

M-A in Drawing Painting at Sri Mannu Lal Kanya Mahavidyalaya


Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Drawing & Painting at Sri Mannu Lal Kanya Mahavidyalaya Kanpur Nagar?
This Drawing & Painting program at Sri Mannu Lal Kanya Mahavidyalaya focuses on developing artistic skills, theoretical knowledge, and critical understanding. Rooted in both Western and Indian art history, the curriculum fosters creativity and technique, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s growing art and cultural sectors, from traditional practice to modern art forms.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative graduates with a passion for visual arts, seeking advanced technical skills and a deep theoretical foundation. It attracts individuals aspiring to become professional artists, art educators, critics, or curators. Prior exposure to fine arts at the undergraduate level, typically a B.A. with Drawing & Painting, is generally beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect enriching career paths as professional artists, art teachers in schools and colleges, art critics, gallery managers, or muralists in India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also supports preparation for national art certifications and PhD studies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Art Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to practice core drawing skills, color theory, and medium handling taught in classes. Focus on observational drawing, life studies, and experimenting with various materials like charcoal, watercolors, and oils to build a strong technical base.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Art supplies, College art studios, Online tutorials (e.g., Proko for anatomy), Local art workshops
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are essential for any artistic career, enabling versatility and a solid portfolio for future specializations and commissions.
Engage with Art History & Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbook learning, visit art museums and galleries (e.g., National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi/Mumbai) to see masterpieces firsthand. Participate in discussions on art criticism and aesthetics to develop critical thinking and articulate your artistic vision.
Tools & Resources
Museum visits, Art history books, Online art encyclopedias, Peer study groups, Art documentaries
Career Connection
A deep understanding of art history and theory is crucial for art educators, critics, curators, and informs a more profound personal artistic practice.
Build an Initial Digital Portfolio- (Semester 1-2)
Start documenting all your artworks digitally from the very beginning. Photograph your drawings, paintings, and practical assignments in good lighting. Organize them in a simple digital format (e.g., Google Drive, Behance profile) for easy access and review.
Tools & Resources
Smartphone camera, Photo editing apps, Google Drive, Behance
Career Connection
A well-maintained digital portfolio is indispensable for showcasing your work to potential employers, clients, or for higher studies and exhibition opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specializations & Electives- (Semester 3)
Actively choose electives like Mural Painting or Photography based on genuine interest. Engage deeply with the practical aspects of these choices, exploring them beyond classroom assignments through self-initiated projects or group collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Specialized studio equipment (mural tools, cameras), Department faculty for guidance, Local craftspeople for traditional techniques
Career Connection
Specializing broadens your skill set and opens doors to niche careers such as mural artist, art photographer, or art restorer.
Participate in College Art Events & Competitions- (Semester 3 - early Semester 4)
Actively submit your artwork to college art exhibitions, inter-college art competitions, and local art festivals. Seek feedback from faculty and peers, and use these platforms to gain exposure and experience presenting your work to an audience.
Tools & Resources
College art club, Department announcements, Local cultural centers
Career Connection
Builds confidence, provides networking opportunities, and helps in understanding audience reception, essential for a professional artist or curator.
Start Your Dissertation Research Early- (Semester 3)
Begin exploring potential dissertation topics related to Indian or Western art history, art theory, or practical research in painting. Conduct preliminary literature reviews and identify a faculty mentor to guide your research and project development for the final semester.
Tools & Resources
University library, Online academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Faculty advisors, Art journals
Career Connection
Develops strong research and critical analysis skills, essential for academic roles, art criticism, and independent artistic inquiry.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Portfolio Refinement and Personal Style- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to developing a cohesive body of work for your final portfolio, reflecting a unique artistic voice. Seek intensive critiques from faculty and peers, and prepare a professional artist statement and CV.
Tools & Resources
Art faculty for critique, Professional artists'''' portfolios, Online platforms for artist statements and CV templates
Career Connection
A strong, distinctive portfolio and professional documents are crucial for gallery representation, exhibition opportunities, and securing positions in the art industry.
Network with Art Professionals & Seek Internships- (Semester 4)
Attend art exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks. Connect with established artists, gallery owners, and art educators. Actively seek internships or apprenticeships in galleries, museums, or art studios to gain practical experience and industry insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional art associations, College placement cell, Art event listings
Career Connection
Builds vital professional contacts, potentially leading to mentorships, collaborations, and future employment opportunities in the Indian art market.
