

BFA in Drawing at Chitrakala Mandira Kalashale


Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Drawing at Chitrakala Mandira Kalashale Udupi?
This Drawing specialization program at Chitrakala Mandira Kala Vidyalaya focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of drawing as an independent art form and a foundational skill. Rooted in traditional techniques while embracing contemporary approaches, the curriculum prepares students for diverse creative roles. In the vibrant Indian art market, drawing skills are paramount for illustrators, concept artists, animators, and fine artists, with a growing demand for skilled visual communicators across various industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring artists with a passion for visual expression, fresh graduates seeking entry into the creative arts field, and individuals looking to refine their artistic skills. It caters to those who enjoy observational studies, conceptual art, and visual storytelling. Specific prerequisite backgrounds often include a 10+2 qualification with an aptitude for fine arts, though a strong portfolio and artistic commitment can often be a significant advantage for admission.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths such as fine artist, illustrator, concept artist for animation/gaming, art educator, or graphic designer. Entry-level salaries in these fields can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories often lead to art directorships, studio ownership, or becoming established independent artists. The skills acquired also align with international professional certifications in digital art and design.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Drawing Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extensive time to mastering foundational drawing skills like line, form, perspective, and shading. Practice daily with still life, object drawing, and basic figure studies to build a strong visual vocabulary and hand-eye coordination.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Charcoal, Pencils, Online tutorials (e.g., Draw Mix Paint, Proko), Life drawing sessions
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for any visual art career, enabling artists to accurately represent ideas and forms, which is essential for illustration, animation, and fine art portfolios.
Engage Actively in Art History & Aesthetics- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom lectures, delve into Indian and Western art history through museum visits, documentaries, and supplementary readings. Understand the cultural and philosophical contexts of art to enrich your creative perspective.
Tools & Resources
Museums (e.g., National Gallery of Modern Art), Art books, Documentaries (e.g., BBC Art Series)
Career Connection
A broad understanding of art history informs artistic choices, inspires new ideas, and provides a critical framework for discussing and analyzing art, crucial for art critics, curators, and educators.
Develop a Consistent Studio Practice- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a regular routine for studio work, experimenting with different mediums and subjects beyond assignments. Document your progress, seek feedback from peers and faculty, and cultivate personal artistic expression.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated workspace, Variety of art supplies, Peer critique sessions
Career Connection
Consistent practice fosters skill development, builds discipline, and helps in developing a unique artistic style, which is vital for building a professional portfolio and establishing an artist''''s identity.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize and Experiment with Drawing Media- (Semester 3-5)
As you enter specialization, deeply explore various drawing media such as pen and ink, pastels, mixed media, and digital drawing. Understand their unique properties and push creative boundaries through experimentation in life drawing and conceptual projects.
Tools & Resources
Digital drawing tablets (Wacom), Software (Procreate, Photoshop), Specialized art papers
Career Connection
Versatility in media makes artists more adaptable for diverse client demands in illustration, graphic novels, or concept art, enhancing employability and project scope.
Build a Digital Presence and Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Start curating your best works into an online portfolio. Create accounts on platforms like Behance or ArtStation, and actively use social media (Instagram, X) to showcase your art, connect with other artists, and build an audience.
Tools & Resources
Behance, ArtStation, Instagram, Personal website builders
Career Connection
An accessible online portfolio is crucial for attracting commissions, job opportunities, and gallery interest in the contemporary art world, both in India and globally.
Participate in Workshops and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and participate in art workshops, masterclasses, and college-level or regional art competitions. This provides exposure, networking opportunities, and helps benchmark your skills against peers.
Tools & Resources
College art club notices, Online art competition platforms, Local art fair listings
Career Connection
Winning or participating in competitions enhances your resume, provides visibility, and builds confidence. Workshops expose you to new techniques and professional insights, broadening your skill set.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Strong Personal Project/Thesis- (Semester 6-8)
Focus intensely on your final year project or dissertation, ensuring it showcases your unique artistic voice, research capabilities, and technical mastery. This should be the strongest piece in your portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Studio space, Mentorship from faculty, Research materials (books, journals)
Career Connection
A compelling final project demonstrates your ability to conceive, execute, and present a significant body of work, a key differentiator for independent artists, illustrators, and fine art applications.
