What are the Types of Painting Styles? 27 Types

Painting is often seen as just a creative hobbybut it’s so much more than that. Its historysand impact go far deeper. It has been shaping and reflecting human culture for thousands of years. From ancient cave walls to modern digital toolspainting has told the stories of who we are and how we see the world.

Without understanding this incredible journeywe lose the chance to see how painting has influenced everything from history and culture to the way we think about creativity today. Think of the Egyptian murals that preserved ancient beliefsRenaissance masterpieces that changed how we see the human formand bold modern s like Pop Art that turned everyday life into something extraordinary.

Howeverremember - the art is supposed to make you feel something. Even though paintings do have stories behind themyou can just make up your own story! Art is beautiful and you don't have to understand everything about it to appreciate it.

"Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understandas if it were necessary to understandwhen it is simply necessary to love." - says Claude Monet.

Herewe'll see how the evolution of paintingsfrom cave paintings to today. You'll understand how artists like da Vinci and Van Gogh broke boundarieswhy Impressionist paintings look so uniqueand how digital tools are pushing art into the future.

Ancient and Classical Painting Styles

Ancient and classical painting s mark the beginning of humanity's journey into artistic expression. These works often reflected religiousculturaland societal themes. These early artworks served both functional and aesthetic purposesoften depicting mythsgodsdaily lifeand the natural world.

Cave Art

Cave artdating back to around 40,000 years agois the earliest known form of painting. These were found in sites like Lascaux (France)Altamira (Spain)and Chauvet Cave. Cave artworks predominantly portray animals such as bisonhorsesand mammothsoften using pigments like ochre and charcoal.

Egyptian Painting

Ancient Egyptian art flourished around 3000 BCE and featured highly stylized depictions of godspharaohsand everyday scenes.

Roman and Greek Painting

Roman and Greek painting represented significant advancements in technique and realism. Greek art (circa 800 BCE) emphasized human form and movementwith vase paintings depicting myths and everyday life. Roman art (circa 500 BCE) incorporated frescoes and mosaics and created detailed and lifelike scenes on walls and floors.

Read more about Ancient Art. 

Renaissance Art

Renaissance art is a combination of realismhumanismindividualismand expression. This art emerged during the Renaissance periodbetween 1400 - 1600when there were great social and cultural changes in Europe. Renaissance art usually has religious subjectsmythological subjectsor real portraits of humans.

The art also uses light and shadow techniquesknown as chiaroscuro (a light and shadow technique to add depth and contrast)to add depth and drama to the paintings. The famous painting “Mona Lisa” is the perfect example of Renaissance art. It features expressionsrealismand humanism. Famous artists like Leonardo Da VinciRaphaeland Michelangelo contributed a lot to Renaissance art. 

Read more about Renaissance Art. 

Baroque Painting

The Baroque period (late 16th to early 18th centuries) brought dramatic expressiongrandeurand movement to art. It emerged in Europeparticularly Italy. Baroque painting was tied to the Counter-Reformation. It aimed to inspire emotional and spiritual connection. Artists used techniques like chiaroscuro (light and shadow) and vibrant color palettes to create dynamicaction-filled compositions that captivated viewers.

Notable Baroque painters include Caravaggioknown for his dramatic realism in works like The Calling of Saint Matthew. AlsoPeter Paul Rubenswhose vibrant is seen in The Battle of the Amazons. Rembrandt van Rijn added emotional depth with pieces like The Night Watchwhile Artemisia Gentileschi painted powerful biblical scenessuch as Judith Slaying Holofernes.

Learn more about Baroque.

Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism emerged in the mid-18th century as a reaction against the ornate Rococo . Painters drawed inspiration from the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. This movement emphasized moral virtuecivic dutyand heroism through its classical themes. Neoclassical paintings had clean linessmooth brushworkand balanced compositions. They reflected the harmony and restraint of classical art. Artists often used muted color palettes to focus attention on the narrative and composition.

