Master of Fine Arts in Art - Painting

In the painting concentration, students focus on advancing their technical skills, artistic vision, and conceptual understanding within the medium of painting. The program provides a supportive environment for students to further develop their personal artistic voice, explore new directions in painting, and engage in critical discourse surrounding contemporary painting practices.

Technical proficiency is a central aspect of the program. Students refine their understanding of various painting techniques, materials, and processes. They experiment with different approaches to brushwork, color mixing, surface manipulation, and composition. Through rigorous studio work, students develop a mastery of their chosen medium and expand their technical repertoire.

Conceptual development and artistic exploration are equally emphasized. Students are encouraged to develop a strong conceptual framework and articulate their artistic vision through their paintings. They explore a range of themes, concepts, and visual narratives, considering how painting can be used as a means of personal expression and social commentary. They engage in critical analysis and develop a cohesive body of work that demonstrates depth and conceptual rigor.
The painting program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and experimentation. Students may integrate painting with other media, such as installation, performance, or digital technologies, to push the boundaries of traditional painting practices. They explore new materials, unconventional techniques, and engage with contemporary art discourse to expand their creative possibilities and challenge preconceived notions of painting.

Critical discourse and theoretical studies are integrated into the program. Students engage in critical analysis of contemporary and historical painting practices, exploring theoretical frameworks and concepts that inform their artistic practice. They study art history, art theory, and engage in discussions surrounding aesthetics, cultural contexts, and philosophical underpinnings of painting.

Baccalaureate Degree: The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university. If you are a UofM undergraduate student applying to Graduate School at UofM, you do not need to request that an official transcript be sent to Graduate Admissions. This office has access to your transcript. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.

GPA: The applicant must have earned an acceptable grade point average, typically a minimum of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field.

English proficiency test scores accepted by the University:

• Duolingo English Test-110 or higher on the overall score.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 550 or higher on the paper version, 80 or higher on the internet-based test
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- 6.5 or higher
• PTE (Pearson Test of English) - 59 or higher