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Color is one of the seven elements of art and one of the first things we learn in school. Understanding the basic primary colors and how they blend is an activity found in most elementary school classrooms, but that’s just one piece of a much larger field known as color theory.

Used by painters, graphic designers, interior decorators, and anyone working in visual culture, color theory is an essential part of any creative’s toolkit. By understanding the principles of color and the science behind how we perceive different hues, creatives are able to mix, match, and blend a wide range of colors to please the eye.

Scroll down to learn the basics of color theory.

History of Color Theory

Color wheel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1809. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

While it may seem like standard theories about color have always existed, that’s not the case. Of course, colors like blue have been around since ancient times, when the Egyptians learned how to create permanent pigments from minerals. Even Leonardo da Vinci explored color principles in his extensive notebooks. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that color theory began to formally take shape.

Initial explorations in color were from a scientific point of view. Isaac Newton, in his 1704 book Opticks made a breakthrough in proving that light was made of different colors. Controversial at the time—as it was thought that pure light was colorless—his experiments became important stepping stones for color theory. He even organized an early color wheel based off of the color combinations he saw when refracting light waves through a prism.

Later publications, The Theory of Colours by German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and The Law of Simultaneous Color Contrast by French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul, are considered the founding documents of color theory. Published in the early 19th century, they deal with color psychology and chromatic aberration, and they further refined the color wheel.

At that time, color theory was based on RYB primary colors, which defined red, yellow, and blue as the colors capable of mixing all hues. This is the scheme most commonly taught in grade school and is still used in mixing paints. Later scholars would switch to an RGB (red, green, blue) and CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) models as advances in technology increased the range of synthetic pigments in photography and printers.

Werner’s Nomenclature of Colors, 1821. (Photo: Getty Research Institute via Internet Archive)

The 19th century brought about many books on color theory and how it can be applied to the visual arts. Authors often looked to nature for the hues and tones that make up the color wheel and their publications are still coveted color manuals today. For instance, Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours, which is also available online, was used by Charles Darwin as a scientific tool. First published in 1814, each color was given a poetic name like “Velvet Black” and it listed where the color is found in nature.

By 1901, when Emily Noyes Vanderpoel wrote her revolutionary color manual Color Problems she incorporated industrial items into her research. Vanderpoel looked at everything from teacups to plants and used grids to break down the colors found in each object.

Today, color theory is all around us. Let’s take a look at some of the basic terminology and principles to help you make the best color choices for your next creative projects.

Primary Colors

The three primary color schemes. (Photo: Stock Photos from Alexandru-Radu Borzea/Shutterstock)

Primary colors are hues that can be mixed to produce a wide gamut of colors. As we’ve already learned, there are different sets of primary colors depending on what mixing model you are using. Most of us are familiar with the red, yellow, and blue (RYB) primaries, which is taught to children when they are acquiring basic art skills. These are still the primaries that most painters, artists, and interior designers use today. The RYB model is an example of a subtractive color model. Subtractive mixing is when inks, colorants, or pigments form new colors by absorbing some parts of the visible spectrum.

Cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) are also subtractive primaries. Typically used in color printing, traditional red and blue were substituted with magenta and cyan over time as technology advanced and these pigments allowed for a wider range of colors. CMYK is also the name for the printing process itself, with the K standing for “key ink.” This is typically a black that helps pull out artistic detail, as the black achieved by mixing the three primaries is grayer.

The last model used is the red, green, and blue (RGB) system. RGB is an additive color model, which begins with darkness and uses different colors of light mixed together to achieve white. We most commonly see this model on computer and television screens. Photographers will also be quite familiar with working with an RGB color profile when editing images to be used online and switching over to a CMYK color profile when printing.

What is a Color Wheel?

RYB Color Wheel

Now that we understand different types of primary colors, we can begin to understand the color wheel. As old as color theory itself, the color wheel originated with Isaac Newton’s color circle published in 1665. The theory behind a color wheel is that it shows the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, all evenly spaced in a circle.

