Description
Create original paintings on canvas, panel, or paper using traditional and contemporary techniques for exhibition, sale, or commission.
- • Use oils, acrylics, watercolors, inks, and mixed media to produce paintings.
- • Plan compositions, color palettes, and perspective to communicate ideas or moods.
- • Confer with clients, curators, or art directors to define objectives and themes for commissioned work.
- • Produce sketches, color studies, and mockups for review; revise based on feedback.
- • Prepare and prime supports, including stretching canvas and gessoing panels or paper.
- • Mix pigments, mediums, and varnishes to achieve desired hues, textures, and drying times.
- • Build layers through underpainting, glazing, scumbling, and impasto to achieve effects.
- • Transfer drawings to supports using grids, projection, or tracing as needed.
- • Maintain a portfolio and digital archive of completed and in-progress works.
- • Create portraits, landscapes, still lifes, or abstracts from life, photographs, or reference materials.
- • Execute murals or large-scale paintings, including site preparation and scaling.
- • Estimate timelines, material needs, and budgets for projects and commissions.
- • Varnish, seal, or spray fixative on finished works for protection and sheen control.
- • Clean brushes, tools, and studio surfaces; handle solvents and chemicals safely.
- • Research subjects, materials, and contemporary trends to inform new series.
- • Experiment with and learn new painting techniques and tools.
- • Photograph artwork and reference scenes; manage lighting for accurate color capture.
- • Frame, mat, wire, and label paintings for display or sale.
- • Pack, ship, and install works for galleries, clients, or exhibitions.
- • Set up exhibitions, open studios, or art fair booths; prepare artist statements and labels.
- • Market work via websites, social media, newsletters, and galleries.
- • Maintain inventory records, pricing, and certificates of authenticity.
- • Submit work to juried shows and galleries; manage contracts and consignments.
- • Teach painting workshops or classes to children or adults.
- • Collaborate with fabricators or installers when required for large or complex installations.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
