

MA in Drawing Painting at Dayanand Subhash National Post Graduate College


Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Drawing & Painting at Dayanand Subhash National Post Graduate College Unnao?
This Drawing & Painting program at Dayanand Subhash National Post Graduate College, Unnao, focuses on advanced artistic skills, theoretical knowledge of art history, and critical aesthetics. The program aims to nurture creative talent, emphasizing both traditional and contemporary art practices relevant to the evolving Indian art scene and cultural landscape. It prepares students for diverse roles in visual arts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduates with a strong foundation and passion for visual arts, seeking to deepen their understanding and practice. It also suits aspiring artists, art educators, and cultural researchers who wish to pursue a professional career in art or higher academic pursuits within the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to explore career paths as professional artists, art teachers, gallery managers, art critics, illustrators, or art conservators in India. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 3-5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience and portfolio strength. The program equips students for independent practice, teaching positions, and roles in cultural institutions.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering Indian and Western Art History and Aesthetics. Regularly read assigned texts, participate in discussions, and visit local museums/galleries (e.g., State Museum, Lucknow) to connect theory with actual artworks. Form study groups to discuss complex aesthetic concepts and art movements.
Tools & Resources
University library, online art history resources (e.g., Google Arts & Culture), local museum visits
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for art criticism, curatorial roles, and academic positions.
Intensive Skill Development in Drawing & Painting- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to practical sessions, going beyond classroom assignments. Practice life drawing, portraiture, and landscape painting regularly. Experiment with various mediums like oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal. Seek continuous feedback from faculty and peers to refine techniques.
Tools & Resources
Art studio, art supplies, online tutorials (e.g., YouTube channels of professional artists)
Career Connection
Strong practical skills are fundamental for professional artists, illustrators, and fine art practitioners.
Engage in Peer Learning and Critique- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in class critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback. Organize informal peer critique sessions to discuss artworks, techniques, and concepts outside of scheduled classes. This fosters a critical eye and improves communication about art.
Tools & Resources
Peer group discussions, art department common spaces
Career Connection
Essential for collaborative projects, professional art dialogue, and understanding diverse artistic perspectives.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialization and Experimental Techniques- (Semester 3-4)
Begin to delve deeper into specific areas like mural painting, illustration, or advanced figurative studies based on personal interest. Experiment with mixed media, digital tools, and unconventional approaches to expand artistic vocabulary. Attend workshops on specialized techniques.
Tools & Resources
Specialized art workshops, digital art software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Procreate), art materials for new mediums
Career Connection
Develops a unique artistic voice and expertise, making artists more competitive in specific niches like illustration or public art.
Build an Academic/Research Portfolio- (Semester 3-4)
For subjects like Research Methodology and Dissertation, meticulously select a research topic, conduct thorough literature reviews, and practice academic writing. Attend university seminars on research ethics and methodology. Prepare a well-structured research proposal.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, academic journals, research writing software (e.g., Mendeley for citations)
Career Connection
Prepares students for higher education (PhD), art historical research, or roles in art criticism and academic publishing.
Participate in Local Art Events & Exhibitions- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to display artwork in college exhibitions, local art fairs, or student shows in Unnao or nearby cities like Lucknow/Kanpur. This provides exposure, helps gather feedback, and builds confidence in presenting work to a wider audience.
Tools & Resources
College art department, local art galleries, event listings
Career Connection
Essential for gaining public recognition, networking with other artists and gallerists, and understanding the art market.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Professional Artist Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Curate a strong portfolio of best works from all semesters, ensuring high-quality photographs and proper documentation. Craft a compelling artist statement and resume tailored for galleries, residencies, or job applications. Seek professional feedback on the portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Professional camera, portfolio website builders (e.g., Behance, personal website), artist statement workshops
Career Connection
A high-quality portfolio is the primary tool for securing placements, gallery representation, or freelance projects.
Plan and Execute Final Project/Exhibition- (Semester 4)
Devote significant effort to the final project, ensuring it showcases advanced skills and a clear artistic vision. Plan and execute a mini-exhibition within the college or a public space. Learn about installation, presentation, and logistics of showcasing art.
Tools & Resources
Art studio, exhibition space, curatorial guidance from faculty
Career Connection
Simulates a real-world exhibition experience, vital for independent artists and those aiming for gallery representation.
