Become proficient in painting through shapes, movement, colors, and balance. Experiment in a supportive studio environment and find your voice within PNCA's painting degree.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major
121
4 Years
PNCA Campus
Our painting alumni have made a cultural impact as educators, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs. Learn about their accomplishments and how they've paved their path within the art community.
Fellowship introduces Oldham to the ancient Japanese tradition of ikebana
Cristian Oldham ‘14 was honored as one of only 18 fellows in the Luce Scholar program, which offers students a deep dive into Asian cultures. Through the program, Oldham studied ikebana, the revered Japanese art of flower arranging.
Redefining Feminine Power Through Art
Olivia Harwood, a recent BFA graduate, empowers herself and others through her bold paintings that challenge traditional notions of femininity. Her accolades and exhibitions underscore her rising prominence in the art world.
Our faculty have years of experience not only as educators but as professional artists and painters. They work closely alongside you in our inspiring painting studios. Connect with faculty, visiting artists, and speakers to perfect your craft.
Michelle Ross, Associate Professor and Interim Department Head of Painting & Drawing, employs abstract painting to evoke curiosity and promote tolerance. With an MFA from Washington State University Ross has exhibited work spanning prestigious venues nationally and internationally and has received a Ford Family Artist Fellowship.
Michael Lazarus employs a diverse range of materials to craft paintings with dynamic presence. With exhibitions spanning venues internationally and accolades including a MacDowell Fellowship, Lazarus brings a wealth of experience to mentoring students at PNCA.
Ardis DeFreece, Assistant Professor and Interim Thesis Director at PNCA, merges art and ecology in her practice. With degrees from Mount St. Mary's College and PNCA, including classical drawing studies in Florence, Italy, she chairs the BFA Thesis and instructs in Foundation and Open Adult programs.
Explore visual art through our painting courses. Students will develop foundational skills and expand to figurative and abstract approaches. Blend traditional painting with multimedia elements, and prepare for life as a professional artist.
This course is intended to provide the student with a variety of opportunities to expand and refine their skill in a realist manner by painting from direct observation. From 'Plein Air" to "in-studio" practice, on subjects such as Landscape, the Figure, Portrait and Still Life, we will focus on creating work that is technically skilled and of strong pictorial construction.
Explore the intersections of drawing, painting, and hybrid material practices alongside principles of design and critical global art theories. Delve into the power of non-figurative art to express cultural identity and social activism.
Our Painting major requires 121 credits to complete the degree. This includes: 76 in studio, 30 in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and 15 in Art History. Of the studio credits, 16 are required courses in the Foundation program, at least 36 are the required courses in the studio major, and the remainder are available for studio electives. A minimum two-year residency at the College is required.
Our Painting program is open to first-year students, transfer students, and international students. Learn more about PNCA’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University