The Painting and Drawing program supports the investigation of various methods, forms and histories of painting and drawing in addition to the spaces these modes occupy in the contemporary sphere. Students begin their studies with a thorough grounding in the skills required to successfully engage the traditions and contemporary practices of painting and drawing. Initial coursework provides students strong technical, perceptual and visualization skills through a comprehensive and rigorous Foundations and Studio Core curriculum; gaining material handling competencies of both painting and drawing media. Intermediate coursework includes a review and expansion of these competencies with exploration into the expressive potential of painting and drawing through thematically-driven projects. Advanced coursework provides students the tools to develop individual bodies of work exploring individualized preferred concepts, subject matter, techniques, and media.
Painting and Drawing students are recognized as artists and are treated as such; their individual voices are vital to the learning experience cultivated within the program. Painting and Drawing students generate artworks that position them for success in today's competitive market. At the conclusion of their studies, painting and drawing students are capable of creating works of personal pursuit that display an understanding of the historical and contemporary contexts of art making. Additionally, students will have obtained a high level of technical facility, knowledge of professional practice standards, as well as an appreciation for the limitless possibilities of their creativity and the multitude of tools at their disposal.
The painting and drawing faculty review portfolio submissions from every student wishing to enter the painting and drawing major. The portfolio consists of artwork created during each student's preliminary studio coursework. This process assures that students are on the right track to advance into upper-level painting and drawing courses where students explore and develop individualized concepts, subject matter, techniques, and media. Application reviews occur each semester with due dates on November 1 during the Fall semester and April 1 during the Spring semester.
Painting and drawing students are required to complete a course entitled "Senior Show" during their final year of study. The course focuses on the final development of each student's aesthetic vision and studio practice; culminating in a finished, exhibition quality project. The course also addresses professional installation, promotion, and documentation of finished work, concluding with a group exhibition in the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries.
Special events such as exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art, on-campus visits and critiques with professional artists, as well as scholarly programs enriches the Painting & Drawing student experience. Just across the street from the art department are the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries and down the street is the brand new Barry Art Museum. These facilities assure that students are only a hop, skip, and a jump away from impressive collections of both contemporary and historic arts, crafts, and design.
The bright and spacious painting and drawing classrooms are housed in brand new facilities in the Barry Arts building and provide students the equipment necessary to produce their work comfortably and safely. The Barry Arts building also houses a Mac lab and the Elise N. Hofheimer Art Library containing over 10,000 volumes on architecture, sculpture, drawing, painting, print media, photography, arts & crafts, in addition to an art reference section.
Check out student work and stay up-to-date on activities by visiting us on our social media platforms.
- Instagram: odupaintingdrawing
- Facebook: ODUPaintingDrawing
The Painting & Drawing faculty consists of two full-time professors and a team of devoted instructors, all of whom bring a wide array of experiences and professional achievements to the classroom. Small class sizes mean students have access to instructors who know students by name and understand each student's individualized goals. Faculty welcome prospective student questions and inquiries.
Leigh Anne Chambers, Visiting Assistant Professor
Kyle Kogut, Visiting Assistant Professor