Course General Description

The Painting program at PAFA encourages imagination and creativity through skills-based training and critical and aesthetic understanding. Students explore themes in observational painting, classical representation, abstraction and conceptual approaches through a wide variety of classes that include still-life, landscape, figure painting, and non-representational modes of working. As they move through the program, students are encouraged to develop their own voice and personal interests. At the advanced level, all students receive a private studio and work with personal mentors and critics.

School General Description

As the first art museum and school in the United States, PAFA celebrates the transformative power of art and art-making. PAFA inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs; and educates artists from around the world to be innovative makers and critical thinkers with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. Through its world-class museum and school, PAFA nurtures and recognizes artists at every turn in their career.