The painting program offers instruction at all levels. Based upon the premise that excellent painting may occur within a tradition, or outside of it, our program adheres to no single school of thought, but is structured to allow students to begin to develop their own vision through disciplined training. While beginning painting students are given a solid foundation in the discipline, advanced students, depending upon their respective stages of development, are encouraged to explore avenues of expression pertinent to their own interests. A primary objective of the program is to encourage awareness among students that learning about oneself and the world in which one lives is as important as developing visual skills. Large studios, with north light, afford painting students on all levels ample working space.
Studios remain open for students' use at times other than class hours.
An unencumbered area in advanced painting is reserved for viewing paintings in progress and for critiques. Models are available for those students involved in figurative work. The department's Visiting Artists Program continues to bring notable painters to campus to speak about their own work and to critique students' efforts.