Craftsmen

Craftsmen, these are the people that see painting as work. they often find the fastest ways to accomplish a task and stick to that.

Experimenting is normally relegated to others as they have no time to test uncertain tasks when the old ways work fine for them. However, if something promises to promote quicker finishing or better results they may then opt to change to that for awhile.

These are also the guys that love to use complex mathematical formulas to produce their colors, such as the Munsell system. Often times craftsmen could probably better be called scientists of art.

Toxicity is not an issue with the craftsmen so long as it does not interfere with their work. Often times toxic materials are used for their better working qualities. A good example being lead white. If the craftsmen will speak with you, or better yet, teach you, there is much to learn from them.

I’ve learned the most from those that work mostly in this manner, while I don’t really condone the use of mathematical formulas to mix all my paint, I do like its results. These people know what they’re doing, seek them out.

Hobbyists

The hobbyist tends to use painting as a time to get away from everyday life and sometimes to show class or culture to their peers. They rarely, if ever, sell work, preferring to give it away as gifts to family and friends or to clutter their own wall space with it. These types of painters crave positive criticisms and when given true critique often explode into self loathing or personal attacks.

The hobbyist tends to be worried the most about toxicity.

Archival permanence is also of utmost concern to the hobbyist. While painting few pieces many of them seem obsessed with finding the longest lasting substrate, the most light fast pigments, and the least yellowing oil, all in an attempt to improve their paintings without actually painting. In short, instead of actually painting they talk about it.