Using the common RYB model as an example, we can see a color wheel with red, yellow, and blue spaced evenly around a circle. Corresponding secondary colors (green, purple, and orange) sit evenly between the two colors they are mixed from. So, in the case of RYB we see green between blue and yellow, purple between blue and red, and orange between yellow and red.

The circle is rounded out by tertiary colors, which are created by mixing one primary color with one secondary color. For instance, teal would be considered a tertiary color using the RYB color wheel, originating from a mix of blue (primary) and green (secondary). If you keep mixing you’ll get quaternary and then quinary colors, eventually getting into shades of grey.

Photo: Stock Photos from Plateresca/Shutterstock

These basic color wheel principals work for CMY and RGB, just with different results. Interestingly, in CMY, red and blue become secondary colors, as opposed to their role as primary colors in RYB. Color wheels can be as simple or complex as you’d like and, over the course of history, many scholars created beautiful color wheels to show the full range of hues found in the world.

Some color wheels will also go into detail about variations on the pure color. Moving toward a white center they may show different tints of the pure color. A tint is achieved by the addition of white. Or, they may focus on demonstrating different shades, which are achieved by adding black to the pure color. You may even see some that display different tones, which is when grey is added to the pure color. Tints, shades, and tones are helpful depending on the color effect you are looking for. For instance, tones tend to be more subtle.

Warm Colors vs Cool Colors

Photo: Stock Photos from Mr. Luck/Shutterstock

Draw a line down the middle of any color wheel and you’ll separate warm and cool colors. Color theory has assigned psychological differences to warm and cool colors. Warm colors, which include red and yellow hues, as well as more tans and browns, are said to “advance” in art. Associated with sunset and daylight, they are often perceived as inviting and stimulating. Cool colors, which include blue-green to blue-violet are said to “recede” in art. Cool colors have links to overcast, wintery days and are considered calming and relaxing.

Cool and warm are also relative, meaning you can have a cool red and warm red depending on what side of the pure color they sit next to. For instance, reds with more orange to them will be considered warm, while reds with more purple and blue undertones will fall into the cool category.

Color Harmony

Once you have a handle on the basic primary color models and how the color wheel is organized, it’s time to see how you can use color theory to your advantage. Those adept at color theory will have an easier time selecting color palettes for their projects and more easily achieve the results they desire. So whether you are picking out a piece of art for your home, painting your walls, or creating a new website, understanding how to create a successful color scheme is a must.

Photo: Stock Photos from Slave SPB/Shutterstock

Complementary

Photo: Stock Photos from Macrovector/Shutterstock

Complementary colors are two colors that sit directly across from each other on the color wheel. Red and green, for instance, are complementary colors. A color scheme based on complementary colors will be quite vibrant, as the two colors contrast against one another. The stark contrast can make it difficult to work with on a large scale; but, used in small doses, it’s a great way to pull attention to a particular area.

Analogous

Photo: Stock Photos from Macrovector/Shutterstock

Analogous colors sit directly next to one another on the color wheel and can be very effective in creating a calm, serene feeling. Analogous color schemes can often be found in nature and when used, typically one color dominates. The second color supports the dominant color, while the third is used primarily as an accent. The colors are already harmonious, so you'll want to be sure there is enough contrast to make your design pop.

Triadic

Photo: Stock Photos from Macrovector/Shutterstock

While not the easiest color scheme to use, if done right it can yield great results. Draw a triangle on the wheel and you'll hit on three colors equally spaced apart. For instance, purple, orange, and green (the secondary colors). Triadic colors are quite vibrant and rich, so to use them effectively you’ll want to choose one dominant color and use the other two as accents.

Split-Complementary

Photo: Stock Photos from Macrovector/Shutterstock

This variation on a complementary color scheme is often used because it’s a little less jarring. Instead of drawing a straight line across the wheel, a split-complementary color scheme uses one base color and two additional colors that are adjacent to the base color’s complement. So, if red-orange (vermillion) is the base color, the other two colors in the scheme would be blue and green. The results are still vibrant, but as the contrast isn’t so strong it’s easier for beginners to work with.

