Fine Art Painting BA(Hons)

Program Overview

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The Fine Art Painting BA(Hons) at the University of Brighton is a studio-based program that emphasizes experimentation, exploration, and risk-taking. Students develop their individual artistic voice and practice through hands-on learning-by-doing, guided by experienced practicing artists. The program prepares students for success in the contemporary fine art world, with graduates exhibiting their work globally and making significant contributions to the field.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Develop independent artists and thinkers who engage through experimentation, exploration, and risk-taking.
• Prepare students to engage with the contemporary fine art world through a range of individual approaches.
• Foster a diverse and dynamic learning experience, rooted in painting but extending across many fine art media.

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Program Description:

• One of the few painting degrees in the UK, Fine Art Painting at Brighton is studio-based and centred on vital hands-on learning-by-doing.
• The course is well known and highly respected, with many graduates exhibiting their work globally and making significant contributions to fine art and related cultural spheres.
• Students are encouraged to find their own artistic voice and develop their individual practice.
• The program emphasizes experimentation, exploration, and risk-taking, preparing students to be successful in the ever-evolving world of contemporary fine art.

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Content:

• Painting as a core discipline, with the freedom to explore other fine art media.
• Experimentation and exploration of ideas and concepts.
• Development of individual practice and artistic voice.
• Engagement with the contemporary fine art world.

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Structure:

• Three-year full-time program.
• Studio-based learning with individual tutorials and group critiques.
• Methods and materials workshops.

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Modules:

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Year 1:

• Studio Practice 1: Introducing Studio Practice:
Focuses on investigation, experimentation, and risk-taking; explores painting and drawing; studies in various media.
• Studio Practice 2: Developing an Independent Practice:
Builds on Year 1 themes, with increasing control over artistic research; explores the art, historical, and cultural context of work.
• Methods and Materials:
Introduces materials, processes, and technical skills; covers workshops and demonstrations; explores a wide range of oil and water-based media.
• Introduction to Theories and Practices of Fine Art:
Introduces approaches to the relationship between fine art practice and socio-cultural context; explores historical contextualization for studio practice; develops library-based research and academic skills.

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Year 2:

• Studio Practice 3: Studio Practice: Investigation, Experimentation and Public Exhibition Practice:
Continues self-directed work with greater emphasis on public exhibition; explores issues of exhibiting publicly.
• Studio Practice 4: Professional Development:
Focuses on self-employment, networking, project management, networks, and planning strategies.
• Theories and Practices of Fine Art: Contexts and Specialisms:
Explores the relationship between fine art and the contemporary world; investigates critical and theoretical frameworks.

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Year 3:

• Studio Practice 5: Reflection and Experimentation in Studio Practice:
Explores individual practice through reflection and experimentation; prepares for final exhibition.
• Theories and Practice of Fine Art: Articulation of Your Critical Position:
Develops critical and theoretical writing skills; positions artistic practice within contemporary art discourse.

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Assessment Methods:

• Studio work and written work.
• Critical and theoretical writing.
• Presentations.
• Self-assessment.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Conceptual clarity and originality.
• Technical skill and execution.
• Critical and contextual awareness.

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Teaching Methods:

• Individual tutorials.
• Group critiques.
• Lectures and seminars.
• Workshops.
• Independent studio practice.

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Faculty:

• Internationally exhibiting artists with painting at the core of their practices.
• Experienced professional artists with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on hands-on learning-by-doing.
• Encouragement of individual artistic voice and exploration.
• Focus on experimentation, risk-taking, and critical reflection.

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Potential Career Paths:

• Fine artist.
• Gallery curator.
• Art critic.
• Art educator.
• Museum professional.
• Illustrator.
• Graphic designer.
• Animator.

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Employment Opportunities:

• Galleries and museums.
• Art schools and universities.
• Design agencies.
• Arts organizations.
• Freelance work.

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Graduate Outcomes:

• Many graduates exhibit their work globally.
• Graduates have made significant contributions to fine art and related cultural spheres.

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Studio Spaces:

• Dedicated studio space for each student.

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Facilities:

• Expert technical staff.
• Wide range of power tools.
• Essential hand tools available for loan.
• Media Centre.
• Photographic Services Unit.
• TECH HUB.
• One of the country's best-stocked specialist art and design libraries.
• Internationally important Design Archives.
• On-site supplies shop.
• Students must provide their own painting materials and basic equipment.
• Educational discounts on computers and software.

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Notable Alumni:

• Sola Olulode, painter.
• Morag Caister, winner of Sky Arts Portrait of the Year 2022.
• Charlie Schaffer, winner of the BP Portrait Award 2019.
• Conor White, painter, exhibitor Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2019.
• Michaela Yearwood Dann, painter.
• Miranda Forrester, painter.
• Elisha Enfield, painter, winner of Sky Arts Landscape Painter of the Year, 2022.
• Pippa El-Kadhi Brown, painter.
• Dave Auborn, painter.
• Oriele Steiner, Bloomberg New Contemporaries.
• Alex Crocker, George Little, and Grant Foster.
• Elizabeth McCarten, painter.
• Alison Lapper MBE, artist.

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Additional Notes

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UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP International (full-time) 15,900 GBP