Leading figures in Neoclassical painting included Jacques-Louis Davidwhose Oath of the Horatii epitomized the ideals of sacrifice and patriotism. Another todable person was Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingresknown for his precise draftsmanship in works like Grande Odalisque. Angelica Kauffmanone of the few prominent female artists of the eracreated notable works such as Ariadne Abandoned. Neoclassicism’s emphasis on simplicityharmonyand proportion had a lasting impact on Western artarchitectureand culturepromoting a revival of classical principles.

Learn more about Neoclassicism.

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Romanticism

Romanticism is an artistic movement from the late 18th centuryand lasting through the 19th century. The term romanticism was not all about love and affection back then. Insteadromanticism in the painting focused on emotionsimaginationnatureand individualism.

Romanticism artists used vibrant colors and dramatic contrasts to portray the feelingsemotionsand moods of their subjects. Romantic paintings may also feature themes of loveheroismand the supernatural. Some of the best romanticism artists are Eugène DelacroixWilliam Blakeand J.M.W. Turner.

 

Learn more about Romanticism.

 

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Realism

Realism was an art movement that began in France in the 1840s. It focused on showing everyday life as it truly waswithout exaggeration or romanticizing. Realist artists painted ordinary peoplesuch as workers and farmersand simple scenes from daily life. Their goal was to make their art truthful and lifelike. They payed close attention to details. Unlike Romanticismwhich often idealized the worldRealism showed the struggles and realities of lifeespecially for the working and middle classes.

Famous Realist artists include Gustave Courbetwhose painting The Stone Breakers showed laborers working hardand Jean-François Milletwho painted rural life in works like The Gleaners. Honoré Daumier used his art to highlight social issuesas in Third-Class Carriagewhich depicted the lives of poorer people traveling by train. Realism was important because it brought attention to real-world issues and inspired future artists to focus on truth and everyday life in their work.

Read more about Realism. 

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Impressionism

Impressionism is the art of portraying the effects of light and atmosphere using thin visible brushstrokes and vibrant colors. It was introduced in the late 19th century around 1860 -1880 in France. The founding artists of Impressionism include Claude MonetCamille PissarroEdgar Degasand Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

This focuses on painting everyday scenesincluding urban and outdoor landscapes. Impressionism paintings lack contour and look unfinished. They just appear as a set of spots if looked closely. Howeveryou need to move a few steps away from the paintings to see their beauty and understand the visuals. 

Learn more about Impressionism.

Post Impressionism

Post-Impressionism is a painting that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (1880 - 1910)following Impressionism. Post-impressionism paintings go beyond the naturalistic approach of Impressionism. They focus more on expressing ideas and feelings instead of just capturing what the eyes see. The key artists connected to this are Vincent van GoghPaul Gauguinand Paul Cézanne.

Post-impressionism paintings have bold colorsunique brushworkand unusual perspectives to convey emotions. These paintings never have an evident meaningand the viewers have to understand and realize the actual interpretation.

Learn more about Post-Impressionism.

Art Nouveau Circa

Art Nouveau is a decorative painting known for its elegance and sophistication. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (1890 - 1910) and still lives in the modern world. Art Nouveau paintings are known for their flowing lines and complex patterns. They often portray stylized plantsflowersand feminine figures.

The artists who contributed the most to the Art Nouveau are Gustav KlimtAubrey Beardsleyand Alphonse Mucha. They took inspiration from real objects and turned them into stunning motifs. Are Nouveau was used for various purposesincluding interior designingpostersarchitectureand illustrations. 

Learn more about Art Nouveau.

Cubism

Cubism is a visual arts that brought revolution to the world of painting. It emerged in the early 20th centuryaround 1907-1914 and the key artists associated with this are Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

Pablo Picasso was known as the father of Cubism. Cubism paintings usually have a muted color paletteoverlapping planesand fragmented shapes. The painting portrays subjects from multiple viewpointsbreaking them into geometric shapes and forms. 

