Painting
Painting is the practice of applying color to a surface or support such as canvas or panel using various medium such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Brushes, knives, sponges, and other tools are used to apply the medium.
Students interested in learning the creative and expressive practice of Painting should enroll in an introductory Painting course. Each semester Painting I: Oil (ARTS-1500) and Painting I: Acrylic (ARTS-1501) are offered. In addition, Watercolor (ARTS-1502) and Methods and Materials of Painting (ARTS-1503) are periodically offered. There is no prerequisite course for introductory Painting courses, but Drawing I (ARTS-1100) or equivalent experience is useful.
Painting instructors in introductory classes take a perceptual approach using representational subjects such as still life, landscape and figure. They also stress mastery of methods, materials and techniques of the painting medium. Students will learn about color in theory and practice. Students will study a selection of artists and their practices from various art traditions.
Additional sections of Painting (ARTS-2500 – 3509) are offered each semester for students who plan to continue their study. Students can continue their creative practice in a variety of staggered subtopics offered over their 4 years at Georgetown such as Painting: Visual Strategies, Painting: Realism and the Psyche and Painting: Figure and the Portrait. During these courses, painting projects may become progressively complex and more individual in content, reflecting the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner. Major’s may also request to take an Independent Study (ARTS-4000) in their specific concentration. This is only taught by a full time member of the faculty – is not required or expected of the major – and must be approved by the instructor’s and Department’s approval.
Paintings can be representational or abstract, contain narrative content and symbolism, and communicate emotional, spiritual, political or philosophical ideas. The students will explore various stylistic approaches.
Painting courses do not have a lab fee. Georgetown covers select materials, equipment maintenance and some classroom supplies. However, students will need to purchase their own paint colors, brushes and canvases. This expense is similar to the cost of books in other courses.