Painting and Drawing

Painting/Drawing Fundamentals

The painting and drawing program in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art offers a balance of formal, technical and conceptual approaches with the goal of producing work that is individually expressive and engages an awareness of art's historical and contemporary issues.

Students begin by developing the skills of observation and representation, then move to more complex issues of space and color. Advanced courses continue the examination of contemporary issues and emphasize the development of an individual body of work through core/foundation courses in:

  • drawing
  • two-dimensional design
  • three-dimensional design
  • life drawing

Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, providing comprehensive preparation for professional practice, also are offered in the following areas:

  • Ceramics
  • Graphic Design
  • Jewelry and Metalsmithing
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture

Students in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at UA also may earn a Bachelor of Arts in:

  • Art Education
  • Art History
  • Studio Art

Our Faculty

  • are practicing artists, designers and scholars
  • place a premium on personal attention and excellent advising
  • work side-by-side with students to help turn aspirations into accomplishments

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Experience

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art, located in Folk Hall, offers 70,000 square feet of learning space — enabling students to explore new areas of creative research and ensuring that their professional skills are cutting edge. Well-equipped studios are devoted to:

  • ceramics
  • commercial photography
  • computer imaging
  • drawing
  • illustration
  • jewelry and metalsmithing
  • painting
  • photography
  • sculpture
  • two-dimensional design
  • three-dimensional design

Folk Hall also is home to the Emily Davis Art Gallery, which showcases art and design of regional, national and international significance as well as student, juried student and scholarship exhibitions.

In addition, art majors benefit from the visiting artists and lecture series sponsored by the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art.

Real World Experience

Students are encouraged to participate in co-op programs and internships. In recent years, students have participated in co-op and internship programs at such diverse sites as:

  • Disney World
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • advertising agencies
  • design studios

Art Student Organizations

  • Student Art League
  • Design x Nine

Sample Curriculum


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For More Information:

School of Art

Contact: Sofia Calderwood

Career Opportunities

Degrees and Preparation

The B.F.A. in Painting/Drawing paves the way to follow a wide variety of career paths — such as artist, illustrator,  graphic designer, instructor, curator, gallery owner, interior/exterior designer or art therapist.

    Career Services

    Career Services is located in Student Union 211, with another office in College of Arts and Sciences Building 126. Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.