Learn more about Cubism.

Expressionism

Expressionism was an art movement that began in Germany in the early 20th century. Unlike s that aimed to depict the physical world accuratelyExpressionism focused on representing emotional experiences. Artists used bold colorsdistorted shapesand exaggerated lines to convey deep feelings and moods. This approach allowed them to express personal reactions to the anxieties and alienation of modern life.

Two notable groups within this movement were Die Brücke (The Bridge) and Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). Die Brückeformed in Dresden in 1905sought to create a bridge between traditional art and modern expression. Der Blaue Reiterestablished in Munich in 1911emphasized spiritual expression through art. Prominent Expressionist artists include Edvard Munchknown for The Screamand Wassily Kandinskywhose abstract works aimed to evoke emotional responses. Expressionism significantly influenced various art formsincluding paintingliteraturetheatreand architectureleaving a lasting impact on the development of modern art.

Learn more about Expressionism.

Fauvism

Fauvism is a contemporary painting that emerged in the early 20th centuryaround 1905 - 1907. This was named after the French word fauves (wild beasts). It was characterized by its bold use of colorsimplified formsand expressive brushwork. The Fauves rejected realism and the subdued palettes of earlier art sinstead embracing vibrant and non-naturalistic colors to evoke emotions and energy.

Fauvist paintings often portrayed everyday subjects such as landscapesportraitsand interiors but transformed them into emotionally charged compositions. Though short-livedFauvism left a lasting impact on modern art. Artists like Raoul DufyHenri Matisseand André Derain are the magicians behind some famous fauvism paintings.

Learn more about Fauvism.

Surrealism

Surrealism is a painting that portrays the subconscious mind and dreams. The emerged in the 20th century1920. Surrealism paintings often feature symbolic elementsunexpected juxtapositionsand allusions.

The artists who nailed the art of surrealism were Salvador DalíiMax Ernstand René Magritte. These artists created fantastic dreamlike images with a combination of fantasy and reality. It is known that Salvador Dalíi used to paint right after waking up to give a surreal touch to his artwork.

Learn more about Surrealism.

Abstract Art Style

Abstract art is a painting that does not portray objects or scenes from the real world. It was introduced around the 1910s and 1920s when artists were moving away from realistic paintings. Insteadthey started focusing on expressing emotions and ideas through colors.

Abstract paintings usually feature linesformsand geometrical shapes. There is no hidden meaningemotionsor expressions behind abstract paintings. Some of the best abstract artists are Kazimir MalevichWassily Kandinskyand Piet Mondrian. 

Read more about Abstract Painting. 

Abstract Expressionism

Abstract expressionism is a painting that encourages people to understand the feel of the artist and the artwork instead of the actual image. This is all about conveying emotions and energy with the use of colorformand texture.

Abstract expressionism paintings may feature bold brushworkdripsand splatters too. The took birth in New York in the 1940s by a group of artistsincluding Jackson PollockFranz KlineLee Kranserand William de Kooning. Their paintings were raw and dirtybut deep and expressive. 

Learn more about Abstract Expressionism.

Pop Art

Pop artalso known as modern artemerged in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the famous pop art artists include Roy LichtensteinAndy Warholand Richard Hamilton. This painting celebrates popular culture and everyday objects. Artists draw inspiration from comic booksmagazinesnewspapersand consumer goods too.

The pop art movement believed that artists could take ideas from any source available. Pop art paintings feature bright colorscatchy designs and formsand recognizable images from popular objects. The objects can be celebritiesfictional charactersand even hamburgers. 

Learn more about Pop Art.

Minimalism

Minimalism is a modern painting that focuses on simplistic abstract art. The concept was introduced in the 1960s and is still widely used in contemporary home decor. Minimalist paintings feature clear linesblocksgeometrical shapesand a limited color palette.

