Frank Trankina - Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

Professor: Frank Trankina

Department: Fine Arts

College: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ARTS402
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is the most laid back teacher ever which is a good thing. He isn't even in the classroom most of the time so I didn't learn a whole lot from him but the assistant is the one that teaches mostly. I would recommend his class. You just have to come to class and try.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ARTS421
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

First and foremost I am a realist painter and I need an instructor that is knowledgeable about academic painting materials and technique. Frank as proven to be knowledgeable about the subject and an excellent professor in this demanding technique. He is more interested in developing your artistic talent than popping out canvases every week. He understands that learning to correctly handle paint doesn't happen by making the same mistake over and over but by rectifying the mistake the first time. I chose Northern Illinois University because they are starting an atelier program for art students that want to learn the academic methods of the masters.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ARTS623
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He has great knowledge of medium and technique, at the same time he also knows a whole lot about painting history. He is a great instructor for all levels of painting.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ARTS723
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Frank is an excellent painter, mentor, and advocate. He cares about his students and wants them to succeed. His technical knowledge of painting is encyclopedic and extremely useful. I would highly recommend him for all graduate level painters.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ARTS323
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I found this teacher very unhelpful. I didn't feel like I learned much in the class other than what I already knew. It was frustrating because I didn't know what my grade was throughout the semester and he was very condescending when he spoke to me and a few other classmates. Would not take another class with him.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ART615
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Frank is very knowledgeable about art and the art world. He is friendly and helpful!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ART323
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

awesome

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ART100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

:)

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ART325
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Great teacher

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ARTS623
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

If you go to Northern and don't take Frank, then your education is a waste

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ATRS723
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Trankina is a great professor,his knowledge and direction have been helpful. This man know's color,has shown how to make a painting pop. He has pointed me in all the right directions of becoming a professional artist! He teaches up on professional studio practices -beyond helpful crits, he knows a ton -this man will give you the science of paint

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ARTS615
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Frank is a excellent professor/MENTOR! He is extremely professional and his critiques have helped me grow as a painter! He has given great insight + direction in becoming a successful SHOWING artist! He has has introduced me and other students to successful artists and COLLECTORS- the network of people he has introduced us to has been rewarding!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ARTS623
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Trankina has been a very influential teacher in my life. My paintings would not be where they are today without his help!!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PNTG1N
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Frank is a great proffesor and artist! He's helped me out a lot.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ATRS323
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This professor has been very helpful and very informative.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ARTS323
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Incredibly frustrating in class, bad at communicating what he wants/how to actually paint. I got an A, but he gave out no grades throughout the semester which was a little ridiculous.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PAINT323
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very knowledgeable, definitely an instructor that teaches from real art world experience. Helps students to become self sufficient artists and helps to build your confidence. Projects are unique and have good variety, you feel like you learn a lot after just 1 semester. His paintings are amazing too!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ARTS323
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Possibly a nice guy, but not a good teacher in any way. You have to be completely self-driven to accomplish anything in his classes, and certainly with little to no input from him. Rarely in class, talks wayyy too much about redundant topics. Generally a mind-numbing class that made me want to constantly skip. Definitely wouldn't recommend.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ARTS421
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Frank teaches the painting medium, as well as, how to be an artist in the real world.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: GRAD523
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very helpful. Good communicator. loves painting and loves teaching!