Painting & Drawing, BFA

Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting & Drawing

More on the Painting and Drawing major

The Painting and Drawing program is a vibrant community of people, practice, and ideas. Faculty and students foster curiosity and a shared work ethic. Students explore individual expression, critical thinking, design principles, and an awareness of art's historical and contemporary context. Exposure to a wide range of traditional and modern creative processes prepares students for personally driven projects in advanced studies. Majors enjoy the flexibility to investigate related disciplines in the School of Art. Beyond the classroom travel opportunities, visiting artists, exhibitions, and student organizations provide a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We prepare students for professional careers and continued creative research at the graduate level.

Distinctions

Students are presented with a broad range of facilities and opportunities while pursuing their BFA in Painting and Drawing:

• 24-hour studio access
• Individual studio spaces at the advanced level
• Professional career development 
• Exhibition opportunities
• Nationally recognized visiting artist program
• Preparation for graduate study
• Student-run painting club
• Access to world-class museums in the region
• National and international travel opportunities

Purpose

The painting department supports an inspired learning environment that encourages both experimentation and problem-solving. Working in individual studios, painting majors develop analytical thinking and a supportive community through critiques and discussions. An active visiting artist program and travel opportunities give students direct access to professionals in their field and new perspectives. Faculty and students share a respect for the tradition of painting while addressing how painting engages contemporary culture, technology and ideas.

Goals

Students demonstrate strong technical, design, and conceptual thinking skills. Exposure to a wide range of creative processes and materials prepare students for personally driven projects in advanced work. Learning both traditional and modern approaches, majors enjoy the flexibility to investigate a wide range of approaches and related disciplines. Professional practices courses and visiting artists provide students with innovative learning and career development opportunities.

Distinctions

Students are presented with a broad range of facilities and opportunities while pursuing their BFA in Painting/Drawing such as:

• 24-hour studio access
• Individual studio spaces at the advanced level
• Professional career development 
• Exhibition opportunities
• Nationally recognized visiting artist program
• Preparation for graduate study
• Student-run painting club
• Access to world-class museums in the region
• National and international travel opportunities

The following information has official approval of The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art and The Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.

Students are encouraged to visit the The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art their freshman year to obtain preliminary information regarding the program requirements and to learn more about on-campus opportunities available to students.

Three year accelerated option: for first time students who have earned credits for at least the first year of courses. Credits can be earned through qualifying scores on appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) exams or through College Credit Plus Program (CCP) courses. Credits for qualifying AP scores or CCP courses are determined by the appropriate academic department. Departments may assign varied course credit, depending on the student’s score on an AP exam or grade in a CCP course. Students may also receive credit by examination or via placement tests, where appropriate.

Requirements

Summary

Note: A 2.5 cumulative GPA in all ART courses is required for graduation.

General Education Requirements

College of Arts & Sciences Requirement

Art History Requirements

Foundation Core

Art History Electives

Painting and Drawing Requirements

¹

Repeat in consecutive semesters. Development of personal concepts and imagery through investigation of historical and contemporary techniques and issues.

²

Repeat a minimum of four times.

 

 

Open Art Electives

¹

Work with your advisor to determine appropriate art electives.

Recommended Sequence