Painting

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.