Narmada College of Fine Arts, Music & Design
Affiliated to Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, Gwalior
M.F.A. (Painting) | 2 Years (4 Semesters)
The M.F.A. in Painting is designed to nurture advanced artistic expression through a balance of practice, theory, and research. Across four semesters, students explore creative and realistic composition, portraiture, and personal style development, while also engaging in seminars, exhibitions, and viva sessions to showcase their growth.
The theoretical framework spans Indian and global art history, tribal and folk traditions, iconography, and aesthetics, with focused studies on Indian, Chinese, and Japanese art movements, as well as Western and Indian philosophies of art. By combining studio practice with critical inquiry, the program prepares students to emerge as innovative artists, educators, and researchers in the field of fine arts.
Step into a vibrant visual journey through the soul of our college — where creativity meets celebration. From inspiring student artwork and prestigious exhibitions to joyful campus activities, awards, and unforgettable trips, this gallery captures the spirit, talent, and memories that define our fine arts community.
MFA (Painting) Curriculum
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Semester – I
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Semester – II
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Semester – III
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Semester – IV
The first semester of the Master of Fine Arts (Painting) program nurtures both practical skill and theoretical depth.
Practical Training:
Creative and portrait painting in personal style, exhibition & viva, and seminars on new techniques in painting.
History of Art – Part I:
Exploration of primitive art, Indian folk & tribal art, Indian iconography, Chinese dynasties, and Japanese art traditions.
Materials & Methods – Part I:
Study of mediums, tools, techniques, composition, colour theories, oil painting processes, pigments, varnishes, supports, and painting styles like tempera, fresco, mosaic, and miniature.
This semester blends hands-on studio practice with rich historical and technical knowledge, preparing students to refine their artistic vision.
The second semester blends studio practice with a deeper understanding of traditional and global art forms.
Practical:
Students specialize in creative or realistic painting (composition/portrait), present their works in exhibitions & viva, and explore new techniques through seminars.
History of Art – Part II:
Study of prehistoric European rock art (Altamira, Lascaux), Indian folk & tribal traditions (Warli, Tanjore, Kalamkari, Phad, etc.), Indian iconography, Buddhist influences on Chinese art, and the evolution of Japanese painting styles across Heian, Kamakura, and Muromachi periods.
Materials & Methods – Part II:
Hands-on learning of classical and modern techniques including tempera, fresco, mosaic, miniature, wax, collage, acrylic, and contemporary practices.
This semester encourages personal style, technical mastery, and global perspective in painting.
The third semester focuses on
Developing a distinct artistic identity through creative compositions, portraits, exhibitions, and seminars. Students explore modern Indian art movements like the JJ and Madras schools, study tribal and folk art across cultures, and deepen knowledge of Indian iconography.
The curriculum also covers
The art history of China and Japan, tracing dynasties, schools, and styles. Alongside, students engage with aesthetic philosophies of Bharat Muni, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and Abhinavagupta, while reflecting on the relationship of art with society, culture, nature, and religion.
In the final semester
Students refine their specialization in creative compositions and portraiture, presenting their work through exhibitions, viva, and seminars on contemporary techniques.
Theoretical studies explore
The Bengal and Baroda schools of modern Indian art, as well as tribal and folk traditions across cultures. Students deepen their knowledge of Indian iconography, along with advanced surveys of Chinese and Japanese art from the Ming to modern periods.
Aesthetics courses cover
The philosophies of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Hegel, and Kant, encouraging students to critically connect art, philosophy, and practice in their own creative journey.