Fine Arts 2D

The Fine Arts 2D Department comprises programs in painting and printmaking. After exposure to a broad range of ideas and techniques, students in both programs work individually with faculty mentors to develop their own direction and aesthetic values. As proof of its commitment to fostering creative independence, MassArt offers undergraduate and graduate students their own workstations.

Because discipline is key to the pursuit of both painting and printmaking, students devote ten hours per week to class time and an additional six to twelve hours per week in their studios.

The painting program instills in students the knowledge and critical faculties necessary to develop a personal, expressive direction. Students in the painting program begin by learning the most essential techniques of painting, from stretching canvas to representing pictorial space on a flat ground. Because drawing is essential to the development of student work, two semesters of drawing are required in addition to the major studios. A student must take either two semesters of Drawing for Painting Majors, two semesters of Drawing into Print, or one of each. These courses are used to establish links between the instinct to draw, and the conceptual and physical processes that form the basis of painting. As students progress through the program, they are introduced to advanced painting techniques and processes, with an emphasis on theme development and experimentation with the form and content of painting. The central structure of the program is built on individual and group critiques. Painting majors are given their own individual space in a communal studio space. The FA2D department provides Painting students with the benefits of a solid foundation within traditional and contemporary discourse, and the opportunity to evolve as part of a collaborative community. It is invested in fostering a wide range of sensibilities, and promotes each student’s critical responsiveness and independence. Students meet for ten hours of class time each week, and are expected to work in their studios for an additional six to twelve hours per week. They work in groups of sixteen or less in the same studio area, sharing ideas and resources. Critiques, slide lectures, and visiting artist presentations also are important components of the program.

Painting Courses teach basic painting techniques, from stretching canvas to representing pictorial space on a flat ground, as well as advanced processes for developing themes and experimenting with the form and content of painting. Critiques, slide lectures, and visiting artist presentations complement studio time.

The printmaking program introduces students to a range of traditional techniques, while encouraging experimentation with a combination of processes and formats. Students in the printmaking program take one course in painting, and courses in etching, lithography, silkscreen, photographic print processes, and drawing. They also learn monotype and woodcut, as well as color separation for digital techniques. In a 9,000-square-foot common studio, students benefit from individualized attention from faculty and exposure to ideas generated by their classmates. Printmakers are required to take one semester of drawing in addition to the major studios and electives; a student must take either Drawing into Print or Drawing for Painting Majors. Junior and senior printmaking majors meet together with their instructors for ten hours per week. In the fall and spring semesters, sophomore majors participate in a 3-credit studio seminar. An active visiting artist program provides supplemental workshops and technical demonstrations, as well as individual critiques. In addition, the annual Master Print Series affords an opportunity for students to collaborate with classmates, faculty, and a visiting artist to produce professional-level editions for the artist. The series usually occurs over an intense four-day period and involves complex problem-solving, including the layering of multiple techniques.

Printmaking Courses instruct students in etching, lithography, silkscreen, and photographic print processes as well as drawing. Students also learn to apply the latest computer technology and materials, including digital imaging and color separation, to augment traditional printmaking approaches.

Fine Arts 2D Faculty

Christopher Chippendale
BFA, Massachusetts College of Art & Design
MFA, Boston University

Fred Liang, Professor
BFA, University of Manitoba
MFA, Yale University

Kayla Mohammadi
BFA, University of Washington
MFA, Boston University

Simonette Quamina
BFA, City College of New York
Post-Baccalaureate, Pont-Aven School of Contemporary Art
Harriet W. Sheridan Collegiate Teaching Certificate, Brown University
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design

Sally Scopa
BA, Harvard University
MFA, Stanford University

James Everett Stanley
BFA, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
MFA, Columbia University

Cecilia Vázquez
BFA, National Autonomous University of Mexico
MFA, Massachusetts College of Art & Design

Fine Arts 2D

Fine Arts 2D Faculty

Programs