One of the great things about painting is the abundance (pretty much an infinite number) of styles and techniques you can try. The possibilities are endless. When considering what style(s) you would like to employ for a particular painting, it is helpful to not only have an idea of what different styles look like visually, but also some of the context in which these styles and movements developed. Having some background knowledge can help you decide which styles are most appropriate for what you are hoping to convey.
Whether you choose a style for purely aesthetic reasons, or in order to elicit a particular mood or emotion, being aware of some common terms will also aid you in discussing your work. Part of the joy of painting can come from sharing it with others, and it’s always nice to be able to have an informed conversation about your art!
Below are brief examples of some of the most common styles and well-known art movements. Each of these forms of painting have rich histories and many, many subsets and derivatives, but here’s a simple overview to get you started! I encourage you to dive deeper into any movements you find interesting, especially if you think it is a style you would like to try out yourself!
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