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Painter or Printmaker
Painters and printmakers express artistic ideas in original paintings, mixed-media drawings, etchings and other 2-dimensional artistic works.
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Avg. Salary N/A
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Avg. Wage N/A
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook N/A
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Employed 1,800
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Artisan, Artist, Graphic Artist, Printmaker
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Painters (5136.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists (F036)
- 2011 NOC: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists (5136)
- 2016 NOC: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists (5136)
Interest Codes
The Painter or Printmaker is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Painters
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in synthesizing information to create visual representations of objects, pictures, scenes, abstract designs and similar original compositions; and in employing various media and techniques
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in precision working with pastels, water colours, charcoal, ink and other media
- methodical
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Interest in using established methods and techniques to develop creative expressions; and in finishing works of art with protective coatings
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Contemporary 2-dimensional art can range in size from a postage stamp to a whole wall. Painters and printmakers generally produce 1 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, such as watercolours, acrylics, oils, tempera, gouache or encaustic
- create drawings using a variety of media, such as charcoal, chalk, graphite, coloured pencils, inks or 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 they then use to print a limited number of the same image on other materials (for example, paper or fabric). They may use a variety of methods to create images and transfer them to other surfaces. These may include:
- 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 is a type of stencil print that uses screens, a work support and hand-held squeegees.
- monotype - Single images are hand-painted on a printing surface and printed on a press or by hand rubbing.
- electronic or digital - Images from computer programs, photocopying, or computer printing).
Objective (realistic) painters may:
- travel to paint specific subjects (for example, people, landscapes, buildings, wildlife)
- work from photographs
- work with models, still life, animals or flowers.
Non-objective (abstract) painters create their own subjects and designs.
Many painters and printmakers are constantly learning new techniques and experimenting with different materials and media. They need to keep up to date with what is going on in the art world by reading, attending exhibits at art galleries and residency programs, and talking to other artists.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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, while others rent space in artist-run centres, warehouses or storefronts in low-rent districts.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Painters and printmakers need:
- artistic talent and creativity
- motivation, self-discipline and determination
- self-promotion and marketing skills
- time management skills
- technical skills.
They should enjoy working independently.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Although there are no formal education requirements for painters and printmakers, many galleries prefer to feature artists who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts. They also 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 know 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.
Many colleges and universities offer training in fine arts and visual communication. Prospective students should look for the schools with a blend of technical and creative course materials for their particular interests.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Alberta University of the Arts
Grande Prairie Regional College
Grant MacEwan University
Keyano College
Medicine Hat College
Portage College
Red Deer College
University of Calgary
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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, art teacher, gallery assistant, framer or arts administrator. For more information see the Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Art Instructor occupational profiles.
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 the 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 for the Arts 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 and printmakers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- 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
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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% 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.
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Alberta Foundation for the Arts website: www.affta.ab.ca
Alberta Society of Artists website: www.albertasocietyofartists.com
Calgary Sketch Club website: www.calgarysketchclub.com
Canada Council for the Arts website: canadacouncil.ca
Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des Artistes Canadiens (CARFAC) website: www.carfac.ca
CARFAC Alberta website: www.carfacalberta.com
Federation of Canadian Artists website: artists.ca
Society of Northern Alberta Print-Artists (SNAP) website: snapartists.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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