Art – Painting, M.F.A.

Painting at the U of M is taught within the broader cultural, historical, and contemporary context in which art is made and experienced. Within this context, our undergraduate and graduate students have a rigorous experience in the discipline of painting. Instruction in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other media, as well as opportunities for mixed media exploration with other areas, is combined with an investigation and discussion of art theory and contemporary issues. Small classes allow the attention students need to develop personal interests, aesthetics, and thinking skills. Our faculty and visiting artists provide both group and individual attention through lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and critiques.

Students are introduced to a variety of techniques and principles about the nature of painting with the intention of encouraging individual exploration. Undergraduate painting students are required to take courses in the other fine art concentrations. Because contemporary art frequently takes the form of multimedia works, painting students often create works that incorporate other art media such as collage, photography, drawing, sculpture, digital imagery, and installation.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

• baccalaureate degree in chosen concentration or related discipline
• official undergraduate transcripts
• portfolio of 20 - 30 slides
• 2 letters of reference
• statement of intent

ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Teaching and service assistantships are available to students enrolled in 12 credit hours of coursework.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• 36 hours of 7000 level studio courses
• 9 hours of graduate level art history
• 9 hours of 6000 or 7000 level electives
• 6 hours of ART 7996, Thesis