Undergraduate
In the drawing program, students work from a variety of perceptual, conceptual, procedural, imaginary and theoretical models. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of drawing as a media in which to create strong statements of personal expression. Through practice and the development of research and studio skills, as well as the study of histories, theories and practices of their discipline, students develop a studio practice where the making of drawings is deeply embedded and informed by the ideas behind them. Through a range of drawing courses students hone their individual voice and vision and construct their visual language.
Early on, students study the basic language of drawing. The undergraduate Drawing sequence begins with courses in Perceptual Drawing and Figure Drawing which emphasize the uses of drawing from observation and art anatomy while Drawing: Movement and Motion teaches students to explore the language of drawing visual movement and the concepts of motion in two-dimensional art forms.
The junior year curriculum consists of Color Drawing, Figure Drawing II, Sketchbook/Journal Development, and Experimental Drawing. In these courses, themes are explored through assignments that engage traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing including a range of interdisciplinary approaches spanning altered books to installation, performance, hand drawn animation and site-specific projects.
During the senior drawing studio year, a body of more personal work is distilled. Students are guided in their professional practice as well as a studio ethic that hones the individualization of voice and vision, expansion of visual language, experimentation, and the necessary levels of self-reflection and self-discipline.
Graduate
The Painting and Drawing Graduate Program at University of Florida fosters the student's art making practice through the development of conceptual, aesthetic and technical skills. The program provides students with access to a variety of courses including: art history and theory, criticism, methods of research and professional practice for the studio artist. Students take courses with Graduate faculty offering topical seminars in Painting and Drawing as well as seminars and studio courses across disciplines. Recent seminars include: The Problematics of Painting, Power, Paradox and Poetry, Making and Meaning. Painting and Drawing students also receive individual instruction on a tutorial basis, meeting with individuals or small groups regularly. The graduate program is housed in a world-class research institution including libraries, lectures and seminars across the humanities and the sciences. Students have opportunities to participate in the Annual NYC gallery and museum tour, Art Basel Trip and International Study Abroad Programs as well as collaborative opportunities and funding support through programs such as the UF Genetics Institute, SAC (Science and Art Collaboration Program) and Creativity in the Arts and Sciences Program.