Painting
— Orleonok Pitkin, Department Chair
With a diverse faculty of professional artists, the Painting department emphasizes traditional skills and knowledge while exploring innovative ways to address subject matter in the context of contemporary art practice. In this program, students investigate their vision, voice and mode of expression. Studio experience, lectures and critiques encourage an awareness and consideration of the broader historical, cultural and theoretical implications of their work.
Professional practice informs studio practice; accordingly, students are provided with a combination of practical knowledge and creative support. Information about grant writing, exhibition opportunities, public presentation and portfolio development are addressed alongside matters of technical and conceptual skill. Studies are enhanced with gallery and studio visits, panel reviews and visiting artists. Graduates are prepared to continue their education in a master’s programs or engage professional practice.
Emerging professionals
In addition to drawing and painting, students delve into essentials for emerging professional artists, including:
- Portfolio development
- Gallery contacts
- Resume development
- Legal and tax matters
Facilities
The PNCA campus consists of three academic buildings: the Edith Goodman Building; the 3-D Studios; and the Cornelia and William T. C. Stevens Painting Studio. All are located within 2 city blocks of each other in the midst of Portland’s Pearl District. The Pearl is the heart of the city’s exciting art scene with most of the major galleries just a few blocks from the College. PNCA facilities occupy 95,000 square feet. Two dedicated gallery spaces- the Philip Feldman Gallery and the Manuel Izquiredo Sculpture Gallery — are also housed on campus.
Students have access to PNCA’s Computer Arts Center, the Charles Voorhies Fine Arts Library, as well as the Northwest Film Center and Portland Art Museum resources. All fourth year thesis students and third year painting students are provided with dedicated studio space. The configuration of space varies from year to year, dependent upon the number of thesis students and space requirements.