Engage in Professional Networking & Internships- (Semester 6-8)
Actively network with established artists, gallerists, art directors, and potential clients through exhibitions, art fairs, and professional events. Seek out internships in design studios, animation houses, or art galleries to gain practical industry experience.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Art exhibition openings, Industry conferences, College placement cell
Career Connection
Networking is vital for discovering job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship. Internships provide invaluable real-world experience and often lead to full-time employment or future commissions.
Master Presentation and Self-Promotion Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Learn to articulate your artistic vision, process, and influences effectively. Practice writing artist statements, project proposals, and preparing for interviews or gallery submissions. Understand basic art market dynamics and pricing.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking workshops, Mock interviews, Art business books, Artist statement guides
Career Connection
The ability to present yourself and your work professionally is crucial for selling art, securing grants, gaining gallery representation, and succeeding as an independent artist or entrepreneur in the Indian art scene.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed PUC/10+2 or any other equivalent examination recognized by Mangalore University.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 196 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% for Theory, 50% for Practical, External: 70% for Theory, 50% for Practical
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22ENG101 | English - I | Language | 3 | Communication Skills, Grammar Basics, Prose and Poetry Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Basic Writing Techniques |
| 22KAN101 / 22SAN101 / 22HIN101 | Kannada / Sanskrit / Hindi - I | Language | 3 | Regional Language Proficiency, Literary Texts, Grammar and Syntax, Reading and Writing Skills, Cultural Context |
| 22FC101 | Foundation Course - I (Art & Aesthetics - I) | Foundation | 2 | Introduction to Art, Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Art Appreciation, Visual Culture |
| 22CC101 | Basic Drawing - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Line Drawing, Object Study, Still Life Composition, Basic Shading, Perspective Fundamentals |
| 22CC102 | Basic Painting - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 4 | Color Theory, Introduction to Mediums, Basic Painting Techniques, Brushwork, Composition in Painting |
| 22CC103 | Basic Applied Art - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 4 | Lettering and Calligraphy, Basic Layout Design, Typography Introduction, Poster Design, Graphic Elements |
| 22OE101 | Open Elective - I | Elective | 2 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22ENG201 | English - II | Language | 3 | Advanced Communication, Critical Reading, Advanced Grammar, Essay and Report Writing, Public Speaking |
| 22KAN201 / 22SAN201 / 22HIN201 | Kannada / Sanskrit / Hindi - II | Language | 3 | Advanced Regional Literature, Cultural Narratives, Creative Writing, Translation Practice, Language Refinement |
| 22FC201 | Foundation Course - II (History of Indian Art & Culture - I) | Foundation | 2 | Prehistoric Indian Art, Indus Valley Civilization Art, Buddhist Art, Hindu Temple Architecture, Mughal and Rajput Painting |
| 22CC201 | Basic Drawing - II (Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Human Anatomy for Artists, Portrait Study, Figure Drawing, Drapery Study, Life Drawing Techniques |
| 22CC202 | Basic Painting - II (Practical) | Core Practical | 4 | Landscape Painting, Portrait Painting, Abstract Painting Basics, Watercolor Techniques, Oil Painting Introduction |
| 22CC203 | Basic Sculpture - I (Practical) | Core Practical | 4 | Clay Modeling, Relief Sculpture, Form and Volume Study, Basic Carving, Material Exploration |
| 22OE201 | Open Elective - II | Elective | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22DSC301 | History of Indian Art & Culture - II | Discipline Specific Core | 3 | Pala and Sena Art, Vijayanagara Period Art, Deccan Sultanates Painting, Company School, Modern Indian Art Movements |
