Angela Piehl
Associate Professor / Area Head, Painting & Drawing
Department of Art & Design, Peck School of the Arts
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
TEACHING STATEMENT
Undergraduate Teaching
At UWM, faculty in the Department of Art and Design currently maintain a 3/3 teaching load. I primarily teach undergraduate courses within the Painting and Drawing area each semester, emphasizing the development of techniques, the understanding of formal concerns, material experimentation, conceptual growth, and professional development for undergraduate students. I additionally regularly teach ART 501/601, the 2-semester multi-disciplinary capstone sequence for all Studio Art BA/BFA students.
The courses I teach-- ART 201 Drawing 2, Art 243 Intro Painting, ART 342 Figure Drawing, Art 343 Figure Painting, ART 443 Painting Strategies, Art 441/541 Drawing Strategies/Drawing Studio, and ART 543 Painting Studio comprise the coursework progressions in the Painting & Drawing Area. I have taught across these sections and collaborate closely with all instructors in the area to ensure students have a cohesive and thorough experience through the program. I also either teach or offer input on General Education courses that overlap with Painting & Drawing, such as the ART 501/601 Capstones, and Art 304, Digital Painting.
Painting & Drawing courses serve multiple programs: they fulfill studio requirements for Art Education BFA students, they are popular with Design & Visual Communication and Illustration Certificate students, and Architecture and Film students seek out the Painting & Drawing sequence (particularly those students interested in expressive modes of working, experiences with the figure, or interests in improving techniques to apply towards animation). Most Painting & Drawing courses are open to non-major students with relevant experience. I have worked with students majoring in International Business, Psychology, Biology, and other fields beyond the arts who seek creative engagement in Painting & Drawing, and many later pursue secondary degrees in Studio Art. Each semester my classes include a mix of students from within the Department of Art and Design, across the College of Arts & Architecture, and those from across the university.
Throughout my time at UWM, I have worked to broaden access to Painting & Drawing coursework and have collaborated with Painting & Drawing academic staff to design projects that serve our diverse student populations while maintaining rigor for the BFA majors. The student work included in my packet demonstrates how Painting & Drawing coursework progresses from foundational technique-building, exposure to new materials, and continued refining of compositional strategies in the introductory courses, to exploration of content, conceptual investigations, material experimentations and independent research in intermediate and advanced courses. By the capstone level, students design self-directed projects, crafting project proposals for their own series informed by viewing broad examples from contemporary artists, researching artists relevant to their personal approach to medium, concept and content, writing self-reflections, and working in continual conversation with classmates, faculty and visiting artists. Each student develops a personal visual language, engaged with critical discourse, and contemporary and historical understanding of materials and concepts.
As an artist that works across multiple mediums to investigate research questions, I encourage my students to seek a broad range of influences and disciplines to inform their approach to crafting a thesis. My goal as a professor is to provide students with a space to build community, develop a practice and personal methodology, and deepen their analytical and reflective skills. My students are given examples from many artistic identities, and they understand the richly diverse variations of art worlds they can engage.
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I emphasize ideation and iteration, stressing that artmaking is an ongoing process rather than solely a path to creating a polished product. Dialogue is central to this process: through critique, group problem-solving, and collaborative reflection, my students learn to articulate ideas and strengthen their work. This kind of group work allows for re-framing ideas through interaction and more importantly, it helps students to develop authentic interest their projects. I lead with curiosity and investigation, then support through technical and material instruction.
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Students begin with broad exploration and follow an intuitive process of focusing their investigation through trial and error, critical feedback, and offering them tangible methods for thinking critically and developing strategies. They are encouraged to think deeply, revise often, and consider the viewer.​ By graduation, particularly through ART 501/601 capstone, students are adept at presenting professional exhibitions, writing and speaking about their work, and applying for exhibitions, grants, residencies, jobs, and graduate programs.
Graduate Teaching
The Department of Art & Design has an interdisciplinary graduate program, with opportunities for MFA candidates to explore multiple media. I serve on committees of MA and MFA candidates with broadly divergent interests. On one committee I worked with a painter researching traditional egg tempera techniques, and another, a photographer making cyanotypes of re-enacted historical photos. On another, I offered formal strategies and an introduction to Legacy Russell’s writing to an animator creating a hand-drawn short film. I often address concepts of identity, formal approaches, and installation ideas with students. I am currently serving with a student who built an AI-driven, image-plotter drawing robot to investigate notions of authorship and labor, and I am working with a printmaker who is foraging for natural archive materials at a scientific field station. This diversity of approach is apparent in the examples of graduate student research in my packet.
