(Leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration in Painting, is designed to prepare the student to become a fine artist. The integration of studio and lecture courses in the curriculum as well as activities and enrichment opportunities encourages the skills and concepts essential to the student’s growth as an artist. The curriculum and program experiences provide the student with a broad knowledge of the visual arts, the stylistic characteristics of historical periods, and multicultural artistic traditions. Studies in both lecture and studio courses provide the student with the knowledge of the elements and principles of art and the experience to apply those elements in the processes of analysis and personal artistic expression. Coursework prepares the student to formulate evaluative judgments about existing works of art and make realistic qualitative decisions concerning personal creative expressions. Throughout the program, the development of the student as a professional will be emphasized, and this will culminate in the presentation of a Senior Thesis exhibition and portfolio. Opportunities through both formal studies and informal events (student art exhibitions, participation in juried competitions, visits to professional artists’ studios, visiting artist programs) prepare the student for a career in art.
Of primary importance in the BFA painting concentration is the development of skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional artist or designer. In pursuing this program, the student becomes familiar with the roles of creator, scholar, and teacher and attains the necessary technical competence, knowledge of art and art history, understanding of style and its implications, ability in critical thinking, insight into the role of art and design in the life of humankind, and the ability to identify and solve problems.
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