SUNY New Paltz > Painting/Drawing: Overview

The dynamic relationship between painting and drawing forms the core of the BFA program. The curriculum encourages a balance of technical proficiency and creative exploration with a wide range of subject matter, materials, and formats. Emphasis is placed on conceptualization and process, as well as product. Courses evolve from greater emphasis on technique and tradition at the basic level, to an increasing focus on content, experimental approaches, and contemporary issues at intermediate and advanced levels. Students progress from a structure of assignments to independent projects. Critiques and seminars develop students' critical and verbal skills, and explore the relationship between art and culture.

New lines of investigation in the field are strongly encouraged in advanced classes, as students pursue individual directions and assess their work in a contemporary context. Senior Studio projects may emphasize painting, drawing, or mixed-media formats. These works, completed during the student's final two semesters of the BFA program, are exhibited in the campus' Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

Painting and Drawing classes are also available to students enrolled in the BA or BS in Visual Arts program.

Graduate Programs

The Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing provides a balance of intensive studio experience with critical and theoretical dialogue. Student work spans a broad range of subjects and formats, from works on paper and canvas to innovative multi-media combinations. Drawing is considered as a significant medium on its own, as well as a supportive element to other studio work. Students are encouraged to explore new lines of investigation in the field, and to assess their work in a contemporary context. Critiques and seminars foster the development of critical and verbal skills, and examine the relationship between art and culture. Thesis projects, completed during the second year of the MFA, may emphasize painting, drawing, or multi-media formats. These works are exhibited in the MFA Thesis Exhibition in the college's Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at the conclusion of the student's final semester.

A Master of Arts in Art Studio is also available with a concentration in Painting and Drawing. This 30-credit program serves the student who wishes to pursue graduate work without the additional time and level of commitment required for the 60-credit MFA.