Tetradic

Photo: Stock Photos from Macrovector/Shutterstock

This rectangular color scheme uses four colors broken into two complementary pairs. This rich color scheme can be tricky to manage but allows for a lot of variety. It works best if one color is dominant or if the colors are subdued. By using all colors equally, the overall design may appear unbalanced. Another characteristic to consider is the balance between warm and cool colors.

Square

Photo: Stock Photos from Macrovector/Shutterstock

The square color scheme also uses four colors, but this time they are all spaced evenly around the wheel. Similarly to tetradic colors, this palette works best if one color dominates and the others are accents. Otherwise, it can look sloppy. Attention to warm and cool colors is also a must here.

Achromatic

Photo: Stock Photos from blue-bubble/Shutterstock

Often used to create a clean, minimalist look, an achromatic color scheme exclusively uses black, white, and shades of grey. Designers will often throw in an accent color to create interest or break up the neutral design.

Monochromatic

Photo: Stock Photos from Sgustok/Shutterstock

A monochromatic color scheme takes one hue and creates a design based on different tints, tones, and shares of the hue. This color scheme allows for cohesion and relies on contrasting tones to attract attention or create focus.

Books on Color Theory

Frequently Asked Questions

What is color theory in simple terms?

Color theory is the science of how we perceive different hues and the creative way in which artists mix, match, and blend a wide range of colors to please the eye.

What are the 7 basic color schemes?

The seven basic color schemes are complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary, tetradic, square, achromatic, and monochromatic.

This article has been edited and updated.

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Carte-de-visite portrait of Harriet Tubman by Benjamin F. Powelson (1868-1869)

We're used to museums and libraries releasing hundreds, if not thousands, of images into the public domain, but no other institution has made quite the same splash as the Smithsonian. The world's largest museum has added even more images from its collection to the public domain, totaling a whopping 4.5 million assets. Available on a platform called Smithsonian Open Access, anyone can download, reuse, and remix these images at any time—for free under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.

The database pulls 2D and 3D images, as well as sound recordings and data sets, from the Smithsonian's 21 museums, nine research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoo. The new additions to the initial 2.8 million assets mark a continuing release of information that opens up a wide range of possibilities for creators. With over 155 million items across all of its collections, the Smithsonian is continually digitizing and adding to the platform. While they are making these resources available, the museum technically disclaims any liability that the asset might have copyright considerations elsewhere or as yet unknown. These efforts are reaching the public: in the last quarter of 2022, 25.7 million assets on the database were viewed by the public.

The Smithsonian is encouraging people to get creative with its images, even asking people to share and tag their work with #SmithsonianOpenAccess. “Being a relevant source for people who are learning around the world is key to our mission,” shares Effie Kapsalis, who is heading up the effort as the Smithsonian’s senior digital program officer. “We can’t imagine what people are going to do with the collections. We’re prepared to be surprised.” Everyone from grad students to historians is jumping on the trend.

So what can you expect to find? A dive into the 3D records shows everything from CAD models of the Apollo 11 command module to Horatio Greenough's 1840 sculpture of George Washington. To facilitate that content for makers, the Smithsonian is also now on Sketchfab.

Other notable pieces entering into the public domain include a portrait of Pocahontas in the National Portrait Gallery, an image of the 1903 Wright Flyer from the National Air and Space Museum, and boxing headgear worn by Muhammad Ali from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

With so much to explore, what are you waiting for? And while you are at it, check out some of the remixes created using information from Smithsonian Open Access.

Check out some of the 4.5 million pieces of public domain material released by the Smithsonian.

“Pocahontas” copy after Simon van de Passe (after 1615).

Boxing headgear worn by Muhammad Ali (ca. 1973)

1903 Wright Flyer

End Windows from the Living Room Skylights of the Martin House by Frank Lloyd Wright (1904)

Cathedral Window Quilt by Viola Canady.

See what creatives have done with this open-access material:

 

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Smithsonian Open Access: Website 
h/t: [DesignTAXI]

All images via Smithsonian Open Access.

