A new-age application to a classical practice.
While one of the most traditional of the fine arts, contemporary approaches to painting now encompass a wide variety of media. Professional painters may work as independent studio artists or in a wide range of professional fields. Students in the painting concentration learn the practical skills to succeed: editing a portfolio, approaching a gallery, writing a resume, and more.
The painting program offers a series of six distinct studio classes. Introduction to Painting is required for all BFA students and is an option for BA or BS degree students. Introduction to Painting focuses on descriptive oil painting from observation, and offers a classical approach to painting. Students may take any of the five advanced painting courses after successfully completing the introductory course.
Advanced Courses
Advanced painting courses concentrate on specific media or conceptual problems, and include the following courses taught on a rotating basis: Figure Painting, Water-based Media, Narrative Painting, and Painting Materials and Techniques. Emphasis is placed on technical skill, understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to painting, and the concept of personal vision. Students wishing to complete a concentration in painting for the BFA degree also take a Portfolio class in painting in which they work one-on-one with their concentration adviser to develop a related body of work for their senior show.
Painting Facilities
Painting classes are taught in Peterson Hall, a historic building that was built as the Infirmary on campus in 1914 that has recently undergone an award-winning renovation. Peterson Hall includes two painting classrooms as well as individual studio spaces for graduating seniors in the painting concentration.