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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.
Curtin University

Master of Arts (Fine Art)

PostgraduateCUR-AFA-MAS

For professional fine art skills and expertise

Deep dive into the discipline of Fine Art. Unpack approaches to arts research. Consider the materials and methods of the artist’s studio. You’ll build up your portfolio with a series of artworks. Prepare for professional practice as an artist.

Study method
100% online
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG

Innovators, communicators and creators start here!

Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.

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

Available majors

  • Creative Writing
  • History and Society
  • Journalism
  • Literature and Culture
  • Strategic Communication
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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