Artists generally work with two-dimensional art forms. Using techniques of shading, perception, and color-mixing, artists produce works that depict realistic scenes or may evoke different moods and emotions, depending on the artist's goals. Some artists create art to satisfy their own need for self-expression, and may display their work in museums, art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes. Others are commissioned to do specific pictures or portraits. Artists may sell their works to stores, commercial art galleries, or directly to collectors.
Some commercial galleries sell artists' works on consignment.
The gallery and the artist determines how much each will earn from a sale. Most artists hold other jobs, as only the most successful are able to support themselves solely through sale of their works. Some artists teach in elementary schools or colleges and universities. Some may work in arts administration in government art programs. Some artists work as art critics or consultants, and others may work in totally unrelated fields.