Fall 2026 ART 310: Advanced Painting (Units: 1.5)

Instructor(s), Contact Information, and Office Hours

Name: Moozhan Ahmadzadegan
Office: N/A
Phone: N/A
Email: moozhana@uvic.ca

Office Hours: By appointment. 

 

Course Overview

In this course students will develop an independent painting practice that strengthens the relationship between their material and conceptual ideas. Students will develop a visual vocabulary through experimentation and exploration, building off foundational courses. Students will develop a deeper comprehension of technical, conceptual, and material relationships within the context of contemporary practices. Implementation of research, risk taking, and generative peer and self critique are integral to the course. These skills will be developed through in class lectures, demonstrations, independent studio research, and discussion and critique. 

At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the course materials and will have made significant discoveries through exploration. Students will have gained skills to idealize self-directed, cohesive bodies of work that bridge material, method, and meaning preparing them for the following semester. 

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

In this course, students will:

• Strengthen the connection between ideas, content, and material.
• Develop skills to create a cohesive body of work.
• Deepen critical engagement with painting through critiques and discussions.
• Advance painting skills through rigorous practice.

Assignments

Critiques

To succeed in this course, students are expected to engage in all aspects of the course, including participation during critiques. The critique and discussion format for this course will be conducted in an open and generative way. Students are encouraged to respond with what thoughts, questions, and feelings that arise, rather than spending time describing what they think others should have done. In an effort to employ a decolonial approach, critiques will be conducted with collaboration and curiosity. Throughout the course, we will work together to establish goals for the semester in an effort to better reflect and support individual students. Space will be made for nuance, cultural diversity, and accessibility. If you are unable to contribute to the class discussions for any reason, please discuss this with me as I may be able to offer assistance or other models for participation.

Students are encouraged to offer healthy, responsible, supportive feedback, make space, collaborate meaningfully, and contribute with kindness and authenticity. During critiques, presenting students will have the opportunity to ask the class specific questions in relation to their work and to provide as much context as they feel necessary for discussion. As the instructor, I will foster a respectful and creative environment, making space for authentic feedback. I will guide critiques when appropriate to keep discussions constructive and relevant. 

See the Assignments section for relevant dates.

Grading

Evaluations will be based on projects, attendance, and participation and engagement with the course content. I will still follow the standards of the University grading system and department expectations. To succeed in this course, students should be able to demonstrate skills and comprehension of contemporary practices, including conceptual and technical applications. To achieve top grades there must be evidence of experimentation, risk taking, and the application of learned concepts in assignments.

As instructor, I welcome feedback and questions. My goal is to support you as best possible for you to succeed, learn, and feel empowered in your painting practice.

Please refer to the Assignments section for a percentage breakdown for exercises, assignments, critiques, participation and engagement. 

Please refer to the UVIC Grading standard for grade breakdowns.

Department of Visual Arts Attendance Standard

Experiential learning and engagement are directly tied to class attendance. In the Department of Visual Arts students are expected to attend all classes. To succeed in the course, students should not have more than 2 unexcused absences in a 12-week semester, which equates to 6 hours of instruction.

Any student, regardless of illness or accommodation will not be able to succeed in the course with absences over 30%, which equates to 12 hours in a twelve-week semester. If a student finds that they are not able to meet this requirement, the instructor will work with the student to apply for academic concession or exceptional circumstances accommodation.

This standard is in place to ensure that students in the program acquire artistic experience in conjunction with the skill and safety requirements needed to complete the coursework and continue in the program. We find that active communication between students and instructors is the best method for ensuring attendance requirements are met. Email is the best way to contact me. I will try my best to respond within 48 hours. Please note I only check emails during the day on weekdays. Emails received in the evening or on weekends most likely will not be responded to until the following work day. If the attendance standard has not been met and there is no communication with the instructor, an incomplete or failing grade will be assigned.

Academic Concession Link:

https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-concessions-accommodations/request-for-academic-concession/#ipn-request-a-withdrawal-or-aegrotat

Materials

PAINT

* Every tube of paint tells you its properties, such as if it’s translucent or opaque; fluid or heavy body; etc. Check the label!

*(It’s okay to start with beginner’s kits and build them out as needed)

Essential: You can mix these colours to produce great range of colour and value

(predominantly opaque)

• Titanium White
• Cadmium Red (or equivalent, such as Napthol or Pyrrol Red)
• Cadmium Yellow Medium (or equivalent)
• Ultramarine Blue (translucent)
• Raw Umber
• Burnt Umber
• Yellow Ochre
• Burnt Sienna
• Raw Sienna 

Optional: Useful for expanding your range as well as glazing

(predominantly translucent)

• Alizarin or Quinacridone Crimson
• Viridian Green (or equivalent, such as Pthalo Green)
• Sap Green
• Hansa Yellow light
• Turquoise Blue
• Imitation Flake White (sometimes called Soft Mixing White)
• Paynes Grey

Solvents *If you are working with oils

Odourless mineral spirits (Gamsol is good)

Mediums

Mediums help flow, extend paint, and come in a variety of finishes and effects. I recommend a medium in your choice of finish (matte, satin, gloss) for acrylics or oils.

