Understanding the Basic Forms of Art

Your choice of art must meet your personal style and preference. Does it elicit a good feeling for you and add to the mode or purpose of the room? One distinction where we are often torn or undecided is the art decorative or collectible. Collectible art does not have to be an original. Collectible art is a piece that will hold its value or increase its value. Some people suggest that decorative art is that which creates the mood or feeling of the room. It seems to us, that a collectible piece can just as easily meet your personal preference or choice as what some would call decorative only. We have seen many limited run prints increase in value substantially over the years. If a piece meets your needs, fits your budget, and grows and increases in value; its even better. Remember, choosing art has to be about your personal preferences first.

Classic Art:  can also be Representational Art. Classic Art is easy to find and unless you are seeking a collectible original, classical art can be relatively inexpensive. Classic Art is created by world masters over long periods in history. If your home is classical, art in the classical form will enhance your setting and create ambiance.

Representation Art: It is the actual depiction of people or objects. Photo graphic prints are a form of Representation Art. Another example of representational art is a portrait of a family member or a historical character. The use of this form often adds a very personal touch to the mood you may wish to create.

Abstract Art: With the use of vivid color and unique patterns; Abstract Art, will enhance the colors and furnishings of a room to create the overall feeling you wish to convey. In the abstract form the artist is expressing an idea or an emotion through the use of color and design.

Naturalistic Art: Local Naturalistic Art is abundantly available and often is the least expensive form of art, unless you are seeking a collectible from a world famous artist. In this form of art, the artist is creating a scene or a single point in time in nature, i.e. a sunset. You should be able to find local artists who are creating scenes of local forests, mountain scenes, or seashore scenes in your area. Naturalistic Art represents the most common form of art and it depicts the natural environment which enhances most interior design schemes.

While there are many other sub categories to each of these basic art types; understanding each of these types and the aesthetic you wish to create, should help narrow your search by allowing you to define the form that most appeals to you.