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: Smithsonian Places 4.5 Million Historic Images Into the Public Domain

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Watercolor painting has long been a favorite medium of expression for enthusiasts and professional artists alike. Although you only need a brush and pigments to get started, watercolor is a material with many creative possibilities. By incorporating household supplies into your painting, you can create work that has interesting textures as well as fluid, carefree colors that showcase the best attributes of the water-based medium. Whether you are a beginner looking for watercolor inspiration or you're just looking to refresh your artwork, these easy watercolor painting ideas are a great place to start exploring unconventional creativity.

Common Tools Needed for Popular Watercolor Techniques

You don’t have to look far for many of the supplies needed for watercolor painting techniques. In fact, you probably have some of them in your home right now. This is in addition to the essential watercolor painting supplies: a watercolor paint set, paper, and wet media brushes in various sizes.

• Table salt
• Masking tape or rubber cement. Both of these items will be used to mask the paper so that watercolor pigment cannot penetrate it. Each works in a similar way, although rubber cement is painted on the paper and has more flexibility. In contrast, masking tape is easier to apply but works better if you’re working with straight, rigid lines.
• Sewing needle
• Rubbing alcohol
• Plastic wrap

Feeling confused about why you need rubbing alcohol to paint?  Don't worry—it's all explained below.

Easy Watercolor Painting Techniques

Flat Wash

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A flat wash makes up a majority of watercolor painting; it's such a basic technique that you don't even realize you're doing it. Simply dip your brush in clean water and paint, and then spread it over your painting surface. (This is called a wash.) The important thing to remember is to make sure that your color looks even—a flat wash should appear as a single, opaque hue on your paper. We use the flat wash in our demonstration of how to paint watercolor flowers.

This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to create a flat wash. 

Wet on Dry

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Wet on dry is another fundamental approach. It’s created by painting a wash of wet paint on dry paint. First, paint a wash onto your dry paper. After it has dried, apply paint on top of it. Because of the transparency of the paints, you will most likely see the bottom layer behind that stroke. This technique is a fun way to explore layers of color and loose strokes.

Kelogsloops, one of our favorite watercolorists, shares how he uses the wet on dry technique in his painting:

Graded Wash

A graded wash shows a transition from light to dark. Start by painting dark—load up your brush with the most pigment—and then drag it across the paper. On the next pass, add less pigment on your brush and swipe it across the paper so that it slightly overlaps with your first line. The two groups will begin to converge and eventually look like one. Repeat this process, adding less and less pigment, until you’ve got your desired tonal range.

Wet on Wet

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The wet-on-wet approach showcases the best quality of watercolor paint—its ability to create beautiful ethereal washes. To produce this technique, simply wet part of the paper with your brush. (You can use either water or a little pigment.) Then, dip your brush into another color and lightly dot it on the wet area and watch as the pigment feathers. This is a great idea for those that are looking to enhance the background of their composition or easily create a colorful sky.

This in-depth tutorial will show you the wet-on-wet (or wet-in-wet) technique in real-time. 

Dry Brush

Photo: Abstract dry brush on paper from Yeroma / Shutterstock.com

Dry brush is just as it sounds; take a dry (or mostly dry) brush and dip it into your paint. Afterward, spread it over a dry piece of paper. The result will be a highly textured mark that’s great for implying fur or hair.

Perfect your dry brushing with help from this video:

Masking Tape or Rubber Cement

Rubber cement (like masking tape) acts as a resist for watercolor. Apply this material in places where you don’t want the pigment to go. Once the watercolor is dry, peel the rubber cement or masking tape from the page. You’ll see the paper underneath. This is a great solution for preserving white paper among the rest of your painting. If rubber cement results in a piece that is too fluid or abstract for you, try this same technique with masking tape—you'll be able to get that perfect vertical line or crisp shape you're looking for.

Salt

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When applied to watercolor paper, salt will soak up some of the color and create a sandy-looking effect on the page. Begin by laying down a wash that’s “juicy”—you want to have some extra pigment on the paper. After you’ve painted the color, spread the salt on top of it. Once the painting is completely dry (it’s best to wait overnight), scrape the salt from the page.

