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Studio Art - Painting

Painting holds a prominent place throughout civilization, from pre-historic art in France to European cathedrals. It’s documented values and aspirations of Western civilization and became the most important visual expression of cultural change, critique and creative exploration. As a painting major, you’re encouraged to add your voice to the tradition as you express yourself visually.

Preparing You For Success

As a studio art major, you dive into the creative process through classes in art history, drawing and interactive media. While building this foundation, you also take painting courses that develop your skill and individual expression.

Each painting degree is available in three paths — a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. The B.S. and B.A. emphasize a liberal arts background, while the B.F.A. is considered the professional degree. As a result, the B.F.A. provides a studio-intensive experience encouraging focused work on the medium of your choice. Painting courses help you master the medium and develop your creativity. If you’re interested in broadening your career options, you can pair painting with another major or minor, such as, Interactive Media, Music, Theater or women’s and gender studies.

By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:

  • Workshops and individual critique sessions with internationally-acclaimed Painters and Illustrators
  • Study abroad in Italy, England, France and other significant cultural sites
  • Exhibitions with local and regional galleries
  • Collaborative projects with faculty, visiting artists and classmates

Making Your Mark

A painting degree is good preparation for a career as a studio artist, illustrator, animator, architect, designer, art restorer, museum curator or gallery preparator. Recent Bradley Graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in painting, drawing and printmaking, while others are teaching at universities and maintaining professional studios.

Sample Course Sequence
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Major Requirements

Art History Core - 6 hrs.

  • ART 140: Survey of Art History I - 3 hrs.
  • ART 142: Survey of Art History II - 3 hrs.

Art History Elective Courses (choose three) - 9 hrs.

  • ART 243: Non-Western Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 245: American Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 332: History of Graphic Design - 3 hrs.
  • ART 335: Medieval Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 340: Renaissance Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 350: 17th and 18th Century Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 360: 19th Century Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 375: 20th Century Art - 3 hrs.
  • ART 390: History of Photography - 3 hrs.
  • ART 480: Seminar in Art History - 3 hrs.

Studio Core - 19 hrs.

  • ART 101: Drawing I - 3 hrs.
  • ART 102: Drawing II - 3 hrs.
  • ART 105: Two-Dimensional Design - 3 hrs.
  • ART 106: Three-Dimensional Design - 3 hrs.
  • ART 220: Professional Lecture Series- .5 hr.
  • ART 221: Professional Lecture Series- .5 hr.
  • ART 230: Life Drawing - 3 hrs.
  • IM 113: Introduction to Multimedia - 3 hrs.

Studio Courses - 12 hrs.

  • Four studio courses from areas other than the student’s concentration, including at least one from the 2-D areas and at least one from the 3-D areas.

Studio Electives – 12 hrs.

  • Students are required to take an additional 12 hours of elective art credits from any field of study (including their own).

Concentration Courses - 18 hrs.

  • ART 209: Beginning Painting I - 3 hrs.
  • ART 210: Beginning Painting II - 3 hrs.
  • ART 309: Intermediate Painting I - 3-6 hrs.
  • ART 310: Intermediate Painting II - 3-6 hrs.
  • ART 409: Advanced Painting I - 3-6 hrs.
  • ART 410: Advanced Painting II - 3-6 hrs. 

Professional Orientation/Seminar Courses - 3 hrs.

  • ART 421 - BFA Seminar II - 3 hrs. (Spring semester only)

Total Hours: 79