Bachelor of Fine Arts - Studio Art - Painting

From oils and acrylics to mixed media and experimental techniques, students discover the boundless possibilities of painting as both a craft and a concept. Students refine technical skills while challenging the very definition of what a painting can be—through scale, material, and idea.

Program Overview

Painting at AUArts immerses students in a supportive, collaborative studio environment led by practicing artists. Students explore a variety of materials alongside new media, interdisciplinary techniques, and critical theory.

Experimentation is encouraged, with the development of a personal creative philosophy and contextualization of work within the global art scene. Group critiques, research projects, and campus exhibitions help refine technical skills and articulate visions of contemporary painters.

Program Highlights

• All Media, All Methods: Students dive into oil, acrylic, collage, mixed media—and discover the edge between tradition and experimentation from the first term.
• Critical Conversations: Students explore contemporary art, philosophy, and culture through in-depth study and group critiques.
• Global Perspectives: Students analyze international painting trends and develop work with a global, cross-cultural outlook.
• Personal Direction: Students build their own projects and body of work through self-directed studios and advanced research.
• Mentored Independence: Students access one-on-one directed studio projects tailored to interests and goals.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Painting program will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of historical and contemporary painting practices.
• Employ a range of techniques, skills, and processes in personal studio practice.
• Critically reflect on and discuss personal work and the work of others.
• Understand and apply critical language and research relevant to painting.
• Navigate and experiment with various media, materials, and interdisciplinary methods.
• Develop and communicate a personal creative identity.

New! The Bachelor of Fine Arts program now offers emerging secondary concentrations in Comic Studies and Game Design, available as additional areas of focus alongside the primary concentration.