Painting

Undergraduate Minor

Paintbrush and palette

Pursue your passion with a painting minor

UW’s minor in painting is designed for non-studio art majors to get an in-depth art education and advanced painting experience.

All painting minor students take four foundational courses in drawing, color theory and painting. Students may then choose from a variety of advanced electives. Options include all levels of watercolor, illustration, art history and oil painting courses. 

Request Info

Paintbrush and palette

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Painting Minor

Artists need time, space, and encouragement to refine their craft. That’s why UW provides students with advanced painting courses, supportive faculty and state-of-the art studio space.

Painting students are encouraged to join UW’s Student Art League, where they may display their art during annual exhibitions and get to know other students with similar interests.

The painting minor is designed for non-studio art majors. In our program, minor students get a focused education in various painting techniques, including oil painting, watercolor, drawing and illustration. Our students graduate ready to take on leadership roles in the art world and pursue their dream careers.

Student poses with their paintings

 

 

 

Students pursuing a B.A. in Art History may minor in a studio discipline. However, students pursuing a B.A. or B.F.A. in Studio Art or a B.A. in Art Education cannot minor in a specific studio discipline such as painting.

Plan on a minimum of five semesters to complete a painting minor due to upper-division course prerequisites.

Please note that all painting courses require a minimum grade of C to earn a minor.

Paintbrushes and paints on a table top

 

Painting Minor Highlights

Student Art League

All art students are encouraged to join UW’s Student Art League. This student organization connects like-minded students who are passionate about art. Students meet weekly and participate in group learning sessions in addition to hosting annual events including art auctions and exhibitions.

ART ORGANIZATIONS

UW’s state-of-the-art Visual Arts Building is at the heart of our art program and the home of our Visual Arts Department. In addition to lecture halls, students have access to gallery space and studios. One of the highlights of our facility is the abundance of naturally-lit workspaces featuring mountain views.

 

The University of Wyoming’s drawing program is led by Ricki Klages, a highly accomplished artist and professor. In addition to her roles as artist and professor, Ricki served as the Department Head of UW’s Art and Art History program for 15 years.  Ricki has exhibited both nationally and internationally, with solo exhibitions across the United States and Europe including Denmark, Portugal, England and Italy. She has received many awards in juried exhibitions, including the jurors' choice award from The Butler Institute of American Art, Baer Award in Painting from the Wyoming Arts Council and two Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship Grants.

Meet our faculty

What can you do with a Painting Minor?

A painting minor helps you develop strong visual communication and creative problem-solving skills that can complement many career paths. Whether you pursue work as a studio artist, illustrator, art educator, gallery assistant or freelance creative, this minor enhances your artistic abilities and opens doors to roles in the arts, design, education and beyond. It’s also a great foundation for graduate study or careers that value visual storytelling and hands-on creative expression.

Students who graduate with a painting minor are prepared for various painting and visual arts careers, including but not limited to:

  • Fine artist
  • Illustrator
  • Drawing instructor
  • Portrait artist
  • Live painter
  • Museum curator
  • Art teacher
  • Graphic designer

UW's fine art and art education grads are making an impact at the following places:

  • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
  • University of Wyoming
  • Western Confluence Magazine
  • Stripe
  • Self-employed
  • Glassell School of Art
  • Art League Houston
  • Cherry Creek School District

The painting minor is designed for non-studio art majors. As long as you're not majoring in studio art, you can add a painting minor to your degree.

As a painting minor, you'll learn foundational and advanced techniques in drawing, color theory, composition and paint application across various media. Courses typically explore both traditional and contemporary approaches, helping you develop your own artistic style while building technical skills. You'll also study art history to gain a deeper understanding of visual language and creative expression.

Explore UW's State-of-the-Art Visual Arts Building

Visit Us