The Center for Visual Arts offers Painting and Drawing courses that provide a deep understanding of these foundational studio art practices. Through a historical, cultural, and contemporary lens, students will explore traditional and non-traditional approaches, developing their skills, techniques, and tool mastery.
The curriculum is designed to guide students from foundational skills, grounded in direct observation, to the creation of concept-driven artworks that reflect their individual perspectives. By fostering a blend of technical proficiency and critical thinking, students will develop their mastery of the medium and produce meaningful, impactful work.
Please choose the relevant course title to see recent student work from any course.
Oil Painting I
Oil Painting 1 is an introductory course exploring basic traditional and contemporary painting practices’ tools, techniques, and concepts.
Oil Painting II
Oil Painting 2 is an intermediate course where students build on the concepts and skills developed in Oil Painting 1 while furthering their understanding of painting tools, techniques, and image-making.
Oil Painting III
Oil Painting 3 is an advanced course that enhances students’ understanding of contemporary painting practices while allowing them to experiment with materials and ideas to develop their painting skills.
Portrait & Figure Painting
Portrait & Figure Painting is an intermediate course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the art and techniques of figurative and portrait painting from a live model.
Foundation Drawing
Foundation Drawing is an introductory course where students build strong observation and rendering skills while experimenting with traditional and contemporary practices in drawing.
Intermediate Drawing, A Contemporary Approach.
Intermediate Drawing, A Contemporary Approach is an intermediate course where students build on the contemporary concepts and skills developed in Foundation Drawing through risk-taking and experimentation.
Drawing: The Portrait
Drawing: The Portrait is an intermediate course where students closely examine the traditions and techniques of portrait drawing. Students will work with live models and study master portraits to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the medium.
Life Drawing
Life Drawing is an intermediate course that focuses on drawing the human form and studying anatomy for artists. The course involves working with live models using wet and dry materials, collage, and color.
