If you live in Canada and have been thinking about learning to draw or paint, studying online with a UK art college can be a wonderfully flexible and encouraging way to begin. Many of our Canadian students join us because they want clear guidance, a structured route into art, and the reassurance of having a supportive tutor to help them develop their skills.
Distance learning also fits beautifully into Canadian life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing creative outlet during the winter months, an indoor hobby that fits around work or family commitments, or a way to revisit art after a long break, online study lets you learn at a pace that feels comfortable. If you’re looking for a clear step-by-step route designed for beginners, our Beginners’ Drawing Course is a very popular starting point for Canadian students.
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Why Canadian students choose a UK art college
We hear from Canadian students all the time that the UK’s approach to art training feels refreshingly clear and confidence-building. British art education has a long tradition of observational drawing, step-by-step learning and gentle technical development — all of which help complete beginners feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Students also tell us they appreciate:
- A calm, steady learning pace
- No deadlines or pressure
- Personal, thoughtful feedback from a real tutor
- Structured projects that build skills gradually
- The ability to study indoors during cold weather or outdoors when the weather is mild
It’s a lovely blend of guidance and freedom, and it works especially well for those studying from home.
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How distance learning works for Canadian students
Everything is designed to be straightforward, even if you’ve never taken an online course before.
No time zones to worry about
There are no live classes or scheduled sessions. You can work through your written course in the mornings, evenings or weekends — whatever fits your day.
Accessing your course
After you enrol, you’ll receive access to our online student area, where you can read your course notes, explore your assignments and begin whenever you’re ready.
Submitting your artwork
When you complete a piece, you simply photograph or scan it and upload it through the platform. Your tutor will then look through your work and send back personalised, encouraging feedback.
A tutor who supports your progress
Your tutor is there to help you improve gradually and confidently. Their comments are tailored to your artwork, your level and your goals — and you can contact them if you have questions as you go.
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Payments from Canada: simple and straightforward
Many new students wonder about payments from Canada, but it’s actually very easy.
- All course fees are listed in British pounds (GBP)
- Your bank or card provider converts the fee into Canadian dollars automatically
- Almost all Canadian cards work without issue
- You don’t need to calculate anything or use a currency tool
If you’ve ever bought something online from a UK shop, the process is identical.
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What you need to begin: easy-to-find materials
Getting started with art doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Most beginners start with:
- a sketchbook
- a couple of graphite pencils
- a sharpener
- an eraser
Many Canadian students buy their first supplies from common stores such as Michaels, DeSerres, Curry’s or Amazon.ca. As you progress, you can add coloured pencils, pens or paints if you choose, but you certainly don’t need to buy everything at once.
If you’d like a simple place to begin, the Coloured Pencil Course is an excellent choice and works beautifully with a minimal kit.
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Courses Canadian students often begin with
Canadians tend to choose courses that suit nature-loving, detail-oriented or outdoor sketching interests. Here are some of the courses our Canadian students frequently enjoy:
Drawing and Painting – a gentle introduction to the foundations of drawing and painting.
Coloured Pencil – particularly popular in Canada for wildlife, pets and botanical subjects.
Pet Portraits – Our Pet Portraits Course is especially popular in Canada, and the techniques you learn for fur and eyes translate perfectly to wildlife subjects such as foxes, owls and bears.
Botanical Coloured Pencils – ideal for those who enjoy plants, gardens and detailed nature studies.
Landscape Painting – wonderful for capturing forests, lakes, coastal scenes and mountain views.
Drawing with Pens – excellent for sketchbooks, journalling and quick outdoor studies.
You can explore the full range of distance learning options on our Art Courses pageand choose the one that suits your goals best.
Each of these courses includes personalised tutor feedback, so you’ll always know what you’re doing well and what you can improve.
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What studying from home looks like for Canadian learners
Students across Canada — from large cities to rural communities — tell us how easily distance learning fits into their routine.
You might study:
- on winter evenings when you want a cosy indoor activity
- in a small apartment or condo where space is limited
- during quiet weekends when you have time to unwind
- from a rural area where local classes aren’t easily accessible
- while balancing work, family or caring responsibilities
It’s a flexible way to enjoy art without rearranging your life around it.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attend live classes?
No, all study is self-paced and there are no live sessions to join.
How long do I have to finish my course?
Usually up to two years, with no pressure to rush.
Do I need expensive materials?
No. You can start with a very simple kit and expand gradually if you want to.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. When you complete your course, you’ll normally receive a London Art College Certificate or Diploma.
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How to enrol from Canada
It only takes a few steps to get started:
- Choose the course you’d like to study
- Enrol online
- Receive your login details
- Begin at your own pace
- Submit your first assignment whenever you’re comfortable
If you are looking for a flexible, encouraging way to learn art from home in Canada, we’d be delighted to welcome you as a student.
If you’re based in Canada, our dedicated Study Art Online from Canada page explains how enrolment and distance learning work step by step. Why not read our other blog post about how to study from Australia.
And finally we hope you have enjoyed our blog post about How to Study Art Online from Canada with a UK Distance Learning College. Why not browse our courses:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/art-courses/
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