They lack meaningdetailsnarrativesand reality. Insteadminimalist art persuades viewers only to see and appreciate what’s in front of their eyes. Some of the best minimalist artists are Agnes MartinDan Flavinand Frank Stella. 

Learn more about Minimalism.

Post Modernism

Postmodernism is a of painting that changed the traditional rules and ideas of art. Insteadartists mix different s and often use technology in post-modernism art. The paintings can be a bit confusing because they include elements of historical events and popular culture. 

Postmodernism art has no clear or fixed meaning. The came out in the late 20th centuryaround the 1970s and 1980s. Some of the famous artists associated with postmodernism art are Cindy ShermanDavid Salleand Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

Sci-Fi Art

Sci-fi artshort for science fiction artis a painting that focuses on futuristic and imaginative concepts. It gained popularity during the 20th century and continues to fascinate the world today. Sci-fi artists take inspiration from science fiction filmsliteratureand technology. This painting can feature bold colorscomplex detailsand dynamic compositions.

Sci-fi art can explore various themesincluding space travelartificial intelligencealiensrobotsand parallel universes. There are plenty of sci-fi artistsbut the founding fathers are Chris MooreJim Burnsand H. R. Giger. 

Symbolism

Symbolism is a painting that uses symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings and emotions. This artistic movement was introduced in the late 19th centuryparticularly in the 1880s. Some famous symbolism artists are Gustav KlimtMikhail VrubelFrida Kahloand Edvard Munch.

Symbolism goes beyond linesshapesand patterns. Insteadsymbolist paintings often feature elements of fantasy and dreamsincluding mysterious figures and hidden hints and messages. The main themes of symbolic art are griefmortalityand evil. 

Learn more about Symbolism.

Futurism

As the name tellsthe futurism painting focuses on the future and modern life and technology. Futurism emerged particularly in 1909 with a goal to portray the vibrant visions of the future. Many artists predicted the use of automobiles and machinery in their futuristic art. 

You can see depictions of modern airplanes and vehicles in old futuristic art. Artists experimented with bold colorsabstract shapesand bold lines in futuristic art. The most famous futuristic artists in the world are Umberto BoccioniCarlo Carràand Giacomo Balla. 

Learn more about Futurism.

Photorealism

Photorealism is a where paintings look as real as a photograph. This painting became famous in the 1960s and still rules the art world. Photorealism art features sharp focusintricate detailsand high levels of technical skills. The main goal of photorealism was to recreate photographs in the form of paintingsbut accurately.

Artists used to take inspiration from real photographs and recreate them with colors and brushwork. The founding figure of photorealism is Richard Estes. Other famous photorealism artists include Chuck CloseGottfried Helnweinand Audrey Flack.

Learn more about Photorealism.

Painterly

The Painterly features visible brushstrokestextureand the qualities of the paint itself. This painting became prominent during the 17th century through great artists like Velázquez and Rembrandt.

Painterly art does not focus on smooth surfaces and precise details. Insteadpainterly artists use thick layers of paintallowing colors to blend and interact on the canvas. Famous artists like Edvard MunchVincent van Goghand Pierre Bonnard were huge fans of the Painterly art. 

Read more about Painterly. 

Trompe-l'œil

Trompe-l'œilFrench for "deceive the eye," is an art technique that creates the illusion of three-dimensional objects on a flat surface. By skillfully manipulating perspectivelightand shadowartists make painted elements appear realoften causing viewers to momentarily mistake the artwork for reality. This technique has roots in ancient Greece and Romewhere artists like Zeuxis were famed for painting so realistically thataccording to legendbirds attempted to eat his painted grapes.

Trompe-l'œil gained prominence during the Renaissance and Baroque periodswith artists such as Andrea Mantegna and Antonio da Correggio creating ceiling frescoes that opened up illusory spaces above viewers.

In the 17th centuryFlemish painter Cornelis Norbertus Gibrechts became known for his trompe-l'œil worksincluding The Reverse of a Framed Paintingwhich convincingly depicts the back of a canvas.In contemporary arttrompe-l'œil continues to captivatewith street artists like Edgar Müller and Julian Beever creating pavement illusions that appear three-dimensional.