Jerry's Artarama has an informative video on how to use salt to create a beautiful effect:

Lifting Off Paint

There are a few ways to lift paint from the page, and they all involve plastic—saran wrap being them most popular. Like the salt method, began with a wash that’s got some extra pigment to it. Then, place a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the painting; it’s best if you’ve crinkled it or have creased it. Wait for the paint to fully dry. The pigment will pool under the plastic and create an interesting texture.

Rubbing Alcohol

 

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Watercolor paint and rubbing alcohol are akin to oil and water. Once you paint a wash, take a utensil (like a q-tip) and dab alcohol onto the wet surface. Or, pour some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle to keep things loose and free. It will create an alluring effect that’s reminiscent of tie-dye.

In this short video, you'll see the rubbing alcohol technique in action:

Scratch-Off

Scratch-off, or sgraffito, involves scratching the paper to create small indentations. Start by painting a wash where you’d like the scratch texture to go. While still wet, take a sewing needle (or another sharp object) and drag it across the paper. Paint will fill the punctured surface and appear darker and more defined than the rest of your wash. This technique is perfect for those fine details that will really set your finished piece apart. Try this method to create woodgrain texture on your trees, or to create tiny needles on your cacti.

Spatter

 

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Warning: you're going to get your hands dirty with this technique. (But isn't that part of the fun?) The spatter technique will give a chaotic, Jackson Pollock-esque effect to your work. To create it, load your brush with pigment and use your finger to flick it onto your paper. This technique is great for creating energy and bringing importance to the foreground of your piece.

Don't want to get paint on your hands? Another option for spattering is to use a secondary brush and knock your painting brush against it. The force will release the pigment and it will transfer onto your paper. The downside of this method, however, is that you have less control over where the paint goes.

Watch how to spatter in this video:

Want to share your love of watercolor painting? Join our Art, Design, Photography, and Drawing Club on Facebook!

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Want to dip your toes into crocheting? The National Park Service offers two free patterns that will surely make your first project a splash. Based on species of fish indigenous to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park, these tutorials are designed for beginners and regular crocheters.

Ranger Hailey Burley put together two patterns which include necessary materials, instructions for all of the steps, and helpful photographs. One pattern is based on the halibut, specifically the Pacific halibut found in Alaska. “Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve protects over 950 square miles of ocean habitat,” the tutorial says. To get started, crafters will need two different colors of yarn, crochet hooks, fiber fill, and a pair of safety eyes. After completing the crochet pattern you add a pair of eyes on one side—as halibut fish are known for—and fill it with some stuffing. Burley advises: “Pacific halibut are a species of flatfish, so don't overfill!”

The other free pattern is based on the walleye fish. “Located in the lake-country of northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park protects 218,054 acres. This includes roughly 84,000 acres of water…A total of 54 fish species have been found in the park's aquatic habitats, but Walleye remains a favorite,” the tutorial explains. In the case of this project, Burkey recommends a multi-colored yarn, which will mimic the pattern of the real fish. After you're done crocheting, you can add the filling, which will result in an adorable fish plushie.

There are more rangers who have shared crochet projects inspired by the nature of national parks. One depicts a freshwater crustacean called a Triops, and requires the crafter to work on a smaller scale and incorporate extra detail. Another draws inspiration from the distinct formation of lava flows, which the crafter has used to make a pattern for a striking pillow. However, unlike the fish, these DIY projects are not as beginner-friendly.

You can learn how to make a halibut and a walleye by visiting the National Park Service website.

The National Park Service is offering two free crochet patterns based on fish.

These patterns were created by ranger Hailey Burley.

One pattern helps crafters create a halibut, and the other offers instructions on how to make a walleye fish.

Other rangers have shared crochet patterns on how to make a lava flow pillow.

And a pattern on how to make a freshwater crustacean named a Triops.

National Park Service: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Colossal]

All images via the National Park Service.

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Working in a creative field and looking for a little inspiration? Or just love art and looking to see what's trending? In addition to My Modern Met, there are tons of websites that can help you get over the creative hump and keep you abreast of what's happening in the art world.

Whether you want to read in-depth artist interviews or simply scroll past imagery to get your creative juices flowing, there is something for everyone. We've scoured the internet to find the best art and culture blogs online today. Here's our curated list of the top 29 art sites now. Get clicking and see what's happening in the art world today.

