Drawing
Credit: Liam Blunt, 1st Year BFA Drawing, 2Knights, 30"x20" Charcoal on paper.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Concentration*
Bring your visions to life by developing a dynamic, contemporary drawing practice.
| Type | Credits | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts – Studio Art | 120 | 4 years, Full-time | In-person, studio | School of Visual Art (SVA) |
| Secondary Concentration, BFA or BDes | 15 | 2 years (completed alongside primary degree |
Drawing at AUArts is about more than mark-making—it’s the foundation of artistic practice, and a tool for research, experimentation and self-expression. You’ll work in well-equipped studios alongside professional artists, learning traditional and contemporary methods while developing your own critical and creative approach.
Program Overview
At AUArts, you’ll develop advanced technical skills, a unique creative voice and the ability to communicate powerful ideas across media. Work with graphite, ink, digital and other mediums as you expand your visual vocabulary and personal expression through the discipline of drawing.
Expect a mix of hands-on studio courses, thought-provoking critiques and research-led exploration. You’ll be challenged to articulate your ideas, refine your practice and expand your understanding of what drawing can be—whether representational, abstract or something else entirely.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on Studio Practice: Daily drawing, open studios and 4-years to experiment.
- Personal Expression: Develop your own voice across styles, subjects and media.
- Faculty Mentorship: Learn from practicing artists with expertise in contemporary and traditional drawing.
- Critique Culture: Regular feedback and group critiques push your ideas further.
- Portfolio-Ready: Build a distinctive body of work for your next step—school, gallery or career
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Drawing program will:
- Confidently draw from observation, imagination and concept.
- Use advanced techniques and diverse media to express ideas visually.
- Critique, research and present creative work in a professional context.
- Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to group projects.
- Develop and articulate a personal creative philosophy.
- Exhibit work in a variety of formats and venues.
Faculty
Our drawing faculty are practicing artists and mentors who bring expertise in contemporary and traditional approaches, guiding students to refine their craft and vision. Studio technicians provide technical support, demos and safety training.
Faculty
Studio Technicians
Alumni
AUArts drawing alumni have become exhibiting artists, muralists, illustrators, educators and entrepreneurs.
Drawing Alumni
Studio Facilities
Drawing students have access to:
- Spacious, well-lit drawing studios.
- Access to shared multi-purpose art spaces.
- Still life drawing props and figure drawing models.
- Professional technician support for all studios.
Career Paths
AUArts Drawing graduates thrive in a dynamic creative world, pursuing careers, or graduate studies, across illustration, animation, design, fine art, education and beyond.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Studio Artist & Fine Artist
- Illustrator
- Muralist
- Tattoo Artist
- Curator
- Gallery Technician
- Art Teacher / Arts Administrator
- Concept Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Art Conservator or Restorer
- Creative Director / Arts Writer
- MFA/Graduate studies
Culture & Community
Drawing is a community of doodlers and dreamers who turn everyday inspiration into shared creative energy.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons
About the Drawing Concentration
The Drawing concentration at AUArts is a dynamic major style program, open in its research, critique and intensive studio and post-studio exploration tailored to each student’s unique voice. You will develop your technical skills and creative identity through hands-on studio practice, critiques and exhibitions. Explore diverse media and styles while building a portfolio that connects your ideas to audiences and future opportunities.