I view MA/MFA committee work as a collaborative partnership in which I help students develop as emerging colleagues in the field. We approach the work of their thesis together through brainstorming, expanding the scope of their inquiries by identifying relevant precedents, and connecting them to the available resources of the university and community, and listening reflectively. Working towards these goals with my fellow graduate faculty, each with their own expertise and research objectives, we collectively create a network of support that challenges and encourages our grads toward new growth through experimentation and stepping beyond their comfort zones. For me, graduate committee work is mutually enriching. I offer examples of my own process as a researcher and studio artist, and share my personal resources and references, which can be seen in my research summary.
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My contributions are often most valuable when students reach the complex middle stage of their thesis process. I circle back to reliable methodologies, helping them refocus their research questions by offering insights to what is seen in the results of their work, and what is apparent in the experience of the viewer as a grounding line of questioning. I also connect students to professional opportunities—exhibitions, collaborations, and mentorships—and create informal teaching opportunities that pair graduate and undergraduate students. Although UWM does not have a formal teaching practicum, I have made pedagogical mentorship a forward component of my graduate advising, integrating interested MFA students into the Painting & Drawing program whenever possible.
UWM Courses Taught
ART 201, Drawing 2
Fall 2019 (20 students) Fall 2020 (19 students) Expanded development of drawing materials, methods, and expression from Drawing 1 (a foundational course) with a focus on conceptual and perceptual process. 3cr.
ART 243, Intro Painting
Fall 2019 (20 students), Spring 2020 (20 students), Fall 2020 (19 students),
Fall 2021 (20 students), Spring 2022 (20 students), Fall 2022 (20 students), Fall 2023 (19 students)
Spring 2025 (19 students) Introductory level exploration of oil painting mediums, including color and construction of pictorial space. Students work primarily from observation, investigating range of motifs and personal content. 3cr.
ART 343, Figure Painting
Spring 2020 (13 students-stacked with 443), Fall 2021 (18 students), Spring 2022 (12 students-stacked with 443), Fall 2022 (16 students), Spring 2023 (15 students), Fall 2023 (14 students), Spring 2024 (15 students) Intermediate level exploration of traditional and contemporary approaches to figurative painting using art historical examples, expanded media/techniques and the development of personal direction. Approaches include painting from the figure, abstraction-based assignments, and materials experimentation. 3cr.
ART 443, Painting Strategies
Spring 2020 (10 students-stacked with 343), Spring 2021 (17 students), Spring 2022 (8 students-stacked with 343) Intermediate level exploration of oil painting mediums, with emphasis on painting concepts, problem solving, research, construction strategies and development of personal direction. 3cr.
ART 502, Undergraduate Classroom Assistant
Spring 2020 (1 student), Fall 2021 (1 student), Spring 2022 (1 student), Fall 2022 (1 student),
Spring 2023 (1 student), Fall 2023 (1 student), Spring 2024 (1 student) Student classroom experience as an assistant to the Figure Painting course instructor in a closely-monitored, mentoring situation. 1 student per semester as classroom assistant for ART 343. 3cr.
ART 441/541, Drawing Strategies / Drawing Studio
Spring 2020 (24 students), Spring 2023 (19 students) Advanced level investigation of drawing as an organizing tool for thought and personal image exploration. Students work with both assigned and independently-conceived problems. 3cr.
ART 543/643, Painting Studio / Senior Project in Painting & Drawing
Fall 2020 (10 students-stacked with 543/605/612), Spring 2021 (18 students-stacked with 605/612)
Fall 2021 (15 students-stacked with 605), Spring 2022 (12 students-stacked with 605/612)
Fall 2022 (13 students-stacked with 605/612), Fall 2024 (19 students) Advanced level investigation of painting, focused upon personal image exploration through independently conceived problems. 3cr.
