This course will introduce students to the process, material, and history of painting with organic and inorganic pigments. The basis of study will be the prehistoric cave paintings that date back between 10,000 and 40,000 years and related schools of art - from Lascaux caves to mineral-based traditional pigment painting methods in Japan, Tibet, and India. Students will learn to work with pigments such as calcium carbonate, powdered clays, oxides, ochers, pine soot, and more. They will also be sensitized to the distinct aura of raw pigments that can create ethereal surfaces when mixed with organic binders in varying densities. In addition to media mixing, color theory discussion, and the completion of two-dimensional self-directed artworks, assignments will guide students through various experiments in traditional paper sizing and mounting techniques. Students will be introduced to techniques of foraging and harvesting earth pigments from natural surroundings, and this course will culminate in a presentation of completed work. The course will include lectures on important sites of prehistoric cave painting from around the world and derivative schools of art such as Nihonga, Japanese Traditional Paintings, Thangka, Tibetan Buddhist Painting, and Indian Miniature paintings.
No class on November 23
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026.
| Course start date | |
| Course end date | |
| Class meeting time | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Class meeting days | Monday |
| Building and room | Online |
| Course number | 2350 |
| Course instructor | Gunjan Kumar |