Humans paint to record and make sense of the world, and to say, “I am here.” Of course over the years painting has evolved to encompass a huge variety of sophisticated techniques and concepts, but it’s still fundamentally a means to communicate, to explore, and to announce our place in the universe.

“Figurative” painting is clearly derived from real object sources, and is therefore by definition representational. Within the realm of figurative art we find a variety of styles, including photo-realist, classical, expressionist, impressionist. The variety of subjects for figurative painting is endless, but some of the most common can be categorized as landscapes or portraits. Search Artspan for expertly realized figurative art.

In abstract painting shape, color, form, and line combine to create a composition that doesn’t draw its inspiration from visual references in the world. As with figurative art, abstract painting can be divided into as many sub-categories as there are abstract artists. Search fauvism, cubism and modernism on Artspan to find abstract art to enhance any home.