Want to stay inspired? Check out our list of the 29 best art and culture blogs today, in alphabetical order.

ArchDaily – Any architecture lover will want to bookmark this website, which showcases contemporary architecture projects from around the globe.

Art Insider – Whether you want to keep up with trends in the art market, read profiles on up-and-coming talent, or read exhibition reviews, Art Insider is an important hub of visual culture and those interested in art business.

ARTNews – From in-depth artist spotlights to tracking the top 200 art collectors, ARTNews is a reputable source of information for both art, both from a creative and business perspective.

BOOOOOOOM! – A global arts & culture platform based in Canada, they also have a platform specifically for video content.

Bored Panda – Known for their viral content covering everything from cute baby animals to viral social media moments, often featuring artist submissions.

Brooklyn Street Art –  Don't let the name fool you, as the site has expanded to cover street art and graffiti worldwide. Launched in 2008, it has become one of the most reliable sources of information on contemporary urban art.

Brown Paper Bag – This site celebrates illustration in all its forms—embroidery, products, and even tattoos.

Colossal – One of the most respected blogs out there, Colossal has a laser focus on the best of contemporary art, photography, illustration, design, and crafts. Through its membership programs, readers can also access exclusive content and artist-led workshops.

Creative Boom – Based in the UK, this site is a space for creative industries from graphic design and illustration to art and photography.

Creators Project – A celebration of arts, creativity, and technology run by Vice.

Designboom – Heavy on architecture and design culture, they often feature incredible art installations and innovative technology.

DesignTAXI – The perfect place for designers looking for inspiration with logo design, advertising, or animation.

Design You Trust – Updated hourly with design ideas, photos, creative advertisements, architectural inspirations, and videos.

Dezeen – If you are a fan of architecture, interiors, and design, this popular UK-based online magazine is for you.

Hi-Fructose – As the online presence of the quarterly arts magazine, Hi-Fructose highlights both established and emerging artists, especially in the low-brow and pop-surrealism genres.

HuffPo Culture & Arts – Media giant covering literature, film, and theater, as well as fine arts.

Hyperallergic – A great source of breaking news in the art world, as well as exhibition and book reviews.

iGNANT – Online magazine about art, design, photography, fashion, and architecture. Great for haunting, minimalist imagery with a slightly surreal bent.

Juxtapoz – Available in print and online, Juxtapoz is a trusted champion of underground art movements with in-depth features on artists, as well as exhibition news.

Laughing Squid – Covering a wide variety of topics, on Laughing Squid you can learn new insights about history, as well as discover incredible food art, tattoo art, and quirky designs.

Moss & Fog – This site shares everything from art and design to nature and science. There is a particular interest in eco-friendly design, architecture, and technology. Moss & Fog has also shown interest in AI art, creating some of its own in the process.

Nowness – Focusing on video as a means of storytelling, Nownesss celebrates the extraordinary of every day.

Open Culture – This website focuses on free educational and art media, which makes it a nice place for discovering videos, images, and other media to deepen your knowledge of art, history, and culture.

Scene360 – Tattoo aficionados will want to check out this site, which often features innovative tattoos among its rotation of art, photography, and design features.

Spoon & Tamago – Wondering what's hot in Japan? This site focuses specifically on Japanese art, design, and architecture.

StreetArtNews – A go-to resource for what's happening in the world of street art.

This Isn't Happiness – A minimalist Tumblr blog that is a treasure trove of inspiration for art, design, and photography. No text, all art.

Twisted Sifter – With stories on everything from the latest scientific discovery to creative edible treats, Twisted Sifter is an unexpected source of daily inspiration.

Widewalls – With a particular focus on urban and contemporary art, Widewalls publishes book reviews, exhibition reviews, and artist spotlights. They also have a section to follow upcoming auctions, and it's even possible to purchase artwork and get in touch with galleries through their portal.

This article has been edited and updated.