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ART 605, BFA Project & Exhibition
Fall 2020 (3 students-stacked with 543/643/612), Spring 2021 (4 students-stacked with 543/643)
Fall 2021 (8 students-stacked with 543/643), Spring 2022 (5 students-stacked with 543/643/612)
Fall 2022 (4 students-stacked with 543/643)
Independent supervised preparation and BFA exhibition in Art & Design to fulfill BFA degree requirements. 3cr.
ART 612, Senior Project in Digital Studio Practice
Fall 2020 (2 students- stacked with 543/643/605), Spring 2022 (2 students-stacked with 543/643/605)
Fall 2022 (1 student-stacked with 543/643/605)
Advanced level investigation of digital imaging, focused upon personal image exploration through independently conceived problems. 3cr.
ART 501, Studio Research, Practice & Portfolio (Capstone 1)
Spring 2023 (13 students-stacked with 601), Fall 2023 (12 students-stacked with 601)
Spring 2024 (10 students-stacked with 601) Spring 2025 (10 students-stacked with 601)
Multi-disciplinary studio art capstone course, focused on development of advanced concepts in contemporary studio art practices leading to independent studio investigations. 3cr.
ART 601, BFA Project & Exhibition (Capstone 2)
Spring 2023 (7 students-stacked with 501), Fall 2023 (9 students-stacked with 501)
Spring 2024 (6 students-stacked with 501) Spring 2025 (7 students-stacked with 601)
Multi-disciplinary studio art capstone course, focused on further development of studio art investigations leading to a final project for BFA Exhibition. 3cr.
ART 608, Art & Design Internship
Spring 2023 (2 students), Spring 2024 (1 student)
Oversight of structured opportunities for art students to earn credit for skills and professional experience gained working in galleries, museums, studios, arts organizations, or art businesses. 3cr.
ART 609, Independent Undergraduate Research
Spring 2023 (1 student), Fall 2023 (2 students) Spring 2025 (3 students)
Independent reading and research relative to scholarly issues in art. 3cr.
ART 543G, Graduate Painting Studio
Advanced level investigation of painting, focused upon personal image exploration through independently conceived problems. 3cr. Spring 2025 (2 students)
ART 908 Independent Graduate Research
Fall 2019 (3 students), Spring 2020 (1 student), Fall 2020 (3 students), Spring 2021 (4 students)
Fall 2021 (1 student), Spring 2022 (4 students), Fall 2022 (1 student), Spring 2023 (1 student)
Fall 2023 (2 students), Spring 2024 (2 students), Fall 2024 (2 students) Spring 2025 (2 students)
Independent studio work/research in areas not covered by specific courses. 1-3cr.
Direction of Graduate Student Research
Graduate Student Committees & Advising
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MA/MFA Thesis Committees, Chair
Steph Seigman/MFA Thesis Committee, Chair - graduation in Spring 2022
Joel Butler/MFA Thesis Committee, Chair- graduation in Spring 2023
Steffon Dixon/MFA Thesis Committee, Chair- graduation in Spring 2023
Laura Bennett/MA Thesis Committee, Chair- anticipated graduation in Spring 2025
MA/MFA Thesis Committees, Member
Barbara Miner/MFA Thesis Committee Member- graduation in Spring 2023
Allison Calteaux/MFA Thesis Committee Member - graduation in Spring 2023
Lilly Dyer/MFA Thesis Committee Member- graduation in Spring 2024
Corrigan Eckhart/MFA Thesis Committee Member- anticipated graduation in Spring 2026
Jack Lehtinen/MFA Thesis Committee Member- anticipated graduation in Spring 2026
Andrea Pfeifer/MFA Thesis Committee Member- anticipated graduation in Spring 2026
MA/MFA Reviews
Geornica Daniels/Grad Review, Chair, Fall Reviews, 2024
Aaron Boyd/Grad Review Member, Spring Reviews, 2024
Jack Lehtinen/Grad Review, Chair, Spring Reviews, 2024
Andrea Pfiefer/Grad Review Member, Spring Reviews, 2024
Thom Romero/Grad Review, Chair, Fall Reviews, 2023
Kristy Lisle/Grad Review Member, Fall Reviews, 2023
Rachel Sanders/Grad Review Member, Spring Reviews, 2023
Tanner MacArthur/Grad Review Member, Spring Reviews, 2023
Emmanuel Guerra/Grad Review Chair, Spring Reviews, 2022
Lilly Dyer/Grad Review Chair, Spring Reviews, 2022
Teddy Lepley/Grad Review Member, Fall Reviews, 2022
