Painting
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Concentration*
Embrace tradition and rebellion. Turning timeless techniques into bold new ideas.
| Type | Credits | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts – Studio Art | 120 | 4 years, Full-time | In-person, studio | School of Visual Art (SVA) |
| Secondary Concentration, BFA or BDes | 15 | 2 years (completed alongside primary degree |
From oils and acrylics to mixed media and experimental techniques, you’ll discover the boundless possibilities of painting as both a craft and a concept. You’ll refine your technical skills while challenging the very definition of what a painting can be—through scale, material and idea.
Program Overview
Painting at AUArts immerses you in a supportive, collaborative studio environment led by practicing artists. You’ll explore a variety of materials alongside new media, interdisciplinary techniques and critical theory.
Experiment freely and develop your own creative philosophy while learning to contextualize your work within the global art scene. Group critiques, research projects and campus exhibitions help you refine your technical skills and articulate your vision as a contemporary painter.
Program Highlights
- All Media, All Methods: Dive into oil, acrylic, collage, mixed media—and discover the edge between tradition and experimentation from your first term.
- Critical Conversations: Explore contemporary art, philosophy and culture through in-depth study and group critiques.
- Global Perspectives: Analyze international painting trends and develop work with a global, cross-cultural outlook.
- Personal Direction: Build your own projects and body of work through self-directed studios and advanced research.
- Mentored Independence: Access one-on-one directed studio projects tailored to your interests and goals.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Painting program will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of historical and contemporary painting practices.
- Employ a range of techniques, skills and processes in personal studio practice.
- Critically reflect on and discuss their own work and the work of others.
- Understand and apply critical language and research relevant to painting.
- Navigate and experiment with various media, materials and interdisciplinary methods.
- Develop and communicate a personal creative identity
Faculty
Learn from experienced, practicing painters and artists. Dedicated studio technicians provide support with materials, safety and creative problem-solving in the studios.
Faculty
Studio Technicians
Alumni
Our painting alumni have exhibited locally and internationally, run artist collectives, curated major exhibitions and contributed to creative communities around the world.
Painting Alumni
Studio Facilities
Painting students have access to:
- Large, dedicated painting studios open 7 days a week
- Natural and artificial lighting for all media
- Painting materials lab (for safe storage and experimentation)
- Critique spaces and exhibition areas
- Access to digital labs, printmaking, sculpture and installation spaces
- Professional technician support
Career Paths
Painting graduates go on to pursue MFA and postgraduate studies, residencies and multidisciplinary careers in visual culture.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Studio Artist & Fine Artist
- Muralist
- Curator
- Gallery Coordinator
- Arts Educator
- Community Arts Leader
- Art Conservator
- Studio Manager
- Exhibition Designer
- Arts Advocate or Consultant
Culture & Community
A lively, close-knit painting community, fueled by critique, collaboration and curiosity.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons
About the Painting Concentration
The Painting concentration at AUArts is a dynamic major-style program rooted in both tradition and experimentation. Students in Painting engage deeply with historical and contemporary practices while exploring techniques, skills and processes that inform their individual studio practice. Through diverse media, materials and modes of critical inquiry, you’ll build a strong technical foundation while developing the critical language and vocabulary essential to artistic research. Hands-on studio practice, critiques and exhibitions will help you refine your creative identity, culminating in a portfolio that connects your ideas to audiences and future opportunities.