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Photo: Shraga Kopstein
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There are many choices you can make when you begin to learn how to paint. The most basic is the kind of paint you're going to use; three of the biggest types are watercolor, acrylics, and oils. While it's easy to distinguish the differences between watercolor paint versus acrylics and oils, it's trickier to understand what separates the other two. They are often packaged in similar-looking paint tubes, but they have many differences. If you're unsure of which paint you'd like to try, we'll break down those differences, look at acrylic vs oil paint, as well ways to hone your skills.

What is the Difference Between Oil and Acrylic Paint?

Photo: Tookapic

Though they look similar when squeezed out of a paint tube, there are fundamental differences in how the two types of paints are constructed.

Oils, in the art history sense, are classic. They were first developed in the 12th century and were used to create some of the most famous paintings in history like the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's Starry Night. The chemical composition features pigments that are suspended in oil (typically linseed oil). While timeless, they require a little more work to clean and maintain; they are not compatible with water, and so to thin or clean them, you'll have to use turpentine or white spirit.

Acrylics, on the other hand, are much younger. They were first made commercially available in the 1950s and feature pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. Unlike oils, you don't need any special chemicals to thin acrylics—just water will do. Additionally, when it is time to clean your brushes, mild soap and water are all you need. This aspect makes them great for beginners.

How Do Characteristics of Acrylic vs Oil Paint Compare?

Photo: Alicia Zinn

Drying Time

One of the biggest differences between the two paints is their drying time. Oil paints dry slowly. It can take days before the pigment fully sets, and it allows you to step away from a work in progress and come back to it at a later date. When you do, you can pick up where you left off. Because they are so malleable, they work well in realistic-style paintings—you can push the paint and blend it so that transitions look seamless. A disadvantage of this is that an oil painting can take several months to become fully dry.

Acrylics, on the other hand, are fast-drying. In some instances, it can take just a couple of minutes for them to be set. If you’re working in a graphic style or prefer to finish your painting in one sitting, acrylics are the way to go. In addition, the fast drying time can allow you as an artist to produce and sell paintings at a faster rate.

Lightfastness

Lightfastness is the property that describes how fast a color will fade when exposed to light. Oils and acrylics respond differently to light conditions.

Oil paints will fade over time. If you’ve ever seen an old painting, you might notice that they appear yellow; this is because the pigment grows visually duller over time and the oil binder shows through.

Acrylics have excellent lightfastness. Artwork made with acrylic will look the same now as they will many years from now in the future.

Ability to Experiment

This is one of the most striking variations between oil and acrylics—and one where acrylic paint is clearly on top.

Acrylic paint is known for its ability to experiment. Called paint mediums, these substances are mix-ins that allow acrylics to take on special properties that they wouldn’t otherwise. You can, for instance, incorporate mediums that make the paint really thick (for palette knife paintings) or ones that slow the drying time and make acrylics behave more like oils, so you can blend your brush strokes with greater ease.

Oil paints don't have this same flexibility. So, if you like working in mixed media or have ever thought about experimenting with the viscosity of pigment, you'll want to go with acrylic on this one.

How Do You Know What Paint Is Best For You?

Photo: Daian Gan

Given what we know about the two paints, you can now determine what’s best for you. So, ask yourself; What kind of paintings are you trying to create? Are you going for something that’s experimental and more design oriented? If so, then go for acrylics. But if you’re looking for traditional painting styles that are realistic, oil paint is the best choice.

Another consideration is where you're going to work. Oil paints are a luscious pigment, but they can be smelly—especially the substances you use to clean your brushes. Make sure that if you working with them, you are in a well-ventilated area.

In the end, your preferences for style, ease of use, and affordability should dictate which medium is best for your specific needs.

Paints That Artists Love

Photo: Caleb Salomons

Ready to begin painting? Whether your personal preference is oil or acrylics, here are some highly-rated sets you can try.

Oil Paints

• Van Gogh Paint Set, $33.70: A professional set that has 10 hues in 20 mL tubes. This makes it great for beginners or artists who want to travel with their paint.
• Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colors Set, $41.95: One of the most recognized paint brands, this 10-color set includes all the basics you'll need in 21mL tubes.

