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An artist’s studio with various paintings on the walls, an easel with a blank canvas, and a cluttered desk with art supplies. A pink coat hangs on a chair. The room has a creative, unfinished atmosphere.

Painting students pursue artistic excellence, experimental expression, and technical mastery through rigorous work and a deep sense of dedication.

In a world steeped in imagery and new technologies, painting is timeless. It connects us to history, culture, and humanity, while grounding us in the present through deep observation and reflection.

The mission of the Painting program is to provide a solid foundation within traditional and contemporary painting discourse in a learning environment that emphasizes experimentation and critical thinking. We educate students to become independent practicing artists for today’s world.

MassArt also offers an MFA in Studio Arts, in which students can choose to concentrate in Painting. Our full-time, two-year (60-credit) MFA Studio Arts program encourages students to experiment and explore, while refining the technical and conceptual strategies in their work.

BFA
Immerse yourself in a program that encourages independent creative thinking & making in a collaborative learning environment.
Faculty
Painting faculty provide guidance, technical instruction, and critique to help students develop their painting skills, artistic vision, and conceptual thinking.
Events
Explore Painting and fine arts events, exhibitions, and other happenings on campus, in the community, and the Greater Boston area.
Featured Work
Get inspired by the extraordinary work being produced by our Painting students, faculty, and alumni.
Studios
Painting majors enjoy access to large individual painting studios with natural and artificial lighting, easels, and other essential tools.
MFA Studio Arts

Our MFA Studio Arts program provides rigorous education in three concentrations—Painting, Printmaking, or Sculpture—each fostering individualized artistic vision and voice.
News & Features
A man smiles at the camera while holding a large telescope, charting an out of this world moment. Behind him, a red and black abstract painting is mounted on a wooden wall as sunlight casts striking shadows across the scene.

Painting Alumnus Charts a Career for the Stars

Sean Walker BFA ’96
  • Painting
Toni Elka looking up and to the side.

Toni Elka (BFA Painting ’86), Founder of Future Chefs

Toni Elka BFA’86, 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
  • Alumni Relations
  • Painting
  • President’s Office
Gaby Moreno ‘25 BFA Painting, working in her studio.

From First-Gen to Aspiring Art Therapist

Gaby Moreno BFA ’25
  • Artward Bound
  • Fine Arts 2D
  • Painting
A man smiles at the camera while holding a large telescope, charting an out of this world moment. Behind him, a red and black abstract painting is mounted on a wooden wall as sunlight casts striking shadows across the scene.
Sean Walker BFA ’96
Toni Elka looking up and to the side.
Toni Elka BFA’86, 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Gaby Moreno ‘25 BFA Painting, working in her studio.
Gaby Moreno BFA ’25
A student sits at a canvas in his painting studio 22 sec

The Joy of Painting featuring MassArt student Nasiri Guzman ’22. Filmed by Piyu Somani ’23 MFA Film/Video. Directed and edited by Daisy St. Sauveur ’19 BFA Printmaking.

Our students enjoy progressive guidance and freedom to explore and strengthen their personal visions, focusing on technique, tradition, and innovative experimentation. Cecilia Vázquez Professor, Fine Arts 2D
Featured Faculty

Cecilia Vázquez

Professor, Fine Arts 2D
  • Faculty

Kayla Mohammadi

Program Area Chair, Painting
  • Faculty

James Stanley

Associate Professor, Painting
  • Faculty
Student working in her studio
Painting Studios Explore our Studios
Once you declare your major in Painting as a sophomore, you’ll have access to personal studio space, which increases in size throughout your junior and senior years.
18 UNIQUE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS. A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY.
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