Contemporary Painting I: Studio Practice

This course emphasizes the role of technique, style, color, and composition in the practice of painting. A series of explorative assignments in oil or acrylic will challenge students to resolve problems of composition and narrative based on a broad scope of references and material investigations. Working in small series, tactical approaches will include painting from observation, imagination, and print and digital media. Abstraction and nonconventional materials are welcome and encouraged. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook/image archive throughout the course and to develop final conference projects based on historical and contemporary art research as it relates to the student’s personal sensibility. Additionally, this course will provide ongoing exposure to historical and contemporary painting models through slide shows, videos, reading assignments, visiting artists, workshops, and field trips.  Open to students who have had painting courses at a college or advanced high-school level.