What’s Your Painting Style?

When I first started my art journey, I was often asked, “What’s your painting style?” I would usually reply that I just painted whatever I felt like at that moment. I had no idea what style I would classify my art in (and I still don’t).

Over the years, I have learned about the many different types of art and explored some incredible artists, past and present. Viewing and learning about all types of painting is a great way to boost your creativity and explore the world of art.

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I thought it would be interesting to compile what I have learned in one area for you to explore. You may find something new and interesting, take your art in a new direction, or solidify your ideas. Either way, I hope you enjoy this journey through the world of painting styles.

Realism

Realism involves painting a subject or photo exactly as you see it in detail. A realistic painting looks so much like the real thing that you often can’t tell the difference between a photograph and a painting.

Realism generally depicts ordinary subjects in ordinary situations. Each element in the scene is painted exactly as they are, without any embellishments or added drama.

If you want to add more realism to your own artwork, read my post on realism for some ideas and tips.

Painterly Style

The painterly style became popular during the fist half of the 19^th century. Subjects are painted in a realistic style, but unlike realism, the brush strokes are evident and integral to the painting.

The subjects are identifiable, but there is a lack of fine detail. This style works well with alla prima painting, which Henri Matisse and Vincent van Gogh used.

Impressionism

Impressionism was developed in Europe in the mid-1870s -1880s. Impressionistic painting is achieved by using color and light to give the “impression” of the subject.

The emphasis is on light and color rather than detail. Impressionistic artists often painted outside to maximize the light and the play of sunlight on the subjects they were painting.

Expressionism

The artwork of the expressionism movement is meant to depict the thoughts and emotions of the artists themselves rather than the subject.

The paintings are characterized by broad, sweeping brush strokes and unrealistic colors used to convey strong emotion.

Probably the most well-known expressionist painting is The Scream by Edvard Munch.

Fauvism

Fauvism concentrated on pure, intense color to express the artists’ thoughts and feelings. Often, the colors were unnatural and unblended.

The subjects were often flat on the canvas rather than painted in 3D because the emphasis was on colour rather than form.

Unlike expressionism, fauvism tended to depict happy, joyful feelings in the artwork. Henri Matisse is one of the best-known Fauvist painters.  

Abstract

Abstract works emphasize the colors, textures, and materials used in the painting. They are a “freer” representation of the artist’s imagination rather than a depiction of a reference photo or still life.

The artist uses color and texture to invoke emotions and ideas. Abstract art is the artist’s attempt to depict ideas and thoughts rather than physical reality. In many ways, abstract art is the opposite of realism.

There are many types of abstract art. One you may have heard of is Cubism. This type of art is characterized by the use of geometrical solids to form the subject of the painting. Pablo Picasso is probably one of the most famous Cubists.

Another famous abstract artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, painted isolated parts of subjects close up. For example, painting the center of a flower rather than the whole flower or a field of flowers. This art form shows amazing details and patterns in nature that we don’t ordinarily take the time to see.

Surrealism

The surrealist art movement began in the early 1900s and is characterized by artworks depicting dreamlike or hallucinatory scenes, which are often bizarre. The basis of surrealism is to free the imagination and render unconscious thought onto the painting surface.

The images in surrealist paintings are recognizable and painted realistically, but the whole scene takes on an unusual or bizarre twist similar to a dream or nightmare.

Surrealism often incorporates symbolism, visual puns, and automatism, which means allowing the subconscious mind to do the painting.

Two of the more well-known surrealist artists are Salvador Dalí and Rene Magritte.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are literally hundreds of painting styles throughout the world. These are just a few I am familiar with, and they are a place for you to start exploring different types of artwork.

Exploring the different types of artwork and the works of famous and not-so-famous artists is a great way to kick-start your creativity. It is a good tool to use when you have artist’s block and are feeling uninspired.

Spend some time exploring famous artworks and reading about the artists who created them and the motivation behind their creativity. You may find something you love, and over time, you will develop your own style.

If you would like to learn more about artists and art movements, The Art Story is a comprehensive and informative site.

Also, check out Creative Arts Chat for interesting interviews with modern artists and photographers. I’m sure you will find them interesting and inspirational.

Thanks for reading. 🙂

If you have questions, you can leave them in the comments below. You can also join our free Facebook group, Trembeling Art Creative Corner, where you can ask questions, post your work and get to know some fantastic artists from all genres and skill levels. 😊