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How to become a painter or visual artist

Express creative ideas through visual mediums including photography, sculpture, video, and installations.

What does a painter or visual artist do?

Artists put their own emotions into works, making art engaging for its audience. Traditional artists use mediums such as paints and canvas to create scenes or portraits. Visual artists prefer to use unusual mediums to share their stories. Artists call on their creativity, good hand-eye coordination, and a large amount of patience to create original pieces.

Duties and tasks

  • Capture and hold the attention of an audience through visual works.

  • Create unique, interesting, and appealing visual works.

  • May be commissioned to create specific pieces of art.

  • Work in fine detail for an extended period of time (some projects).

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related courses

Curtin University

Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art

UndergraduateCUR-FIA-CTF

Explore your talent and develop your artistic skills

Your introduction to fine art studies at university level. You can use this course to discover the methods, mediums, and media you connect with. Paint the first strokes on your professional career in today’s art industry or work towards further study.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Use your passion for the arts to help patients thrive

Discover how creative outlets such as music, theatre and dance can improve individual and community wellbeing. Learn how to deliver patient-centred arts programs. Graduate with job-ready skills that apply to numerous health and community settings.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
La Trobe University

Diploma of Arts

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP

Start with the subjects you’re passionate about

Follow your interests on this humanities pathway into university. Choices range from languages to history, politics, and philosophy. Pick up important skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Shape your future in the arts and social science.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Arts stream
  • Criminology stream
  • Global studies stream
  • Politics, philosophy and economics stream
  • Visual arts stream
Curtin University

Graduate Certificate in Arts

PostgraduateCUR-ART-GCE

Embrace your creativity and build your expertise

Prepare for creative industries and roles. You’ll choose from topics including creative writing and fine art. Get to know professional publishing. Consider creating online. Add new specialised skills to your resume and watch your career bloom.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Explore art & creative design courses

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