5 Famous Painting Styles Every Artist Should Know [Part 1]

For all the artists that struggle to find their own style, here’s an article to guide you in the vast range of painting styles, so that you may be one step closer to finding the one.

Renaissance

Time of Popularity = 14th Century - 17 Century

Region of Popularity = Europe 

Starting with the most famous period of paintings, Renaissance! The painting style developed in this period is also called Renaissance. The paintings created in this period marked the gradual shift from abstract forms of the medieval period to more realistic, and natural paintings. Therefore these paintings were largely focused on painting real life scenes or at least scenes that would be realistic to a certain extent.

Aside from this description, what made renaissance paintings stand out from other paintings? The painting techniques used in that period!

There were several new techniques invented during the renaissance, such as sfumato, chiaroscuro, perspective, foreshortening and proportion. These techniques marked a significant shift in the history of art. Sfumato is a technique of blurring the outlines and blending the colors in a painting, it's quite a unique technique, which was also used in the famous Mona Lisa Painting. Chiaroscuro is the use of strong contrast between the light and dark to create depth. Perspective, foreshortening and proportion all relate to the use of mathematical principles to form lines used to create the illusion of depth. Used all together, these techniques greatly contributed to an artist’s ability to create three dimensional figures on a two-dimensional plane.

Many famous artworks were created during this period including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. These paintings are still considered masterpieces in the present day, which says a lot about their painting style.

Gothic

Time of Popularity = 12th Century - 16 Century

Region of Popularity = Europe 

The word gothic literally means of or like a style of building that was common in Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries. In the history of art, this style centers around religious themes with elongated figures and vibrant colors, often seen in stained glass and illuminated manuscripts. The earliest forms of gothic art were the monumental sculptures adorning cathedral and abbey walls. Paintings depicting religious scenes would be considered a form of gothic art. Gothic art was divided in architecture, sculpture and paintings. 

Most paintings produced in the gothic era were made in four primary media : Frescoes, Panel Painting, Manuscript Illumination, and Stained Glass.

 Famous artworks include : Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck and The Book of Hours. 

Baroque

Time of Popularity = 17th Century - 18 Century

Region of Popularity = Europe

The baroque painting style is known for its dramatic use of light and shadow to depict intense emotions, and dynamic composition. Unlike the more restrained and harmonious Renaissance style, Baroque art often features bold contrasts, rich colors, and a sense of movement that creates a theatrical effect. Artists like Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens used techniques such as chiaroscuro to enhance the dramatic intensity of their paintings, making the viewer feel part of the scene. This is evident in Caravaggio's work " Calling of St. Matthew" with it's dramatic lighting leading the viewer's eye to the crucial moment of the narrative. The baroque style often aimed to evoke awe and engage the senses, setting it apart with it's emphasis on grandeur and emotional depth. 

Famous Artworks of this painting style include The Calling of St Matthew by Caravaggio and The Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens.

Rococo

Time of Popularity = 18 Century

Region of Popularity = France

The Rococo Painting style is one filled with light-heartedness and elegance. Moving away from the heavy drama from the Baroque era, Rococo paintings are filled with pastel colors, intricate details, and themes of love, nature and leisure. This Style represents the carefree and lavish lifestyle of the French aristocracy before the French Revolution.

Rococo art often portrays romantic encounters, mythological senses, and serene landscapes. It's all very charming and whimsical. Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher are two of the most famous painters of the Rococo painting style. Take Fragonard's "The Swing," for instance- it's a delightful scene of a young woman on a swing, surrounded by lush greenery and soft, flowing lines. The colors are light and airy, creating a sense of joy and flirtation.

One of the distinct points of Rococo painting is its use of curving lines and asymmetry, mimicking the shapes of nature- such as flowers, vines and shells. Though the Rococo style eventually gave way to the more serious neoclassicism style, it remains cherished for its graceful and decorative beauty. Rococo art captures a moment of carefreeness, offering a delightful escape into the world of charm.

The famous artworks with this painting style include The Swing by  Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Madame de Pompadour by François Boucher.

Neoclassicism

Time of Popularity = 18 Century - 19th Century

Region of Popularity = Europe

Neoclassicism painting style emerged as a reaction to the playful Rococo style. This new style was inspired by the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Neoclassical artists wanted to bring back the simplicity, symmetry, and serious subject of classical art. 

This style focuses on order and harmony, with paintings having clear lines, balanced compositions, and calm colors. Artists avoided the bright, pastel colors of Rococo and chose more subdued and serious tones. They aimed to create art that was not just beautiful but also meaningful and educational. That's why these paintings often depict historical or mythological subjects to either tell stories with moral lessons. This style also has a realistic approach, as they are made with accuracy to details. 

The well-known artworks of this style include The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David and Grande Odalisque by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

Conclusion

Painting styles vary person to person. It takes a lot of courage and determination to create a unique painting style and to honor and remain loyal to it. If you don't have a painting style yet, that's totally fine, I also struggle with finding my own style. I personally find that adding something common to all your paintings helps reserve it and makes people recognize the artist easily. For example the use of a specific shade in every painting regardless of what your painting. 

Throughout the history of painting, many painting styles were born and many died out without even being recorded. Many artists painted but their paintings got lost amidst the fog of history. Which painting style in this list intrigued you the most? Which one do you think suits your aesthetic the most? 

I personally really love the dramatic impact of the Baroque style. It feels so interactive with the viewers and makes one feel a lot. But Rococo suits my aesthetic more, due to it's light colors and overall sense of serenity. It seems to be depicting a life similar to the ones you would see in children's movies. 

Thank you for reading and do check out my other blogs!