Painting

Expand your painting practice

As a painting student at Herron, you will learn the many techniques and processes of painting, including methods of applying paint, knowledge of materials and paint mixing, and the expressive potential between the painting surface and the “hand” of the artist.

You will learn how to translate three-dimensional space and form into a pictoral plane and use color to create effects of light and luminosity. You will explore the correlation between painting and other media, such as digital forms, installation, and performance, and you will learn how to use woodshop tools and equipment to create and prepare surfaces for painting.

Ultimately, you will define the medium, aesthetic character, form, and subject or topic of your own paintings, creating a strong and coherent body of work that is uniquely yours.

Show your work

Get hands-on experience with framing, installing, documenting, and presenting your work. Then submit your best pieces to the annual undergraduate student exhibition, which awards prizes for exceptional entries.

Learn to improvise

Working with paint allows you to improvise, connect, and think freely with the strokes of your brush. Responding aesthetically to your environment with practice, you will develop a personal style and artistic voice.

Plan of study

B.F.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.F.A. in painting

IU Indianapolis Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.F.A in painting

The department faculty are diverse in their practices and have some amazing experiences as professional artists, and [they] literally know the field inside and out and freely share every tool and tip they can with us.
Claude Smith-Kenny (B.F.A. Painting '20)

Foundation studies

Your first year at Herron focuses on skills that are crucial to your success in art and design school. You will explore basic principles and techniques, as well as your own historical, cultural, and personal influences as an artist or designer.

Learn more about foundation studies

Facilities

Herron's facilities are thoughtfully designed with natural lighting and multidisciplinary studios. As a painting student, you are given 24-hour access to the studios and facilities in Eskenazi Hall, including a shared studio for juniors as well as private studios for seniors.

Individual painting spaces
Easels, worktables, stools, and lockable carts
Live figure models
Dedicated critique spaces
Professional lighting

Mac computer labs with advanced editing software
Access to the Think It Make It Lab and woodshop as well as ceramics, photography, printmaking, and sculpture facilities

Enhance your degree

Pursuing a minor or certificate can help broaden your perspective and give you a competitive advantage in your chosen field.

Art History (B.A.)

Integrative Studio Practice (B.F.A.)

Printmaking (B.F.A.)

Minor in Art History

Professional opportunities

Establishing your own small business studio, selling your work through galleries, or teaching at community art centers are all options to consider as a fine artist. You may also exhibit nationally and internationally at galleries and art fairs, and work behind the scenes in film and television or museums.

Pursue your calling as a professional:

Exhibiting artist
Artist in residence
Art critic
Curator
Gallery owner or director
Arts administrator
Educator or instructor

Portraitist
Preparator
Muralist
Studio manager
Conservation specialist
Film and television scenic painter
Illustrator

Join Indiana’s premier school of art and design

Degree programs

Painting (B.F.A.)
Photography (B.F.A.)
Printmaking (B.F.A.)
Sculpture (B.F.A.)
Visual Art (M.F.A.)
Visual Communication Design (B.F.A.)

Herron School of Art + Design