Role overview
Painters (Visual Arts) are professional artists who create original visual artworks using various painting mediums to communicate artistic concepts and aesthetic expressions. In Australia, these professionals work across traditional formats like oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, as well as digital mediums using virtual tools. They develop unique artistic visions, prepare materials and surfaces, and apply specialized techniques to achieve their desired visual outcomes.
The occupation requires both creative conceptualization skills and technical painting expertise. Australian visual arts painters typically operate as independent practitioners, selling their work through galleries, exhibitions, online platforms, and direct to collectors. Many also engage in the broader arts community through exhibitions, artist talks, and participation in Australia's vibrant visual arts sector.
Key tasks in practice
Visual arts painters undertake a range of professional activities in their practice:
- Developing artistic concepts and planning compositions, considering style, colour palettes, and visual impact
- Selecting appropriate painting mediums including oils, acrylics, watercolors, inks, or digital painting tools
- Preparing painting surfaces through priming canvases, walls, wood, or other materials, and organizing their workspace
- Applying paint using various techniques and tools to achieve specific visual effects and artistic expressions
- Exhibiting completed works in galleries, museums, and alternative exhibition spaces
- Marketing and selling artwork through direct sales, online platforms, art fairs, and gallery representation
- Creating digital artworks using electronic canvases, virtual brushes, and digital color palettes
Skill level explanation
OSCA skill level 1 indicates that Painters (Visual Arts) require a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification in fine arts, visual arts, or a related field. In some instances, relevant experience and specialist artistic training may substitute for formal qualifications.
This classification reflects the high-level creative, conceptual, and technical skills required for professional artistic practice. The occupation demands advanced aesthetic judgment, original creative thinking, and sophisticated technical painting abilities that typically develop through formal education and extensive practical experience. Australian visual arts painters must also possess business skills for managing their artistic practice and career.
Industry context
Painters (Visual Arts) in Australia primarily operate within the creative arts sector, with ANZSIC industry classifications including Creative and Performing Arts Activities (9002), Other Arts and Recreation Services (9559), and Other Personal Services (9599). Many work as self-employed artists operating small creative businesses.
Employment contexts include independent studio practice, gallery representation, artist-run initiatives, public art commissions, and arts education. The occupation intersects with Australia's cultural institutions, commercial galleries, public art programs, and the broader creative economy. Visual arts painters may also work in adjacent fields including arts administration, curation, and arts education while maintaining their artistic practice.