Can you picture yourself with no limits?
From the days of the caveman, humans have been drawn to create artistic images of the world around them. Today, still, works of art give us a way to puzzle out thoughts and emotions, explore and express viewpoints, and fathom our enduring place in the universe.
Painting and drawing are not just techniques to dabble in; when you choose this academic concentration, you’ll dive right in.
You’ll study and practice composition, form and color. You’ll sketch and model ideas and images, developing them into working concepts. You’ll wrestle with design and harmony, contour and shape, light and shadow. You’ll explore the full spectrum of styles, and work in virtually every size, scale and medium.
Will you have a brush with greatness? Only time will tell. But as you work your way through the painting and drawing program, stretching your canvas and your imagination, training your eye, and perfecting your technique, you’ll discover your own personal voice and artistic vision.
Whether you choose to be a professional artist, curator, collector or educator, you’ll be well prepared to make your mark.
Alumni
Our alumni work all over the world and in many different industries. They're super great.
More alumni
AU’s approachability and promise of an education that could rival any other is what ultimately lead me to pursue the Art and Design program.
Jivan Davé, Senior Art Director
My art professors offered a wealth of individualized attention, which gave me the support to explore and find my creative voice. They instilled in me the importance of paying attention to every detail, from the initial framework of a piece to the finishing touches that really stand out.
Andrew Massey, Ceramic Artist
The most valuable take away from my education is the remarkable, luminary professors that guided me through my college experience and into my professional career. They created a home that challenged my thinking, developed my skills and nurtured my dreams. I am forever indebted to the time, effort and love they gave and continue to give to me today.
Emily Weiland, Director of Operations
Thanks to the rigor of the AU art program, I’m comfortable working in a studio, balancing priorities and meeting deadlines. AU professors taught me how to translate big ideas and concepts into physical work.
Lydia Turbeville, Display Experience Lead
Course and program highlights
This is an overview of the major courses you will take in the Painting & Drawing concentration. See the complete requirements listing by clicking the link below.
All Course Requirements
Freshman year
ART 105: Foundations I
Initial offering of two-semester integrated studies sequence for freshman art and interior design majors; prepares students for work at the upper levels in art and design; provides experiences addressing the five major program goals (communication; formal exploration; creative visual problem solving; exploration of tools, materials, and techniques; and investigation of history, theory, and methodologies. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
3 Credit Hours
ART 106: Foundations II
Continuation of topics/experiences in 105. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 105 or permission of instructor
3 Credit Hours
Sophomore year
ART 241: Painting I
Introduction to traditional fundamental methods of oil painting, including the historic methods of recording ideas as they relate to technique, vocabulary, and expression. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisites: ART 105 and ART 106
3 Credit Hours
ART 242: Drawing I
Emphasis placed on the study of the human figure – scientifically, in terms of its structure and anatomy; artistically in terms of its potential expressively, conceptually, and compositionally; employs a variety of media and techniques. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisites: ART 105 and ART 106
3 Credit Hours
Junior year
ART 341: Painting II
Continuation of Painting 1 with oil and synthetic media; experiences increase knowledge of technical procedures with assignments encouraging personal exploration. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 241
3 Credit Hours
ART 342: Drawing II
A problem solving course, designed to expand experience with the medium of drawing, to promote experimentation with materials and techniques, and to encourage the development of personal solutions and imagery. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 242
3 Credit Hours
Senior year
ART 441: Painting III
Advanced study of traditional and non-traditional approaches in current theory and practice. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 341
3 Credit Hours
ART 449: Advanced Painting Studio
Focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Painting. Focus on progress towards the senior exhibition and ability to sustain ongoing professional growth and self-evaluation within the discipline. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 441
3 Credit Hours
Course may be repeated for up to 9 total credits.
ART 439: Advanced Drawing Studio
Focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Drawing. Focus on progress towards the senior exhibition and ability to sustain ongoing professional growth and self-evaluation within the discipline. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 342.
3 Credit Hours
Course may be repeated for up to 9 total credits.
ART 491: Senior Seminar in Studio Art
Examination of topics related to working as a professional studio artist, including exhibiting and the development of cover letters, curriculum vitae, artist resumes, artist statements and slide portfolios, possible preparation for graduate studies.
Prerequisite: ART 271 and Senior standing
2 Credit Hours
Faculty
Faculty who share a commitment to teaching and are dedicated to student success.
All faculty
