Additionally, the  major at  encourages the development of material experimentation and conceptual thinking in the upper level courses. Students begin by working from observation, developing skills and proficiency in oils. As students gain skills and abilities with oil paints they are encouraged to challenge the very notion of what painting is by exploring alternative tools, methods and surfaces. Discipline and perseverance are strengthened as students develop a unique voice, conceptually and formally. In their senior year, students work closely with the Painting faculty to develop a distinctive body of work that is sophisticated in its content and scope.