Chinese Painting

Chinese painting is one of the oldest artistic traditions in the worldwith a history spanning over 3,000 years. It was rooted in traditional philosophies such as ConfucianismTaoismand Buddhism. These paintings focused on harmonybalanceand the relationship between humans and nature. Unlike Western artwhich often focuses on realism and perspectiveChinese painting prioritizes the expression of spirit and emotion over physical likeness.

Traditional Chinese painting is created using ink and natural pigments on materials like silk or rice paper. Artists employ distinctive brushstrokes to depict a variety of subjectsincluding landscapes (shan shui)flowers and birdsand human figures. Some famous Chinese artists include Gu KaizhiZhou Fangand Han Huang.

Read more about Chinese Painting. 

What are the Types of Painting Subjects?

The types of painting subjects are history paintingportrait artgenre paintinglandscape paintingand still life painting. 

The five main types of painting subjects are listed below:

What is History Painting?

History painting refers to artwork that portrays historicalmythologicalor religious events. The main goal of history painting is to tell stories of a specific event or time. These paintings feature dramatic scenesheroic figuresand grand compositions. Historic art was also used for educational purposes in the past. 

What is Portrait Art?

Portrait art is one of the most common types of painting. It portrays individuals and captures their personalities and emotions. Portraits can be of anyoneincluding ordinary peoplehistorical figuresand famous personalities. These paintings mainly focus on facial featuresgesturesand expressions. Portrait artists also use light and shadows to create depth and realism in their paintings. 

Learn more about Portrait Art.

What is Genre Painting?

Genre painting portrays scenes from everyday lifeparticularly of ordinary people performing their daily activities. These paintings are depicted in a realistic manner for viewers to feel the scene. The main elements of genre painting include attention to detailstorytellingand portrayal of human interactions and emotions.  

What is Landscape Painting?

Landscape paintings refer to artwork portraying natural scenery like mountainsriversand forests. It is a well-known type of paintingmainly used in interior design. Landscape artists capture the beauty of the natural worldweatherlightand atmosphere.

They also experiment with different color combinations to achieve the required mood. Landscape art usually has elements of calmnesssorrowor serenity. 

Learn more about Landscape Painting.

What is Still Life Painting?

Still-life painting refers to the portrayal of lifeless objects. Any object that is “still” and can not move is the subject of still-life painting. Artists can explore different colorsformsand textures to paint flowersfruitsor other household items.

Still-life paintings can also contain symbolic elements for viewers to understand deeper meanings. This painting type requires careful observation and attention to detail to recreate the subjects. 

Read more about Still Life Painting.

What are the Types of Painting Mediums?

The types of painting mediums are oil paintingwatercolor paintingacrylic paintingcolor pencil paintingcharcoal paintingblack pencil paintinggouache paintingpastel paintingencaustic paintingfresco paintingspray paint paintingand digital painting. 

The most common types of painting mediums are listed below:

What is Oil Painting?

Oil painting refers to using pigments made in oilsmostly linseed oil. This painting medium was introduced in the late 15th century and is still used widely by artists. Oil paints are versatile in terms of blending colorscreating texturesand achieving a rich and glossy finish. Though oil paintings have a slow drying timethey are excellent for artists who like to constantly modify their paintings. 

Learn more about Oil Painting.

What is Watercolor Painting?

Watercolor paintings refer to creating artwork with pigments dissolved in water. This painting medium is known for its transparency and simplicity. Though watercolors are popularthey can be very tricky to work with. Unlike oil paintingsyou can not make changes to watercolor paintings once they are done. They require careful planning because corrections are not possible once the paint is dry. 

Learn more about Watercolor Painting.

What is Acrylic Painting?

