When a painter is not paid for his work, this situation falls under which lien type?

The situation where a painter is not paid for his work is best described by the artisan's lien. An artisan's lien applies to personal property and allows a worker or craftsman—such as a painter, mechanic, or similar professional—to retain possession of the property they have worked on until they are compensated for their services. In this case, the painter has a right to keep the artwork or work product until payment is made, thereby creating a lien on the property as a form of security for the unpaid debt.

The artisan's lien is specifically relevant in service industries where personal labor is provided on a specific item. This differs from other types of liens such as mechanic's liens, which are typically associated with construction contracts involving real estate or improvements to property. Thus, the artisan's lien is specifically tailored to the situation of the painter not receiving payment for their work. This context highlights the unique nature of personal property liens compared to those related to real estate or broader construction issues.