Bachelor in Fine Arts - Painting
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Liberal Arts program at the institute has a threefold mission. It provides you with a strong general education, offers possibilities for focused study, and deepens and enriches your art and design practice. In Liberal Arts classes, you will articulate your ideas with independence and confidence. You will learn to think creatively, critically, and analytically, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world, inspiring you to create meaningful and thought-provoking works of art.
In the first year, you will take the Foundation program's core curriculum, along with required courses in art history and liberal arts, setting the foundation for your artistic journey. In the second year, you will continue with your required art history and general education coursework while taking more focused courses in your chosen area of emphasis, such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, or integrated practices, allowing you to specialize and hone your skills. Additionally, you will attend departmental sessions that explore social, historical, and critical issues in contemporary art, providing a well-rounded artistic education.
You may also pursue elective credits to take courses of your choice, pursue a minor in a second field or discipline, or gain internship experience, allowing you to further explore your artistic interests. In the third year, you will focus on developing a self-directed body of work for your thesis exhibition in the sixth semester. Departmental courses in professional practice will guide you in preparing your portfolio and making a realistic plan for sustaining your career after graduation by approaching funders, galleries, residency opportunities, and employers, empowering you to achieve your artistic goals.
COURSE OUTCOMES
The painting program aims to help students understand the basic principles of design, concepts, media, and formats that can be used to create a specific aesthetic intent. Students will acquire functional knowledge of the traditions, conventions, and evolution of painting, particularly in relation to issues of representation, illusion, and meaning. The program will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to use basic tools, methods, and materials to produce finished artwork from initial concepts. Students will become familiar with the historical and contemporary movements and issues in the field of painting
The program will teach students about the expressive possibilities of various media and the diverse conceptual modes that painters may use to create original artwork. Students will be able to work independently and develop a final project related to the exhibition of original work, which will be showcased in the program's culminating exhibition.
The Curriculum
Semester 1
- Fundamentals of Visual Arts: Introduction to the basic principles of design, color theory, and composition. Students engage in hands-on projects to understand visualbalance, harmony, and the effective use of color in art.
- Drawing I: Focus on observational drawing techniques, understanding form, perspective, and proportion. Exercises includ
- Art History I: Survey of art from ancient to medieval periods, emphasizing cultural contexts and the evolution of artistic styles. Discussions cover significant artworks and their impact on society.
- Introduction to Digital Media: Basics of digital tools and software relevant to visual arts. Students learn to navigate digital interfaces, utilize graphic tablets, and explore basic digital illustration techniques.
- Liberal Arts Elective: Courses designed to enhance critical thinking and communication skills, such as literature, philosophy, or psychology.
Semester 2
- Drawing II: Advanced techniques, including figure drawing and anatomy studies.Students work with live models to capture human anatomy accurately, exploring gesturedrawing and dynamic poses.
- Painting I: Introduction to painting mediums, materials, and techniques. Emphasis on watercolor and acrylics, with projects focusing on still life and landscape compositions
- Art History II: Exploration of art from the Renaissance to the modern era. Analysis of artistic movements, their pioneers, and their influence on contemporary art.
- Digital Imaging: Fundamentals of digital photography and image editing. Students learn to operate digital cameras, understand lighting, and utilize software for image enhancement and manipulation.
- Liberal Arts Elective: Continuation of courses to broaden intellectual perspectives, such as sociology, anthropology, or creative writing.
Semester 3
- Painting II: Development of personal style and thematic exploration in painting. Students experiment with various mediums and techniques to express individual artistic visions.
- Digital Painting I: Techniques and tools for creating artwork digitally. Coursework includes mastering software like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter, focusing on digital brushwork and layering.
- Printmaking: Introduction to various printmaking processes and their artistic applications. Techniques such as etching, lithography, and screen printing are explored, allowing students to produce original prints.
- Art History III: Study of contemporary art movements and their influences. Discussions on postmodernism, abstract expressionism, and the role of technology in art.
- Elective: Choice of course to complement artistic development, such as sculpture, photography, or graphic design.
Semester 4
- Advanced Painting: Experimentation with mixed media and large-scale works. Projects encourage combining traditional painting with unconventional materials to create multidimensional art pieces.
- Digital Painting II: Advanced digital techniques, including 3D modeling and animation basics. Students explore software like Blender or Maya, integrating 3D elements into their digital artworks.
- Sculpture: Understanding three-dimensional forms and materials. Hands-on projects with clay, wood, and metal to create sculptures that complement painting practices.
- Art Criticism and Theory: Developing skills to analyze and critique artworks. Students engage in discussions and write critiques, learning to articulate their interpretations and judgments effectively.
- Elective: Further exploration in a chosen area to enhance skill set, such as interactive media, textile arts, or advanced photography.
Semester 5
- Professional Practices in Art: Preparing for a career in the arts, including portfolio development and exhibition planning. Topics cover art marketing, networking, and understanding the business aspects of the art world.
- Interdisciplinary Studio: Collaborative projects that integrate multiple art forms and media. Students work in teams to create cohesive projects, blending painting with other disciplines like music, dance, or digital arts.
- Art and Technology: Exploration of emerging technologies in art, such as virtual reality and interactive media. Students experiment with VR painting tools and create interactive installations.
- Elective: Course to deepen knowledge in a specific area of interest, such as art therapy, curatorial studies, or advanced digital media.
- Thesis Proposal Development: Guided preparation for the final thesis project. Students research, plan, and present their proposed projects, receiving feedback to refine their concepts.
Semester 6
- Thesis Project: Creation and presentation of a cohesive body of work for public exhibition. This capstone project showcases the student's artistic growth, technical skills, and conceptual depth.
- Art Business and Entrepreneurship: Understanding the art market, gallery relations, and self-promotion strategies. Coursework includes developing business plans, learning about art law, and exploring funding opportunities for artists.
- Elective: Final course to complete the academic and artistic training, potentially focusing on areas like art education, advanced sculpture, or multimedia installations.
- Portfolio Refinement: Finalization of a professional portfolio showcasing a range of skills and works. Students receive guidance on documenting their art, creating an online presence, and preparing for job applications or gallery submissions.
Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Exhibit mastery in various painting mediums and techniques, both traditional and digital, enabling the creation of artworks from concept to completion.
- Develop a Personal Artistic Voice: Cultivate a unique style and thematic focus, reflecting individual creativity and conceptual depth in their body of work.
- Apply Critical Thinking and Art Historical Knowledge: Analyze and interpret artworks within historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts, utilizing this understanding to inform and enhance their own practice.
- Engage in Professional Art Practices: Prepare a professional portfolio, curate exhibitions, and navigate the art market effectively, demonstrating readiness for a career in the arts.
- Integrate Interdisciplinary Approaches: Incorporate insights from various art forms and technologies, fostering innovative and cross-disciplinary artistic expressions.
- Communicate Effectively: Articulate artistic concepts and processes clearly through verbal presentations, written statements, and visual documentation.
- Exhibit Ethical and Social Awareness: Recognize the social and environmental impacts of art, producing work that reflects ethical considerations and contributes positively to the community.
