Program overview
The Painting program is not just about learning to draw—it's a key that opens the door to visual expression. Core courses include sketching, color theory, oil painting, Chinese painting, printmaking, mural painting, materials and techniques, and you'll also dive into "soft power" subjects like art history, aesthetic theory, and creative methodology. A distinctive feature of painting programs in Chinese universities is the balanced emphasis on both tradition and contemporary practice. For instance, at schools like the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the China Academy of Art, you'll find deep roots in Chinese painting and calligraphy alongside cutting-edge directions like experimental art and mixed media. You'll likely spend hours in the studio honing your fundamentals, while also being encouraged to explore your own style. This major suits students who are visually sensitive, enjoy hands-on work, and are willing to invest time in refining their pieces—you don't necessarily need to "draw realistically," but you should have a desire to express and the patience to see it through.