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From Sketch to Canvas: Develop Your Artistic Voice

Fredonia’s Drawing & Painting program empowers you to develop your unique artistic voice while mastering both traditional and contemporary techniques. With guidance from world-renowned faculty, you’ll refine your technical skills, explore artistic theories, and gain a deeper understanding of how art reflects and influences society. Small studio classes foster close mentorship, while interdisciplinary opportunities across the College of Visual and Performing Arts allow you to push creative boundaries.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Technical Mastery – Build a strong foundation in drawing and painting techniques while experimenting with emerging artistic methods.
  • Creative Expression – Develop a personal artistic voice through conceptual thinking and hands-on studio practice.
  • Interdisciplinary Exploration – Collaborate across disciplines like theatre, music, and digital media to expand your artistic potential.
  • Professional Readiness – Learn industry practices and gain the skills needed for careers in fine arts, design, education, and beyond.
  • Critical Thinking – Analyze and interpret visual culture, understanding art’s role in shaping societal and global narratives.

Career Opportunities for Drawing/Painting

  • Art teacher
  • Art therapist
  • Art restoration specialist
  • Art gallery/Art Auction House/Museum work
  • Art Director
  • Independent curator
  • Arts administrator
  • Muralist
  • Illustrator
  • Professional Fine Artist
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

ARTS 214 Drawing and Painting I

First course in the Drawing and Painting program which is structured to prepare students for lives as professional artists. Students will explore more technical, aesthetic and conceptual approaches in both drawing and painting.

ARTS 415 Drawing and Painting IV

Students will learn processes in documenting and preparing artwork for graduate schools and exhibitions. Students will also research, write and discuss historical and contemporary theories in art while researching issues related to their preparation as they begin their lives as professional artists.

ARTS 497 Studio Practicum

Students work with a professional artist or designer, which would include a Visual Arts and New Media faculty member, in a studio and/or office with on-going research projects. Students gain valuable perspective into the work of a professional artist or designer along with insights into the professions.

Why Drawing/Painting at Fredonia?

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Big Studio Experience with Small-Class Support

Experience the best of both worlds—state-of-the-art art studios with intimate class sizes that foster strong faculty relationships.

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Creative Voices from Around the World

Engage with renowned artists and designers through Fredonia’s Visiting Artist Program, featuring lectures, workshops, and gallery events.

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NASAD-Approved Program

Fredonia’s Drawing & Painting program is fully accredited by NASAD, ensuring a high-quality, nationally recognized art education.

Student Stories

I’m particularly grateful to my teachers at Fredonia for recognizing my potential and pushing me to never be satisfied with anything less than the best of myself. They inspire me to this day.

— Leah Yerpe

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