Two students sit on grass and watercolor paint a scene with their canvases on their laps.

Painting

Part of: Art & Design Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

Related Areas of Study: Art, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewelry, Photography, Studio Art, Sculpture

Part of: Art & Design Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

Related Areas of Study: Art, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewelry, Photography, Studio Art, Sculpture

Transform emotions into art with every brushstroke.

The comprehensive curriculum in Painting includes courses in oil painting, watercolor, and mixed media, emphasizing both traditional skills and innovative techniques as you progress to advanced classes.
Because the program is dedicated to your professional growth as a painter, you’ll have opportunities to interact with visiting professional artists and attend field trips to Denver, Taos, and Santa Fe. You’ll also gain real-world experience through internships with local galleries, art centers, and professional artists, as well as community class projects such as murals and commissioned paintings.
Beyond technical skills, the program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistic interpretation, helping you develop a unique artistic voice and vision. With hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and confidence to pursue your artistic goals and a professional career as a painter.

Painting Requirements

Emphasis

An emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, an emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field. 

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado Foundation offers scholarships specifically for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

1

Top Skills

Problem-Solving
Effective Communication
Composition and Design
Painting Techniques
Artistic Vision and Content Development
Interdisciplinary Thinking
2

Career Pathways

Fine Artist
Muralist
Illustrator
Concept Artist
Art Director
Exhibition Curator

Latest News

Faculty & Staff

Art & Design Department

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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