Jeff Townsend/Grad Review Member, Fall Reviews, 2022
Celeste Contreras/Grad Review Chair, Fall Reviews, 2021
Barbara Miner/Grad Review Member, Spring Reviews, 2021
Ryan Send/Grad Review Committee Member, Spring Reviews, 2021
Arielle Romano/Grad Review Chair, Fall Reviews, 2020
Geo Rutherford/Grad Review Member, Fall Reviews, 2020
Steph Siegman/Grad Review Member, Fall Reviews, 2019
MA/MFA Advising
Nick Leone/MA Advising, Spring 2023
Laura Bennett/MA Advising, Spring 2023
Rachel Saunders/MFA Advising, Fall 2022
Thom Romero/MFA Advising, Fall 2021
Steffon Dixon/MFA Advising, Fall 2020-Spring 2023
Arielle Romano/MFA Advising, Spring 2020
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Graduate Student Independent Studies
Liya Du, ART 908- Spring 2025
Andrea Pfeifer, ART 908- Spring 2025
Laura Bennett, ART 908- Fall 2024
Andrea Pfeifer, ART 908- Fall 2024
Corrigan Eckert, ART 908- Spring 2024
Lily Dyer, ART 908- Fall 2023
Rachel Sanders, ART 908-Fall 2023
Steffon Dixon, ART 908-Spring 2023
Laura Bennett, ART 908-Fall 2022
Steffon Dixon, ART 908-Fall 2022
Joel Butler, ART 908-Spring 2022
Steph Siegman, ART 908-Spring 2022
Celeste Contreras, ART 908-Spring 2022
Steffon Dixon, ART 908-Fall 2021
Joel Butler, ART 908-Spring 2021
Aleksandra Morozova, ART 908-Spring 2021
Steph Siegman, ART 908-Spring 2021
Arielle Romano- ART 908-Spring 2021
Keith Pitts, ART 908-Fall 2020
Celeste Contreras, ART 908-Fall 2020
Steffon Dixon, ART 909-Fall 2020
Arielle Romano, ART 908-Spring 2020
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UWM Course and Program Development
Curriculum Development
Streamlined Painting & Drawing Area course sequence- Redesigned the overall curriculum sequence for the P&D Area, creating a new, cohesive course sequence for the new 123 credit Degree Plan. Taught every course in the P&D sequence to become familiar with the student population and their movement through the program. Revised and renamed courses for clarity and consistency within the area. Eliminated problematic course stackings. Adjusted course pre-requisites to encourage co-enrollment and address enrollment bottlenecks, resulting in a flexible curriculum allowing more students the ability to access painting and drawing courses. Increased overall enrollment in the area by making courses accessible to Art Ed and Design and Visual Communication students through more flexible pre-requisites and course design.
Updated Drawing 2 Curriculum- Designed a sequence of projects to introduce thorough understanding foundational composition concepts, exploration of a variety of drawing tools and techniques, and exploration of content, themes and to some degree, aspects of formal abstraction.
Designed a Drawing 2 Handbook- Assisted new instructors with understanding course content requirements, as well as concepts useful in scaffolding instruction from Drawing 1 course content to Drawing 2, and Drawing 2 content to Intro Painting.
Updated Intro Painting Curriculum- Designed a sequence of projects to introduce thorough understanding of color-mixing and paint application techniques through structured exercises, short projects, and longer observational projects complimentary to course objectives and curriculum in 2D Studio and Drawing 1. Developed grading rubrics and area protocols for project feedback, as well as best practices for Canvas sites. Adjusted pre-requisites to encourage co-enrollment in Drawing 2. Assisted new instructors with understanding course content requirements, as well as concepts useful in scaffolding instruction from Intro Painting to Painting Stratregies and Figure Drawing/Painting
Updated Figure Painting Curriculum- Designed a sequence of projects to compliment course objectives and techniques built in Figure Drawing and Intro Painting coursework. Scaled projects to include short observational sessions, long-observation over 4-5 class sessions, projects addressing narrative, symbolic use of the figure, contemporary and art-historical legacies of figure painting, abstraction of the figure, and a long-term, large-scale Independent Project. Developed grading rubrics and area protocols for project feedback, as well as best practices for Canvas sites.
