The Painting Programme is a National First-Class Undergraduate Program and has been a cornerstone of the National Academy of Art since its founding in 1928. Over its nearly a century of development, it has become one of the programmes with the most complete teaching framework, fullest range of specialised tracks and deepest academic connotations.
Integrating traditional cultural heritage with contemporary media, and theory with practice, the programme combines modelling principles, Oriental aesthetics and historical critical inquiry with modern media and conceptual expression. Through in-depth practice across Oil Painting, Printmaking, Mural Painting, Integrated Painting and other diverse tracks, students access multiple pathways to explore the core connotation of painting. The programme continuously refines and improves its studio-based teaching mechanism and research framework featuring “diversified interaction, harmonious coexistence with unique individuality”.
The programme aims to nurture painting professionals with profound ideological grounding, solid technical proficiency and global vision. Graduates are able to engage in in-depth development within thematic creation, art research, public visual art and aesthetic education. By observing the realities of the times through painting, they drive the innovative development of indigenous fine arts, cultural inheritance and the artistic ecosystem.
Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Structure
The School implements a three-stage pedagogical model: General Foundation, Track-specific Foundation Training and Studio-based advanced study. The programme’s “Technique and Method” curriculum system consists of three core modules: Foundation of Form, Media, Materials and Language, and Creative Concepts and Practices.
All three curriculum modules run concurrently throughout the second and third undergraduate years. The second year is divided into two phases: interdisciplinary foundational courses and track-specific studio training. In the third year, students enter specialised modules to conduct in-depth study of specialised course clusters, hone technical capabilities and complete a pivotal shift in creative thinking. The fourth year adopts a supervisor-led tutorial system for the graduation project, integrating general education, foundational training, track-specific studies, project-based learning and workshop-based knowledge to connect theoretical learning, hands-on training and creative realisation.
