In Painting 1, students start by getting a strong foundation in observational painting.
In Painting 2, they explore different historical and contemporary ways of creating a painting.
The Painting Workshops are the advanced painting classes where students work towards creating a personal body of work that can be used in their senior BFA show or in a portfolio to apply to graduate schools.
Students have the choice to use oil or acrylic paint, and in the advanced classes they have access to a woodshop where they will learn how to build their own panels and stretcher bars.
Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing Eric Elliott
Eric Elliott Biography
Artwork by Eric Elliott: 
ARTS 291 Painting I: Intro to Painting
Introduction to the language of painting through studio practice. Fundamental skills of color mixing and practical applications of painting and how they relate to perceptual problem solving. Focus on light and color and how it translates into pictorial space through observational painting.
ARTS 365 Painting II: Methods and Materials
Exploration and experimentation with various techniques, materials, and alternative processes inherent to contemporary painting. Through this exploration of painting, students will begin to develop a direction of investigation and a conceptual framework for their own personal painting practice
ARTS 391 Painting Workshop I
Skills developed in painting media of choice. Exploring advanced techniques to develop individual artistic expression. Discussions of personal influences and historical context ongoing.
ARTS 392 Painting Workshop II
Further investigation of techniques and material in individual painting medium. Personal artistic influences identified tools to aid individual artistic direction. Individual and group critiques are ongoing. End of semester artwork presented in public space and documented digitally.
ARTS 491 Painting Workshop III
Workshop III continues development of professional portfolios of artwork used for senior exhibitions and other professional shows. Artistic influences explored. Oral and written communication skills developed in preparation for professional interaction. End of semester artwork documented digitally.
ARTS 492 Painting Workshop IV
Technical refinement and conceptual development emphasized. Refinement of the artist's imagery. Ability to speak and write about work developed. End of semester artwork documented digitally.
- Ceiling spotlights and stand spotlights for figure painting and still life painting.
- Shelving and painting racks in the classroom for storing work in progress.
- A sink for cleaning brushes and palettes available for students to use and proper
disposal of mineral spirits and other flammable materials. - A collection of materials to use for still life arrangements such as a model skeleton, tea kettles, small white, metal, and colored objects.
- All tools to make stretch bars and panels along with woodshop training on these skills.
- Proper safety ventilation system.
- 16 regular easels, 15 French easels, 25 taborets, and 1 drawing horse, and multiple stools.
Student Work Examples
Painting I
Painting I Final by Dalton. 
Painting 1 project by Trish. 
Still Life in Painting 1 by Ayden.
Student Work Examples
Painting II
Painting II Project by Alaina.
Painting II Project by Ben.
Student Work Examples
Painting Workshops
Painting Workshop project by Dalton Carlson
Painting Workshop project by Ajay Gustafson 
Painting Workshop project by Shayna Allen 
Painting Workshop project by Ayden Geertsen
Still Life in Painting I by Sam. 
Still Life in Painting I by Mitchell.
Painting II project by Dakota. 
Painting II Project by Rose
Painting Workshop project by Alex Wiuff
Painting Workshop project by Addie Mingilton
Painting Workshop Project by Dalton Carlson 
Painting Workshop project by Kaleb Castleton 
Painting Workshop project by Rose Walsh
Interested in seeing more student work? Visit the CMU Painting Studio's pinterest:
CMU Painting