Updated Painting Strategies Curriculum- Designed a sequence of projects to promote development of affinity artist relationships, broader experimentation with languages and modes of painting as a medium, and general strategies of abstraction. Developed grading rubrics and area protocols for project feedback, as well as best practices for Canvas sites.
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Co-Designed 2-semester, Multi-Disciplinary Capstone Courses, ART 501/601- Developed course content, projects, objectives and goals alongside capstone faculty; built upon professional development strategies, installation methods and best practices, thesis development strategies, artist writing/research exercises, studio documentation practices, painting and drawing specific readings, as well as studio texts, resources and information for engaging best practices as a professional beyond school.
Co-Designed Illustration Certificate- Developed a cost-neutral Illustration Certificate within the Art & Design Department, alongside other faculty members of the Curriculum Committee, as Area Head of Painting & Drawing; worked to integrate Illustration Certificate into Painting & Drawing Area curriculum sequences for greater student access.
Co-Designed Game Art & Design Certificate- Developed a cost-neutral Game Art & Design Certificate within the Art & Design Department, alongside other faculty members of the Curriculum Committee, as Area Head of Painting & Drawing; offered feedback on course sequences and provided representation of ideas from the Painting & Drawing Area’s perspective.
Developed Independent Grad Research credits- Developed independent study structure for my sections with MFA candidates, including thesis development strategies, artist writing/research exercises, studio documentation practices, painting and drawing specific readings, as well as studio texts, and other resources.
Awards Received Toward Area Development
Differential Tuition Grants
$1,518 in support of purchase of tools, digital projectors, and security cables, 2020-2021
$13,987 in support of additional instruction for Drawing 1 & 2 courses, 2020-2021
$2,797 in support of upgrade and repair of water pipes and replacement of MIT 313 sinks, 2020-2021
$2,281 in support of radiator repairs in MIT 306, 312 and 316 classrooms, 2020-2021
$10,000 in support of new Homasote installations in MIT 309, 312, 313, 319 classrooms, 2021-2022
$6,145 in support of new tabourets for MIT 309, 319 classrooms, 2023-2024
$2,455 in support of blackout curtains for MIT 309, 327 classrooms, 2023-2024
$5,000 in support of purchase of flat files for MIT 313, 312 classrooms, 2024-2025
Other Awards
$6,000 procured through Queer Curatorial Fund, 2021
Funding in support of LGBTQ+ artists within the Artists Now visiting speaker series
(Funded Speakers: Carrie Moyer, David Antonio Cruz, Cobi Moules, Edie Fake, Vic Roth, Justin Favela)
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Non-Credit & Visiting Artist Programming
Created a department-wide Friday Figure Drawing Series- Opened figure model drawing sessions to all currently enrolled art majors. Designed a registration program with policies and protocols for Friday Figure Drawing sessions. Fall 2024-present
Milwaukee Artist Resource Network visitor presentations- 2023-2024
Grilled Cheese Grant visitor presentations- 2023-2025
Visiting Alumni
Megan Duerlinger (studio visits) 2021
Julia Bradfish (visiting lectures as Plum Blossom Initiative awardee, studio visits) 2022, 2023
Ian Izard (visiting lecture and studio visits) 2024
Kaden Van De Loo (visiting lecture as Plum Blossom Initiative awardee, studio visits) 2025
Ellee Spalding (visiting lecture and studio visits) 2025
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Visiting Artists
Carrie Moyer (virtual visits, graduate level students)
David Antonio Cruz (virtual visits, graduate level students)
Vic Roth (in-person visits, undergrad and graduate level students)
Rafael Salas (in-person visits, undergrad level students)
Justin Favela (in-person visits, undergrad and graduate level students)
Hollis Hammonds (in-person visits, undergrad and graduate level students)
Phoenix Brown (in-person visits, undergrad level students)
Santiago Cucullu (in-person visits, undergrad level students)
Breehan James (artist talk at The Alice Wilds Gallery)
Leslie Vansen (artist talk with exhibition, Continuum)
Raoul Deal (artist talk with exhibition, Continuum)
Local Curator Studio Visits
John Sobczak, The Alice Wilds Gallery
Jason Yi, Plum Blossom Initiative
Shane McAdams, The Real Tinsel
Deb Brehmer, Portrait Society Gallery
Other Courses Taught (prior to UWM)
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 2007-2019
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ART 2223, Oil Painting 1 (Beginning Oil Painting)
The development of skills in oil painting stressing form and content, visual perception, and individual expression. Technical instruction applicable to individual problems and needs. 3cr.
