Fine arts is the study of art forms created for aesthetics rather than function.
Some fine arts majors focus on creating art. For example, a major in painting will teach students how to use oils, acrylics, and watercolors to create art through painting. Those majoring in sculpture learn how to create three-dimensional art with materials like clay, stone, and wood. Ceramics majors learn how to use clay and other materials to create art through hand and wheel-thrown ceramics. Painting majors learn the technical skills they need to create art using paint and related materials.
A major in fine arts combines all of these studies into one, giving students a broad overview and general knowledge of the field of fine arts. Along with learning how to create art through drawing, painting, and sculpture, students become familiar and experiment with visual and conceptual meaning as well as explore their creative visions as they develop their unique style. Fine arts curriculum consists of courses intended to familiarize students with the study of art, such as visual culture, art history, visual communication, design methodologies, and more. Other courses focus on specific fine art disciplines in which students learn how to create through various mediums. These types of courses may address topics like drawing and composition, sculpture practices, ceramic sculpture, contemporary drawing practices, figure drawing, photography practices, and two or three-dimensional materials and concepts.
Some fine arts programs allow students to choose a concentration like painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, or drawing. Before graduation, fine arts majors are often expected to present a portfolio showcasing their body of work. Upon graduation, they should have the traditional and modern artistic skills necessary for various types of positions in areas such as art education, curation, exhibition, creation and more.