Fine artists create works of art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings.

Fine artists express their ideas through:

• Paints
• Sculptures
• Illustrations
• Oils
• Plasters
• Clays
• Computer programs

The works of fine artists are displayed in a variety of places, including museums, galleries, gift shops, public buildings, and private homes. Some artwork is commissioned (done by request). For these pieces, artists meet with clients to discuss objectives, ideas, budgets, and themes. Most artwork is created by artists without a commission. Many fine artists hold other jobs. Some teach art in high schools and colleges. Others work as administrators of arts programs. Fine artists also work as art critics and consultants to foundations that invest in art. Many also work at jobs very different from their work as artists.

Fine artists typically specialize in one or more types of art.

Illustrators

Illustrators paint or draw pictures for books, magazines, and other publications. They draw models and diagrams. Illustrators also create scenic backgrounds for movies.

Painting Restorers

Painting restorers remove paint, or a layer of paint, from canvas to restore damaged or fading artwork. They use magnifying glasses to study the style and materials used by the original artist. Restorers perform tests to determine the age of the paint and its reaction to solvents and cleaning agents. They clean the surface of paintings, using solvents that do not damage the paint. Sometimes they scrape away old and damaged paint. Restorers retouch damaged areas and apply preservatives to protect paintings.

Painters

Painters use oils, watercolors, and acrylics to create portraits, landscapes, and still life pictures. They use brushes, palette knives, airbrushes, and other tools to apply color to canvases or other supports. They use lines, color, and perspective to produce the desired effect. Painters have different styles such as abstract or realistic.

Printmakers

Printmakers create printed images from designs cut or etched into wood, stone, or metal.

Sculptors

Sculptors design three-dimensional works. They model materials such as clay and wax using small tools and their fingers. Some sculptors carve stone or wood using chisels and gouges. Some sculptors cut, bend, and fasten materials such as steel to form works of art.