
Learn about the elements and principles of design. Students become familiar with design terminology and utilize it when discussing professional artists' work. Students begin to successfully employ these elements and principles in their own personal work.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ARTS-1071
Learn to apply drawing terminology and improve observational drawing skills. Develop the technique of sighting, apply the rules of perspective and produce shaded drawings. Learn the proportions of the figure and the face using gesture drawing and more sustained drawing employing both clothed and nude figures. Explore the proportions of the face culminating in a series of portraits and figure drawings utilizing expressive line and colour.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:ARTS-1080
Learn basic colour theory while gaining the ability to distinguish and utilize variations in colour such as highlight, shadow and reflection. Gain an understanding of the impact of colour in our lives.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ARTS-1090
Learn to identify and apply basic techniques and principles of animation. Develop an understanding of animation language by using animation terms and tools such as: Keys and extremes, inbetweens, exposure sheets, timing charts, slo-in and slo-out, cycles, arcs, squash and stretch, descending energy, weight, follow through, and secondary action.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ARTS-1100
Learn to use organizational principles and different media to solve specific visual art problems and to help express ideas and feelings through art. Explore different types of media such as: collage, paint, print making, and sculpture.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:COMM-1205
Develop the ability to communicate effectively through exploration and application of various forms of communication including verbal, nonverbal, written and interpersonal. Learn to use various digital tools to create and manage information including word processing, desktop publishing, web design, spreadsheets, and electronic presentations. Explore the ethics and code of conduct necessary when utilizing technology.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PHOT-1061
Learn how to use a digital camera, construct a usable composition, arrange appropriate lighting. Produce a body of work exploring various themes ie, landscape, nature detail, formal portraiture, wedding, sports, news events, candid photography, animal, still life, product, abstract, figure study, and architecture.
Credit Value:3
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
By the end of this program, you will have gained the skills required for acceptance into more advanced training in your chosen area.
Graduates may be interested in employment as an illustrator, tattoo artist, or offer art commissions or use this program as a stepping stone into further education.
"Honestly, I really enjoyed this program. I got to try all sorts of new mediums that Id never thought of touching before, like painting, sculpting, printing, all the works. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to try new art forms, or to level up their traditional art."
- Misty, Class of 2026
"The way this class is taught, no matter where you are at on your art journey, you are still learning and improving. A wonderful learning environment.”
- Robyn, Class of 2025
"An amazing opportunity to grow as a person and a creative”
- Cierra, Class of 2025
“This program rekindled my passion for drawing and animation and taught me how to improve.”
- Dan, Class of 2023
"Fun, friends, improving art skills, so many fun experiences and meeting new people, Great chapter in Life!”
- Marisa, Class of 2025
The Graphic Design program prepares you for the many creative opportunities a career in design can bring.
Improve your drawing skills and learn the latest software techniques to create 2D and 3D animations.
Learn technical skills and advanced techniques to capture dynamic images and video.