Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art - Painting

Most of our students are B.F.A. majors, giving them the greatest opportunity to develop strong portfolios before heading off to their next challenge after graduation. The B.F.A. program is specifically designed to ensure a balance of studio experiences across a range of areas, even in the junior and senior years. Unlike some programs where students can become isolated in their area of emphasis, our curriculum requires continued exploration of alternative approaches throughout all four years. In order to enter the B.F.A. program the student must submit a portfolio of 10 examples of their artwork. Currently, we use the portfolio review as a way of assessing student capabilities as they enter the program. This helps faculty identify strengths and weaknesses of incoming students. While it is necessary to submit a portfolio to declare or switch to the B.F.A. major, portfolio submission status will not keep students from enrolling in individual courses. However, submitting the portfolio as early as possible is the best way to ensure good, accurate academic advising. Students must complete 78 hours in art, at least 16 of which must be at the 300/400 level, with minimum grades of C. Painting Our painting program starts by solidifying a strong foundation through conventional learning techniques consisting of various visual data and vocabulary. After students finish Art 246 Painting I (the Art Core), students are gradually moving into a deeper survey with a specific emphasis on the uniqueness of each individual. By then, the goal is aimed towards having students be involved in discovering themselves through developing their own vision and identity. Thus, the sequential advanced painting classes are focused on individual style, with a majority of the content based on personal needs. This concentration on individuality along with the completion of a professional portfolio and gallery research become of the utmost importance in the upper level. Students are encouraged to take some practical actions such as participating in juried shows, group shows, and curated exhibitions during their junior and senior years in order to prepare them for gallery representation and MFA applications. Advanced classes are extremely intensive in terms of producing a body of work with an articulated thematic issue. Examining contemporary artist’s video, group discussions, informal writings and weekly group and individual critiques will be required in this high level.