| 22DSC302 | Drawing - I (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Advanced Life Drawing, Figure Composition, Portraiture Techniques, Anatomy and Form, Expressive Drawing |
| 22DSC303 | Drawing - II (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Dry Media Exploration, Charcoal and Pastel Techniques, Mixed Media Drawing, Perspective and Space, Architectural Sketching |
| 22SEC301 | Skill Enhancement Course - I | Skill Elective | 2 | |
| 22OE301 | Open Elective - III | Elective | 2 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22DSC401 | History of Western Art - I | Discipline Specific Core | 3 | Ancient Civilizations Art, Classical Greek and Roman Art, Medieval European Art, Early Renaissance, High Renaissance and Mannerism |
| 22DSC402 | Drawing - III (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Advanced Figure Study, Human Form in Movement, Narrative Drawing, Illustrative Techniques, Conceptual Drawing Approaches |
| 22DSC403 | Drawing - IV (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Printmaking Introduction, Etching and Lithography Basics, Digital Drawing Tools, Mixed Media Experimentation, Experimental Drawing |
| 22SEC401 | Skill Enhancement Course - II | Skill Elective | 2 | |
| 22OE401 | Open Elective - IV | Elective | 2 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22DSC501 | History of Western Art - II | Discipline Specific Core | 3 | Baroque and Rococo Art, Neoclassicism and Romanticism, Realism and Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Early 20th Century Avant-Garde |
| 22DSC502 | Drawing - V (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Advanced Portraiture, Self-Portraiture, Caricature and Satire, Psychological Portraits, Figurative Expression |
| 22DSC503 | Drawing - VI (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Conceptual Drawing Series, Visual Journaling, Large-Scale Drawing, Thematic Explorations, Site-Specific Drawing |
| 22DSE501 | Discipline Specific Elective - I | Elective | 3 | |
| 22OE501 | Open Elective - V | Elective | 2 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22DSC601 | Aesthetics - II | Discipline Specific Core | 3 | Modern Aesthetics Theories, Postmodernism in Art, Art Criticism Methods, Philosophy of Art, Semiotics and Visual Culture |
| 22DSC602 | Drawing - VII (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Experimental Mark-Making, Abstraction in Drawing, Materiality of Line, Spatial and Volume Drawing, Interdisciplinary Approaches |
| 22DSC603 | Drawing - VIII (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Installation Drawing, Performance Drawing, Public Art and Context, Narrative Sequences, Advanced Composition |
| 22DSE601 | Discipline Specific Elective - II | Elective | 3 | |
| 22OE601 | Open Elective - VI | Elective | 2 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22DSC701 | Art & Technology | Discipline Specific Core | 3 | Digital Art Tools, Introduction to Animation, Video Art Techniques, Interactive Art Concepts, Art and Emerging Technologies |
| 22DSC702 | Drawing - IX (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Research-Based Drawing, Conceptual Development in Drawing, Portfolio Preparation, Exhibition Design Principles, Artist Statement Writing |
| 22DSC703 | Drawing - X (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 6 | Advanced Printmaking, Screen Printing, Woodcut and Linocut, Book Arts and Zines, Sequential Art |
| 22DSE701 | Discipline Specific Elective - III | Elective | 3 | |
| 22OE701 | Open Elective - VII | Elective | 2 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22DSC801 | Professional Practices & Entrepreneurship in Art | Discipline Specific Core | 3 | Art Business Fundamentals, Marketing and Promotion for Artists, Copyright and Intellectual Property, Gallery Representation, Funding and Grants for Artists |
| 22DSC802 | Drawing Project (Major Practical) | Core Practical | 10 | Independent Art Research, Project Development and Execution, Studio Practice and Production, Final Exhibition, Viva Voce Presentation |
| 22DSC803 | Dissertation/Internship | Core | 6 | Research Methodology in Art, Thesis Writing, Case Studies in Art, Art Industry Internship, Report Writing |
| 22OE801 | Open Elective - VIII | Elective | 2 |




