The World is Your Canvas

Through the ages and across the globe, painters have told tales of joy, sorrow, anger and peace through splashes of color and sweeping brushstrokes. A BFA concentration in painting lets you share your story and vision with the world.

Develop a rich understanding of two-dimensional ideation and its methodologies, explore materials and techniques, and research traditional and contemporary art and artists. Create visually expressive works of art by applying research, critical thinking and careful planning while also engaging in focused play. Learn the nature of painting materials through personal investigation as well as structured assignments. Achieve technical proficiency working with acrylics and watercolors, and learn how to prepare surfaces, display paintings for exhibition, and ultimately, use painting as a mode of personal and creative expression.

Colby-Sawyer art students paint an abstract design onto commercial floor

Exhibit Your Masterpiece

The Gladys Greenbaum Meyers Juried Student Art Exhibition, the college's largest art annual exhibition, draws an impressive audience from the college community and the general public. The honor of being selected to show in the juried exhibition adds esteem and value to your academic accomplishments and your professional portfolio. In addition to awards, outstanding artists are also selected for scholarships and commissioned pieces.

The annual Senior Art Exhibition showcases the best work of all graduating art majors. The exhibition demonstrates the growth, skill and professionalism developed while studying at Colby-Sawyer. Awards are presented to artists whose works best reflect diversity of media, techniques, influences and experiences.