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ART 3223, Oil Painting 2 (Intermediate Oil Painting)
Oil Painting with emphasis on personal development of visual ideas and techniques. 3cr.
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ART 4220, Oil Painting Studio (Advanced Oil Painting)
Oil painting with emphasis on continuing personal development of visual ideas and techniques. 3cr.
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ART 4900, Directed Studies, Honors Contracts
Self-designed special topics in art history. By contract only. Offered for variable credit, 1-3cr.
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ART 1203, 2D Visual Thinking
Investigation of fundamental design principles and visual elements through the process of image making. Students explore the dynamics of composition through developing approaches to aesthetics, visual analysis, perception, and narrative. Provides experience with a variety of two-dimensional media and develops core skills in observation, craft, and technique. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary learning through lectures, discussions, critiques, and the process of making images. 3cr.
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ART 1113, Drawing 2
Objective and subjective approaches to visual problem solving in a variety of black and white and color media. The analysis and manipulation of form, light, space, volume, and the formal aspects of perspective. 3cr.
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ART 4100, Advanced Drawing (Concept Driven, Open Medium)
An open medium investigation of drawing concepts, stressing personal thematic development, experimentation, and individually designed imagery. 3cr.
ART 2113, Life Drawing
Introduction to life drawing with emphasis on preliminary linear construction and structural aspects of the figure, including the study of general body proportions, rapid visualization, and figure-ground relationships. 3cr.
ART 3100, Life Drawing Studio
The development of formal and expressive aspects of drawing by direct observation of the figure and its environment. Emphasis on media experimentation, aesthetic considerations, personal concepts, and anatomy. 3cr.
ART 2283, Digital Art Survey
Investigation of a range of digital processes and materials for studio artists with emphasis on problem solving, skill building in various digital software and tools, and personal development of visual ideas and techniques. 3cr.
ART 4800, Advanced Digital Art
Investigation of a range of digital processes and materials for studio artists with emphasis on continuing personal development of visual ideas and techniques. 3cr.
A&S 4000-606, Digital Art in Taos NM (Doel Reed Center for the Arts)
3-week travel course consisting of various activities: excursions, technical demonstrations, and studio time. Students gain inspiration from nature outings, historical sites, and museum visits, learn basic digital imaging techniques, and then create an experimental series of works leading to a final project and public presentation.
A&S 4000-606, Independent Projects in Taos NM (Doel Reed Center for the Arts)
3-week travel course consisting of various activities: excursions, technical demonstrations, and studio time. Students gain inspiration from nature outings, historical sites, and museum visits, and create an individually designed, experimental series of works leading to a final project and public presentation.
Summer Art Academy (ages 13-18) Drawing; Watercolor; Digital Art
Teaching at Other Institutions
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Texas State University, San Marcos, 2005-2007
Beginning Drawing; Intermediate Drawing; Life Drawing
Austin Community College, 2005-2007; 2002-2004
Beginning Drawing; Intermediate Drawing; Art Appreciation; Art History Survey II
Miami University, Oxford, OH, 2004-2005
Beginning Painting; Intermediate Drawing; Advanced Drawing; Life Drawing
Undergraduate Independent Studies; Graduate Painting; Graduate Thesis Committee Service; Graduate Teaching Practicum partner
Alamo Community College District, San Antonio, 2002-2004
Art Appreciation; Beginning Painting; 3D Design; Beginning Sculpture
Austin Museum of Modern Art, 2002-2004
Beginning Drawing; Intermediate Drawing; Advanced Drawing for Adults
Summer Art Camp for Kids (ages 8-12)
Cochise College, Sierra Vista, AZ, 2001
Art Appreciation; Art History Survey II
University of Arizona, Tucson, 1998—2001
Beginning Painting; Beginning Drawing