Prepare for Career Transition or Higher Education- (Semester 4)
Research job openings for art educators, curators, or artists, and tailor your portfolio and applications. If pursuing further studies (e.g., B.Ed., PhD), prepare admission tests and research programs. Develop entrepreneurial skills for self-employment.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling, B.Ed. entrance exam guides, University admission portals, Government schemes for artists
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition into the desired career path or academic pursuit post-graduation, maximizing the program''''s value.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in any discipline
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for theory papers), External: 75% (for theory papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRAWING-101 | History of Western Art: From Pre-Historic to Renaissance | Core Theory | 4 | Pre-Historic Art, Egyptian Art, Mesopotamian Art, Greek Art, Roman Art, Early Christian and Byzantine Art, Gothic Art, Renaissance Art |
| DRAWING-102 | History of Indian Art: From Pre-Historic to Mughal Painting | Core Theory | 4 | Pre-Historic Indian Art, Indus Valley Civilization Art, Mauryan Art, Shunga and Satavahana Art, Kushana and Gupta Art, Buddhist and Jain Art, Mughal Painting |
| DRAWING-103 | Aesthetics (Western & Indian) | Core Theory | 4 | Indian Aesthetics (Rasa, Dhwani, Alamkara), Western Aesthetics (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Croce), Art and Beauty, Aesthetic Experience, Role of Artist and Viewer |
| DRAWING-104 | Methods & Materials of Art | Core Theory | 4 | Drawing Materials (Pencil, Charcoal, Ink), Painting Materials (Watercolors, Oils, Acrylics), Printmaking Techniques, Sculpture Materials, Fresco and Tempera Techniques |
| DRAWING-105 | Life Study / Portraiture | Practical | 4 | Human Anatomy and Proportions, Head Study and Facial Expressions, Drapery Study, Figure Composition, Still Life, Compositional Balance |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRAWING-201 | History of Western Art: From Modernism to Contemporary | Core Theory | 4 | Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, Fauvism and Cubism, Expressionism and Surrealism, Abstract Art, Pop Art and Conceptual Art, Contemporary Art Trends |
| DRAWING-202 | History of Indian Art: From Rajasthani Painting to Contemporary | Core Theory | 4 | Rajasthani Miniature Painting, Pahari Painting, Deccan Painting, Bengal School, Progressive Artists Group, Modern Indian Sculptors, Contemporary Indian Artists, Folk Art Forms |
| DRAWING-203 | Art Criticism | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Art Criticism, Methods of Analysis, Art Terminology, Role of the Critic, Ethical Considerations in Criticism, Art Market and Criticism |
| DRAWING-204 | Graphics / Print Making | Core Theory | 4 | History of Printmaking, Relief Printing (Woodcut, Linocut), Intaglio Printing (Etching, Engraving), Lithography, Serigraphy (Screen Printing), Digital Printmaking |
| DRAWING-205 | Creative Composition | Practical | 4 | Principles of Composition, Elements of Design, Color Theory, Space and Perspective, Abstraction and Symbolism, Narrative Art, Experimental Techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRAWING-301 | Pictorial Composition (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Elements of Pictorial Composition, Principles of Design, Color Theory and Application, Space and Perspective, Narrative Composition, Abstract Composition |
| DRAWING-302 | History of Indian Sculpture | Core Theory | 4 | Indus Valley Sculpture, Mauryan Sculpture, Gandhara and Mathura School, Gupta Sculpture, Pala and Sena Sculpture, Chola Bronzes, Temple Sculpture, Modern Indian Sculpture |
| DRAWING-303 (Elective A) | Art Education & Teaching Methods | Elective Theory | 4 | Principles of Art Education, Curriculum Development, Teaching Strategies in Art, Assessment in Art Education, Role of an Art Teacher, Art and Child Psychology |
| DRAWING-303 (Elective B) | Mural Painting | Elective Theory | 4 | History of Mural Painting, Fresco Techniques, Tempera Techniques, Material Preparation for Murals, Scale and Proportion, Site-Specific Art, Contemporary Mural Practices |
| DRAWING-303 (Elective C) | Photography | Elective Theory | 4 | History of Photography, Camera Mechanisms and Operation, Composition in Photography, Lighting Techniques, Digital Photography and Editing, Documentary Photography, Fine Art Photography |
| DRAWING-304 | Advance Painting (Medium: Oil/Acrylic/Mixed Media) | Practical | 4 | Advanced Color Mixing, Glazing Techniques, Impasto and Palette Knife Painting, Abstract Expression, Experimental Surfaces, Large Format Painting |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRAWING-401 | Project / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Project Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Preparation |
| DRAWING-402 | Art History - Dissertation | Core Theory | 4 | Advanced Research Methods in Art History, Art Historical Theories, Iconography and Symbolism, Contextual Analysis of Art, Dissertation Proposal and Writing, Oral Defense Preparation |
| DRAWING-403 | Art Market & Management | Core Theory | 4 | Art Economics, Art Galleries and Museums, Curatorial Practices, Art Fairs and Auctions, Online Art Platforms, Copyright and Intellectual Property in Art, Artist Management and Marketing |
| DRAWING-404 | Advance Painting (Medium: Oil/Acrylic/Mixed Media) - Continuation | Practical | 4 | Development of Personal Style, Portfolio Building, Exhibition Preparation, Professional Art Practice, Advanced Compositional Studies, Thematic Series Development |
| DRAWING-405 | Viva Voce | Viva Voce | 4 | Comprehensive Understanding of Art History, Art Theory Knowledge, Practical Skills Assessment, Defense of Project and Dissertation Work, Artistic Vision and Philosophy |