Network and Explore Career Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Attend art talks, workshops, and artist meetups in larger cities (Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi) to network with established artists, critics, and gallery owners. Research job opportunities in art education, cultural institutions, and the creative industry. Prepare for interviews and professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, art magazines, professional art organizations, career counseling at college
Career Connection
Crucial for identifying job roles, collaborative opportunities, and building a sustainable career path in the arts.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per CSJMU norms, typically a Bachelor''''s degree (B.A. with Drawing & Painting or B.F.A.) from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for Theory), 50% (for Practicals), External: 75% (for Theory), 50% (for Practicals)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMPG 101 | History of Indian Art – I (Ancient & Medieval Period) | Core | 4 | Pre-historic & Indus Valley, Vedic & Mauryan Art, Sunga, Satvahana & Kushana Art, Gupta Period Art, Early Medieval Temples (North & South India), Pala & Sena School of Sculpture and Painting |
| DMPG 102 | Aesthetics – I (Indian Aesthetics) | Core | 4 | Art & its Meaning, Indian Concept of Beauty, Sadanga, Rasa Theory, Dhvani Theory, Alamkara & Auchitya |
| DMPG 103 | Practical - I (Sketching & Drawing from Life) | Practical/Core | 6 | Human Figure Study, Head Study, Drapery Study, Animal/Bird Study, Still Life Study, Outdoor Sketching |
| DMPG 104 | Practical - II (Painting from Life) | Practical/Core | 6 | Portrait Painting, Figure Painting, Landscape Painting (Plein Air), Still Life Painting, Creative Composition, Material Exploration |
| DMPG 105 | Minor Elective / Vocational Course (Drawing Basic Design) | Elective | 2 | Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Geometrical Compositions, Abstract Forms, Calligraphy, Pattern Making |
| DMPG 106 | Internship/Field Project / Community Engagement and Service | Internship | 2 | Field Survey, Data Collection, Project Planning, Report Writing, Community Interaction, Presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMPG 201 | History of Western Art – I (Early Renaissance to Post Impressionism) | Core | 4 | Early & High Renaissance, Baroque & Rococo, Neo-Classicism & Romanticism, Realism & Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism & Art Nouveau |
| DMPG 202 | Aesthetics – II (Western Aesthetics) | Core | 4 | Greek & Roman Aesthetics, Medieval & Renaissance Aesthetics, Kant''''s Aesthetic Theory, Hegel''''s Philosophy of Art, Croce''''s Aesthetic Intuition, Clive Bell''''s Significant Form |
| DMPG 203 | Practical - III (Advanced Painting) | Practical/Core | 6 | Advanced Compositions, Thematic Development, Medium and Technique Experimentation, Large Scale Painting, Figurative Expression, Non-representational Art |
| DMPG 204 | Practical - IV (Specialization in Painting) | Practical/Core | 6 | Mural Painting Techniques, Fresco & Tempera, Folk Art Forms, Contemporary Painting Trends, Digital Painting Introduction, Restoration & Conservation |
| DMPG 205 | Minor Elective / Vocational Course (Art & Craft / Computer Graphics) | Elective | 2 | Traditional Indian Crafts, Textile Design, Pottery, Basic Computer Graphics, Photoshop for Artists, CorelDraw for Design |
| DMPG 206 | Internship/Field Project / Community Engagement and Service | Internship | 2 | Project Implementation, Field Documentation, Stakeholder Engagement, Problem Solving, Report Submission, Experience Sharing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMPG 301 | History of Indian Art – II (Modern & Contemporary) | Core | 4 | Company School, Bengal School, Progressive Artists Group, Bombay & Delhi Group, Contemporary Art Movements, Regional Modernism |
| DMPG 302 | Modern & Contemporary Western Art – II (20th Century Art) | Core | 4 | Fauvism & Cubism, Expressionism & Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art & Op Art, Minimalism & Conceptual Art, Performance & Installation Art |
| DMPG 303 | Practical - V (Mural Painting / Illustration) | Practical/Core | 6 | Mural Design & Execution, Large Scale Drawing, Book Illustration, Character Design, Storyboarding, Digital Illustration Tools |
| DMPG 304 | Practical - VI (Portraiture & Figurative Study) | Practical/Core | 6 | Advanced Portraiture, Figure in Environment, Drapery & Costume Study, Expressive Figurative Art, Anatomy for Artists, Psychological Portraiture |
| DMPG 305 | Project Work/Dissertation/Academic Writing (Elective) | Project | 2 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Data Analysis in Art, Academic Writing Standards, Presentation Skills, Report Compilation |
| DMPG 306 | Open Elective Course (e.g., Photography / Basic Graphic Design) | Elective | 2 | Basic Photography Techniques, Composition in Photography, Digital Photo Editing, Graphic Design Principles, Layout Design, Typography |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMPG 401 | Research Methodology in Art & Art Criticism | Core | 4 | Art Historical Research Methods, Art Criticism Theories, Hermeneutics, Semiotics, Iconography, Curatorial Practices |
| DMPG 402 | Special Study (Specialization based on faculty choice) | Core | 4 | In-depth Artist Study, Art Movement Analysis, Regional Art Focus, Contemporary Art Theory, Public Art, Art Market Dynamics |
| DMPG 403 | Practical - VII (Advanced Composition & Abstraction) | Practical/Core | 6 | Complex Compositions, Abstract Painting Techniques, Non-Objective Art, Mixed Media Exploration, Experimental Art Forms, Conceptual Art in Practice |
| DMPG 404 | Practical - VIII (Final Project/Exhibition) | Project | 6 | Portfolio Development, Exhibition Design, Artwork Production, Artist Statement, Documentation, Final Presentation & Viva |
| DMPG 405 | Value Added Course (e.g., Art Entrepreneurship / Digital Portfolio) | Elective | 2 | Business Plan for Artists, Grant Writing, Intellectual Property Rights, Art Marketing, Social Media for Artists, Digital Portfolio Creation |
| DMPG 406 | Skill Enhancement Course (e.g., Professional Ethics in Art / Communication Skills) | Elective | 2 | Professional Conduct, Gallery Relations, Art Education Pedagogy, Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, Teamwork |




