What type of painter are you?

We are going to cover styles and techniques in this chapter.  You need to understand the different forms of painting.  You may find yourself drawn to one form or another.  This often happens when you start painting.  As you become more familiar with techniques, you will generate your own style.

There have been many different art periods.  Here is a list of the periods along with some of the artists which made it famous.
1) Baroque - Caravaggio, Carracci
2) Classicism - Mengs, Ingres
3) Cubism - Picasso, Braque
4) Expressionism - Beckmann. Dix, Munch, Kandinsky
5) Fauvism - Matisse
6) Impressionism - Renoir, Monet, Pissarro, Morisot, Bazille
7) Realism - Caravaggio, Velazquez, Zurbaran
8) Renaissance - Michelangelo
9) Romanticism - Gericault, Delacroix
10) Surrealism - Arp, Ernst, Masson,Tanguy, Dali

Each one has it's own unique style.  Some are more of an impression than an actual picture, like a representation of what the artist feels about an issue or subject.  At times this is referred to as abstract art.  You can recognize the Romanticism type of artwork by the attention to detail.  The background is left in shadow while the image is bold and clear.  Human bodies are painted to represent each curve and muscle.  The strength comes through without any doubt as to what the artist is trying to instill in the viewer's mind. 

By choosing a style or form of artwork, you can have a reference to what your paintings will be representing.  You can show the images you want.  Your likes and dislikes will show when you put them on a canvas.  Whether you are a romantic or an impressionist, people who study your work will be able to tell at a glance.

You do not have to limit yourself to one style.  There may be times you feel like painting just for the sheer joy of painting.  When this happens, there is no telling what you will put on the canvas.  As long as your feelings and desires come through in the artwork, it is just fine.

You may find it easier to express yourself when you put paint to canvas. There may be times you are depressed.  You may find yourself in a state of joy and happiness.  You will see these emotions come out in the artwork you are creating.  This is what painting is all about.  Creating a picture of what is going on in your mind, allowing others to see what you are feeling, these are the real reasons for painting.  The fact that you enjoy watching a blank, white surface turn into something spectacular is a benefit as well.

No matter what style you choose, there is one which is right for you.  You will decide this when you are more familiar with how you like to paint.