The philosophy of the painting program centers on the understanding that painting is a complex and vital art form that exists in a state of constant flux. It is a tradition that is both mired in its own history and capable of regularly evolving and redefining its purpose and place. Painting, as a discipline, often employs methods of production that go far beyond the brush. Painting today may incorporate a multitude of working methodologies that borrow from sculpture, photography, printmaking and digital media. While expanded definitions of painting are embraced, the program recognizes that some of the most cutting edge and provocative work produced today may employ traditional studio practices.

Students wishing to major in Studio Art and concentrate in Painting will take five to six core painting courses in addition to the studio core, and the liberal arts core cuuriculum. BFA students are required to have a secondary concentration in one of the following areas: Digital Media, Printmaking, Photography or Sculpture. BA students must choose another major/minor in another department outside the Department of Art.

The core painting courses can be enriched by periodic special topics courses that explore specific mediums or themes.

Curriculum (click on course title for description):

ART 216: Painting Methods
ART 305: Aqueous Media
ART 316: Painting Composition
ART 317: Painting Concepts
ART 416: Advanced Painting Seminar

Portfolio of Undergraduate Student Work