Major: Painting
What would happen if you mixed sand or eggshells into your paint? Would the new texture lead to a breakthrough in your work? What if you didn't stretch your canvas before you start a new painting? How does the result differ when, instead of painting a subject while you look at her, you paint her from memory?
As a painting major, you'll have a chance to explore the process of painting from every angle. Of course you'll also get a solid grounding in the basics, mastering such skills as color mixing and composition.
Painting majors learn the technical skills they need to create art using paint and related materials. Students work in oils, acrylics, and watercolors as they develop their own personal style.
“You're going to meet with criticism no matter where you go. The question is whether you can maintain your own sense of direction while still listening to what people have to say. ”
Jeremy, senior, painting, San Francisco Art Institute
Are You Ready To...?
- Take studio classes lasting hours
- Spend money on materials and equipment
- Work on your own
- Learn standard techniques before developing your own style
- Experiment with abstract art, representational art, and everything in between
- Listen to criticism from others and use it to improve your art
- Visit museums and galleries to study master artists
- Complete an independent senior project
- Hang your work in student shows
- Take academic as well as studio art classes
It Helps to Be...
Creative, observant, and open-minded.
College Checklist
- Do you need to prepare a portfolio to be accepted into the school or the major?
- Will you earn a BA or BFA (bachelor of fine arts)?
- Is painting a stand-alone major or is it a concentration within the art major?
- Does the program have a particular emphasis, such as experimental or conceptual art?
- Is there enough studio space for students to get work done?
- What non-painting courses will you have the chance to take? Can you combine your degree with course work in business, teaching, or another related area?
- Are there any art museums or galleries on or near campus?
- Does the school have strong internship and study abroad programs?
“Painting … allows me to express experiences that lie beyond the realm of language. ”
Bevin Engman, Associate Professor of Art, Colby College
Course Spotlight
You will probably begin your studies with a basic painting or design course in which you’ll learn about techniques and materials. Working with both acrylic and oil paints, you’ll learn how to mix and use colors. And you’ll experiment with a variety of painting surfaces.
You’ll also visit galleries and museums to see the work of master painters. By the semester’s end, you’ll have a whole new set of skills with which to express yourself.
