Painting

The Painting Program strives to equip students with a thorough understanding of the breadth of possibilities within the discipline of painting today. The program embraces diversity of visual expression in students and therefore works to instill good studio habits that help to refine and develop an individual’s distinctive style. Focused research, disciplined practice and insightful critiques help students develop into accomplished painters.

The program builds on a strong foundation of formal skill while encouraging exploration of contemporary practice. Painting classes are structured to allow for gradual freedom in content, culminating in a cohesive body of work that is mindful of its position in historic context. Painting is a language that is rooted in process but nurtured and informed by our environment. The UCA community is committed to fostering artists that are prepared for a future in the contemporary art world.

The UCA Art program supplements studio classes with opportunities to view established artists exhibiting in the Baum Gallery. These visiting artists often engage with the students in workshops and give formal presentations regarding their art practice.

Degree Requirements

BFA Major in Studio Art (83 hours of Art)

The degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires successful completion of 120 hours, whose required components include (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements and note that ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—required for Art majors and minors—fulfills the LD UCA Core requirement in Critical Analysis, Fine Arts/Humanities) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (again, see UCA Core requirements); (2) 83 hours of art and design courses in an approved BFA major in Studio Art and emphasis degree plan as described below; (3) and electives to bring total credit hours to 120. Art and design courses must follow a prerequisite structure. A minor is not required. This degree may require more than the normal eight semesters to complete. Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 major GPA on a minimum of 24 hours of art may apply for acceptance to the BFA program after completing the Sophomore Major Advancement Interview (SMAI). Students are strongly encouraged to follow the semester-by-semester structure in the published BFA Academic Map. As such, this document is to be used as a checksheet to evaluate the student’s progress through the degree in a course-by-course manner.

In order to complete the state-mandated minimum number of hours for core requirements in general education, art majors are required to complete a Humanities course in either the Diversity category or in the Responsible Living category.

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