Painters and printmakers express artistic ideas in original paintings, mixed media drawings, etchings and other two-dimensional artistic works.

Contemporary two-dimensional art can range in size from a postage stamp to a whole wall. Painters and printmakers generally produce one or a limited number of copies of each piece of work.

Painters use brushes, palette knives and specialized tools to apply colour to a variety of surfaces (for example, canvas, wood, metal, paper, paper-pulp board). In general, painters may:

• paint with a variety of media (for example, water colours, acrylics, oils, tempera, gouache, encaustic)
• create drawings using a variety of media (for example, charcoal, chalk, graphite, coloured pencils, inks, pastels)
• glue or laminate various materials to a surface to create an image
• specialize in particular types of media or mixed media.

Printmakers create surfaces which are then used to print a limited number of the same image on other materials (for example, paper, fabric). A variety of methods may be used to create images and transfer them to other surfaces including:

• intaglio - images on metal plates (produced by etching or engraving, for example) are transferred via a specialized press
• relief - images from linocuts, wood cuts, wood engraving, stone prints and clay prints are transferred by press or hand rubbing
• lithography - very heavy stones or metal plates are used as a printing surface and images are transferred via a specialized lithographic printing press 
• stencil - stencil prints involve dabbing or brushing ink or paint through cut stencils; silkscreening uses screens, a work support and hand held squeegees
• monotype - single images are created on a printing surface by hand painting and printed on a press or by hand rubbing
• electronic/digital - computer paint and photo programs, and photocopying or computer printing.

Objective painters may:

• travel to paint specific subjects (for example, people, landscapes, buildings, wildlife)
• work from photographs
• work with models, still life, animals or flowers.

Nonobjective painters create their own subjects and designs.

Many painters/printmakers are constantly learning new techniques and experimenting with different materials and mediums. They need to keep up to date with what is going on in the art world by reading, attending exhibits at art galleries and talking to other artists.

Working conditions such as hours of work vary considerably for painters and printmakers. Printmaking and moving large paintings can be physically demanding. Some techniques involve working with hazardous chemicals.

Studios may be clean and well ventilated, or they may have less than ideal working conditions. Many artists work at home; others rent space in artist-run centres, warehouses or store-fronts in low rent districts.

There are no formal education requirements for painters and printmakers. However, they must have a portfolio of work that includes samples or good quality representations of their best work.

In addition to artistic skills and knowledge of form, line, composition and balance, painters and printmakers need technical knowledge about materials. They must be knowledgeable about printing, solvents, acids and inks. Knowledge of safety issues is critical, as is training in the use of materials and equipment (for example, presses).

Increasingly, it is important for both painters and printmakers to have business skills, particularly marketing skills. Art conservation knowledge and photography, mounting and framing skills are definite assets.

There are a number of college and university programs that offer training in fine art and visual communications. Prospective students should look for the schools that have the best blend of technical and creative course materials for their particular interests.

In Alberta, fine art programs are offered by the following post-secondary institutions: 

• Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary 
• Grande Prairie Regional College
• Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton
• Keyano College in Fort McMurray
• Medicine Hat College
• Red Deer College
• University of Alberta in Edmonton and Camrose 
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge.

Admission requirements vary from one institution and program to another but generally include a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1 and four other approved Grade 12 subjects. Some institutions require specific courses and submission of a portfolio of previous work.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

The Banff Centre for the Arts offers winter and summer programs for experienced painters and printmakers. In addition to a statement of artistic objectives, a portfolio of work is required.

Few painters can support themselves from commissions on their art work alone. Many also work full-time or part-time in related occupations such as illustrator, designer, teacher (art classes), gallery assistant, framer or arts administrator.

Painters and printmakers may display their art in:

• galleries and museums
• restaurants and clubs
• office buildings and public spaces
• parks, exhibit grounds and international expositions.

They also may market their work electronically through television or the Internet.

Artists' works may be published as fine art poster prints. Publishers may pay a royalty per print sold or simply purchase copyright for the work.

Emerging artists often join art clubs for support, networking and exhibition opportunities. They may enter art competitions or festivals, or arrange their own shows in homes or artist-run centres.

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council offer grants to promising artists to enable them to study and work for a few months or a year at a time. The Foundation buys the art of emerging and established artists with the intent of maintaining a diverse cross-section of Alberta art and the Canada Council purchases work for the Art Bank.

Painters/printmakers are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists. In Alberta, 83 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Art prices vary considerably depending on the artist's reputation, size of the piece and availability of the artist's work. Most galleries charge a commission ranging from 40 to 75 per cent of the price of a sale.

Many painters and printmakers earn a minimal income from their art. They work in other occupations to earn a living and practice their art in their free time.

Some painters receive commissions or fees paid in advance that allow them to buy materials and cover some living expenses while they finish a site-specific or major work. Well established painters and printmakers may hire agents or work with exclusive dealers who handle marketing, bookkeeping and sales.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists group earned from $13.94 to $29.33 an hour. The average wage was $22.91 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Alberta Society of Artists website: www.artists-society.ab.ca

Calgary Sketch Club website: www.calgarysketchclub.com

Canadian Artist's Representation/Le Front des Artistes Canadiens website: www.carfac.ca

Federation of Canadian Artists website: www.artists.ca

Society of Northern Alberta Print-Artists (SNAP) website: www.snapartists.com

Visual Arts Alberta Association website: www.visualartsalberta.com