Overview:

The Painting Department is dedicated to the exploration, development, and mastery of painting as a form of visual expression. It provides students with a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary painting techniques while encouraging individual creativity, conceptual thinking, and critical analysis.

 

Core Objectives:

• Develop strong foundational skills in drawing, color theory, and composition.

• Experiment with a wide range of materials and surfaces.

• Cultivate a personal visual language and thematic depth.

• Understand historical and contemporary painting practices.

• Foster professional studio habits and exhibition readiness.

 

Mediums and Techniques Taught:

• Oil Painting – Focus on layering, glazing, impasto, and classical techniques.

• Acrylic Painting – Versatile, fast-drying medium for modern and experimental work.

• Watercolor and Gouache – Emphasis on transparency, fluidity, and control.

• Mixed Media – Combining paint with collage, found objects, or digital elements.

• Encaustic and Tempera – Traditional methods using wax or egg-based mediums.

• Experimental Techniques – Use of unconventional tools, digital-analog hybrids, and installation-based painting.

 

Facilities and Equipment:

• Well-lit studios with individual workspaces

• Easels, palettes, and canvas stretchers

• Ventilated areas for working with solvents and varnishes

• Storage for wet paintings and personal materials

• Access to digital labs for integrating painting with new media

 

Curriculum and Activities:

• Foundational Courses in drawing, color theory, and composition

• Advanced Studios focusing on abstraction, figuration, landscape, and conceptual painting

• Critiques and Artist Talks to foster discussion and feedback

• Art History and Theory relevant to painting

• Exhibitions and end-of-term showcases

• Residency or Thesis Projects for final-year students

 

Career Opportunities:

Graduates may pursue careers as:

• Professional fine artists

• Muralists or installation artists

• Art educators or professors

• Gallery assistants or curators

• Art directors or illustrators