Acrylic paints are pigments with acrylic polymer emulsion. They dry quicklyare water-resistantand give a good blending of colors. Acrylic paintings can have a wide range of textures and finishesincluding smoothglossyand thick. Howeversince acrylics dry fasterthey don’t give the margin to make corrections in your artwork. 

Learn more about Acrylic Painting. 

What is Color Pencil Painting?

Color pencil painting involves using colored pencils to create detailed and vibrant artwork. It is a modern painting medium but gives limitless options when it comes to art. It offers precise control over color and texture to create complex designs and fine details. Color pencil paintings usually have a matte finish and can resemble traditional paintings or drawings. You can also easily rectify your colored pencil paintings with erasers. 

Read more about Color Pencil Painting. 

What is Charcoal Painting?

Charcoal painting refers to using charcoal sticks or pencils to create bold and expressive drawings on paper. This medium is well-known for its deep and dramatic contrasts. Some of the most famous monochromatic paintings in history were created using this medium. Artists can also easily smudge or blend charcoal paintings to create atmospheric effects. 

Learn more about Charcoal Painting. 

What is Black Pencil Painting?

Like charcoal paintingblack pencil paintings also involve using graphite or charcoal pencils to create monochromatic artwork. This painting medium offers versatility in shadingblendingand detailing. Black pencil painting also allows artists to achieve a wide range of effectsincluding subtle gradients and bold contrasts. 

What is Gouache Painting?

Gouache painting is similar to watercolors but uses opaque water-based paints. It offers better coverage compared to watercolor and allows one to achieve more bold and saturated colors. Gouache paintings look realisticenergeticand have a matte finish. You can reactivate the paint with water even after drying. 

Learn more about Gouache Painting. 

What is Pastel Painting? 

Pastel painting refers to using dry pastel sticks or pencils to create soft and velvety textures on paper. This medium offers vibrant colors and easy blending to create expressive and atmospheric artwork. Pastel paintings have a delicate yet powdery finish. You will have to prevent pastel paintings from smudging by covering your artwork in a frame or wax paper. 

Learn more about Pastel Painting. 

What is an Encaustic Painting?

Encaustic painting is a medium that uses hot beeswax mixed with pigments to create artwork. This painting medium offers depth and a luminous effect because of the transparency of the wax. You can create stunning encaustic paintings by pouring the mixture of hot wax and pigment onto the paper. Howeveryou will need special brushes and tools to create texture and details. 

Read more about Encaustic Painting. 

What is Fresco Painting?

Fresco is a painting technique that involves creating art on walls and ceilings. Fresco painting is known for its durability because the colors become a part of the plaster as they dry. Moreoverfresco paintings have a matte finish and can withstand various environmental and atmospheric conditions. You can use any type of pigment for fresco painting. 

What is Spray Paint Painting?

Spray paint painting uses aerosol spray cans to apply pigments on surfaces like canvaspaperor walls. This medium is a quick and efficient way to create large-scale artwork with bold colors and graphic effects. Spray painting was introduced in the 1960s by artists to express emotionsthoughtsand messages to people. Spray painting is also very similar to graffiti art. 

What is Digital Painting?

Digital paintingalso known as digital artis a modern technique that refers to creating artwork using digital tools and software. Artists create digital art on graphic laptops or tablets. Digital painting offers endless possibilities for experimentation with colorstexturesand effects. You can also make unlimited corrections to your paintings. 

Learn more about digital art here.

Final Words

We should embrace the changes in today's art. Art is a great way to convey emtions that we are feeling. Art is created by humans and the most beautiful thing about it that it has no bounds.

"I think that the art world has changed so much in my lifetime. When I startedit was a very small worldand now it's a very big world. And I think that the nature of art has changed with it." - says a contemporary conceptual artistMichael Craig-Martin.

If you want to own a painting of your ownbut aren't sure of your skillssee our custom paintings. Paintings are the best way to preserve memories for years to come. They become heirlooms and are a more tangible way to remember good old days!