Brushes

1”, 2”, 3” house brush (natural bristle for oil, synthetic for acrylic)
#1 round (detail)
#6, #10, #14 filbert (or approximate equivalent)
Whatever else you think looks interesting or useful

I recommend a separate set of brushes for oil and acrylic

Canvas

Deep canvas recommended.
Exercise 1: 3 canvas minimum 16”x20”
Assignment 2: 4 canvas minimum 16”x20”

Tools

Apron, shop or chore coat
Containers for mineral spirits (2) or water with lids
Large palette (Required. Do not use taborets as palettes)
Palette scraper
Palette knives 
Rags, rags, rags (paper towels are ok for watercolour)

While the primary focus of this class is painting, I welcome other mediums and materials to supplement acrylic and oils in this class. This includes spray paint, gouache, watercolour, oil sticks, etc.

Additional Information

Communicating With Me

I encourage you to see me if you have questions that have not been answered in class. The best way to contact me is through email. I will try my best to respond within 48 hours. Please note I only check emails during the day on weekdays. Emails received in the evening or on weekends most likely will not be responded to until the next work day. I am also happy to set up a time to meet in person.

Please refer to this Course Outline, Brightspace, or ask a friend before reaching out to me.

Office Hours: by appointment

Email: moozhana@uvic.ca

Generative AI

It’s preferred that you do not use any generative AI in class. You are here for a reason. You are capable of creating and writing in far more interesting and thoughtful ways that AI cannot replicate. Please keep in mind that most of the tools that employ generative AI were engineered by corporate interests that are actively invested in decompensating or outright replacing humans who make art for a living with tools that will increase their profits, and that Generative AI for images is extremely carbon intensive.

Visiting Artist Program

It is recommended that you attend the department’s Visiting Artists program. This is an opportunity to discover the breadth and diversity of contemporary artistic practices, and to hear professional artists talk about their practices in their own words. We host visiting artists on Wednesday evenings.

Support

CAL Accommodations

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Access, review and acknowledge receipt of the accommodation letter https://al.uvic.ca/ClockWork/user/instructor/default.aspx
• Take the time to privately discuss the accommodation with your student; if you would like to understand the requested accommodation better, reach out to the CAL Advisor mentioned in the accommodation letter or communicate with both the student and their CAL Advisor. The goal is to learn if the accommodation pertains to studio-based classes, and if so, discuss best practices for moving forward with the accommodation request and achieving the learning outcomes of the course.
• Work with your student to meet their requirements for your specific class.
• Inform the student of their role in the accommodation process.
• Be mindful of the need to ensure confidentiality and protect the student’s privacy at all times.

Student Responsibilities:

• Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning by the posted deadlines https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/how-to-register/index.php
• Take the time to discuss your accommodation with your instructor. Consider how your accommodation relates to a studio-based learning environment, and which, if any, aspects will pertain.
• A CAL accommodation does NOT exempt students from completing assignments or attending class.
• If you require additional time on an assignment or deadline, this must be discussed with your instructor in advance.
• If you require alternate methods for engagement (class discussion, working in the studio classroom, working in the shops), discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• If you require alternate methods for lectures, film or image presentations, discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• Keep your instructor up to date on accommodation needs throughout the term, especially if there are improvements or setbacks.

Health and Safety Policies for the Department of Visual Arts

 In order to protect the integrity of the Visual Arts building and guarantee the safety of students, staff and faculty, the following guidelines must be followed:

• There will be no alteration of the physical building (temporary or otherwise), without the written approval of the chair. All proposals for special projects should be first submitted to The Visual Arts Facilities and Production Manager for consideration.

• All temporary installations of art that may occur outside the regularly sanctioned locations (i.e., the gallery and classrooms) must be authorized.

• At no time will the use of hazardous materials either inside or outside the vicinity of the Visual Arts Building, be permitted without the department’s prior approval.

• There shall be no disposal of toxic materials down sinks: all solvents, acids and other substances used in the routine course of art making must be handled in a safe and acceptable manner. 

• Artworks that include an element of self-harm must be authorized in writing by the Chair and will include strict pre-determined conditions depending on the proposal. In most cases the artist/ student will be responsible for ensuring all safety precautions are taken regarding their safety and the safety of others. This includes having first aid equipment at the performance or during the creation of the work where the action takes place, and consider any health risks your actions may pose to others. At the discretion of the Department Chair, a first responder may be required to be present

• Art that includes elements of violence, self-harm, and or other subject matter that may be traumatic or pose a trigger risk should be clearly identified to students, faculty and staff, allowing them to choose if they want to witness your work, these types of warnings are typical if one were to do such a performance in a gallery or other public space.

• Art that includes excessive volume is dangerous to the hearing of students, faculty and staff. These artworks can also be disruptive to other classes and activities within the Visual Arts Building. Artworks and or actions that contain sound at or above 98dB need to be pre-approved by the Department and clearly labeled. During critique situations hearing protection should be made available anyone required to experience the piece. Free decibel metering apps are available for most smart phones determine the level or risk.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN ACADEMIC PENALTIES, FINANCIAL CHARGES, AND/ OR, THE LOSS OF SHOP, LAB, STUDIO, AND EQUIPMENT USE PRIVILEGES.