Mission | Undergraduate Major | Graduate Studies | Facilities
Mission
The Painting and Drawing area at Washington State University embraces an interdisciplinary approach to artistic creation. Students are asked to examine the importance of their practice within the greater context of the fine arts. The beginning courses in painting and drawing cover issues such as composition, color theory, observational studies, and the development of ideas. As the student moves through the program, each person is encouraged to find his/her own voice and to develop an individual approach to art making. Advanced painting courses are designed to help students build a cohesive body of work that is structured on the foundations learned in the beginning classes. Frequent individual and group critiques enable students to work closely with the faculty. Peer-based interaction and collaboration provide our art majors with the skills needed to communicate and strengthen their ideas. In addition, our Endowed Forst Visiting Artist series provides our students with access to a number of important contemporary artists working in the United States and abroad.
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Undergraduate Major
The following courses are recommended for students interested in a Drawing or Painting emphasis:
FA 102 Art 1
FA 110 Beginning Drawing
FA 111 Figure Drawing
FA 312 Advanced Drawing
FA 313 Drawing from the Body
FA 320 Beginning Painting
FA 321 Intermediate Painting
FA 423 Advanced Painting
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Graduate Studies
The Painting Area is currently seeking applicants to the graduate program. Emphasis is placed on expressive and conceptual development within a multi-disciplinary program. MFA students are asked to consider the role of painting within the fine arts, the culture at large, and the significance painting holds within their artistic development. Based upon portfolio quality, applicants will be considered for scholarships and teaching assistant positions to assist the painting and drawing area and teach in the Fine Arts Department.
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Facilities
The painting and drawing studios are large, have high ceilings and plenty of natural light. All studios are equipped with spray booths for the safe application of fixatives and spray-based paints. A movable wall transforms the main painting studio into a critique room. Studios are accessible seven days a week from 6am to 10pm. The painting students have access to the woodshop where they can build canvasses, wood panels and other supports. A skilled technician is available to give workshops on stretcher construction and how to operate machinery safely.
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