Overview
The painting program at The University of Alabama promotes the idea that painting is an evolving and vital art form. Courses are designed for students of all levels, backgrounds, and interests and embrace both traditional and expanded methodologies. Students in the program are challenged to engage in critical thought and to develop context for their individual creative interests. Courses in painting, which are both foundational and conceptual, convey knowledge of the historical and current practices of painting.
Painting Program Objectives
- Encourage use of appropriate media to convey specific artistic expressions that effectively communicate the artists’ intent
- Students will develop creative problem-solving strategies as a means to create strong artwork
- Demonstrate critical skills through specific class projects
- Produce creative artworks that demonstrate innovations in concepts, forms and materials
- Analyze and critique artwork, both orally and written, based on the form, conceptual considerations, and social and cultural influences
- Research methods are developed and strengthened through the study of original works of art
Facilities
Painting classrooms occupy the fourth floor of historic Woods Hall. Courses are taught in a large, well-lit studio containing easels, tabourets, wall spaces and flat working areas. The critique and workshop areas provide opportunities for group meetings and basic stretcher building. Graduate students are provided with individual studios.
These classrooms are collaborative environments where beginning and upper-level students share technical skills, ideas and feedback with each other. All students enrolled in painting courses have 24/7 access to the painting area.
Contact Us
For information about applying, visit our Prospective Students page, or call us for more information: (205) 348-5967. Thinking of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) major in Painting? Here is a sample four-year plan for the BFA in Painting.
UA Painting News
Click on this link to read stories about our students and faculty in painting.
Painting Faculty
- Jason Guynes, Professor
- Bryce Speed, Assistant Professor
- Daisie Hoitsma Young, Instructor
- Tom Wegrzynowski, Instructor









News
UA BFA Senior Takes on Historic SGA Portrait Painting Commission
BFA in studio art senior Mackenna Overholt (BFA 2023) has taken on a historic commission, both as an artist and a UA student. Overholt has been designated as the official
UA Department of Art & Art History Celebrates Its Outstanding Students
The UA Department of Art and Art History announced the five recipients of our Outstanding Student Awards for the academic year 2022-2023 during Honors Day ceremonies on April 7, 2023,

Nine BFA Studio Art Majors Exhibit Thesis Work
The University of Alabama Department of Art and Art History presents the 2023 BFA Studio Art Senior Thesis Show, May 3-6, 2023, in the Sella-Granata Art Gallery, Woods Hall on