Courses Taught at Umbra
Painting
Advanced Painting
Drawing
Fresco Painting
Pastel Drawing in Perugia
Credentials
BA from University of Pittsburgh in 1994, with a major in Studio Arts and minors in Poetry and Italian. Studied abroad in Rome and earned an MFA from Tyler School of Art in 1996.
Background
William Pettit is an American painter, resident in Italy since 1997. He joined the Umbra faculty in 2001, and he also teaches photography, figure drawing, oil painting, and watercolor painting at the John Cabot University in Rome.
Teaching Philosophy
Through instruction in technique and discussion, I focus not only on the creation, but also the meaning of art in the context of contemporary Italy. It is important for Umbra students to appreciate that learning to paint is like traveling to a foreign country: one needs humility and courage. My most rewarding moments occur when a student’s “lightbulb” clicks on.