Acrylic Paints

• Winsor & Newton Artist’s Acrylic, $26.59: A great set for beginners and professionals alike, this set offers pigments in a buttery consistency while still retaining the quick-drying qualities of acrylics.
• Liquitex Basics Acrylic, $56.40: Eager to try mixed media? In addition to traditional painting techniques, this set was made for experimenting with non-painting approaches.

Check out our guides to the best acrylic paint sets and best oil paints for more options.

Learn How to Paint Online

Below is a bevy of classes from Skillshare and My Modern Met Academy that will help you develop your oil or acrylic painting skills. Whether you are interested in rendering a landscape, or wanting to learn how to create a portrait, these educational courses will help you on your creative journey.

Classes for Oils

• The Oil Painter's Handbook via Skillshare
• Guide to Non-Toxic Oil Painting Methods via Skillshare
• Oil Painting- Learn the Zorn Limited Color Palette via Skillshare

Classes for Acrylics

• Acrylic Painting: Learn the Basics for Beginners via Skillshare
• Modern Acrylic Painting: Explore Techniques to Create On-Trend Art via Skillshare
• Acrylic Painting: How To Paint An Abstract Landscape via Skillshare
• Acrylic Landscapes: Reimagining Mountains as Polygons via My Modern Met Academy
• Dream Your Own Abstract Acrylic Floral Paintings via My Modern Met Academy
• Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Painting With Acrylics via My Modern Met Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acrylic or oil paint better for beginners?

Since acrylic is a water-based medium that requires fewer materials, it is generally considered more beginner-friendly compared to oil.

Did Van Gogh use oil or acrylic?

Dutch Post-Impressionist Vincent van Gogh used oil paint.

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: What Is the Difference Between Acrylic vs Oil Paint?

Photo: Khara Woods
This post may contain sponsored links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you’re creating amazing art but struggling to gain exposure, art contests are a great opportunity for publicity. And if you’re living the infamous “starving artist” lifestyle, this is also a way to pull yourself out of a rough spot by potentially winning cash prizes, allowing you to gain an extra financial boost towards your dream creative projects.

There are loads of different competitions out there, from world-renowned painting contests to inspiring digital art challenges, that will place you in the art world. With so much to choose from, we’ve created a guide to help you decide which visual arts competitions are best suited to you and your artistic talents. Depending on your eligibility, you can try for these annual awards year after year.

Ready to show off your art to the world? Check out our guide to some of the best art contests to enter this year.

Painting Competitions

“Catalyst” by Jennifer McChristian. Winner, 11th annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Prize: $50,000 in All Cash Prizes. $15,000 Grand Prize for annual competition ($24,200 in annual cash awards), $600 first place prize for monthly competitions ($25,800 in monthly cash awards).
Entry Fee: $38 for the first image, $16 for subsequent images. (entries placed in first two weeks of the month receive a 25% discount)
Requirements: Open to international artists 18 years of age and older.
Closing Date: Each monthly competition ends at midnight Pacific Time on the published final day of that competition. Winners are announced on the last day of the month following the competition.

PleinAir magazine hosts monthly painting competitions that award artists across a variety of painting mediums. The winners of the monthly competitions will be entered into the annual competition with a chance to win $15,000. The winner of the annual competition will also see their work placed on the cover of PleinAir magazine. There are 19 categories to select from, some reserved specifically for plein air painting, while others also accept studio paintings. The winners will be showcased in PleinAir Magazine, and all winners and finalists will have their work promoted online on sites like FineArtConnoisseur.com, OutdoorPainter.com, PleinAirSalon.com, and in a variety of e-newsletters.

Enter now

Watermedia Showcase

Prize: $2,500 first prize, $1,250 second prize.
Entry Fee: $35 ($30 before February 6, 2023).
Requirements: Open to international artists 18 years of age and older.
Closing Date: April 11, 2023

The Watermedia Showcase awards original art created primarily with water-based media (watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, or egg tempera) on a surface created for water media. Judged by the editors of Watercolor Artist, all winners, and honorable mentions will have their work featured in the magazine.

Enter now

Jackson's Painting Prize

Prize: £6,000 first prize
Entry Fee: £5 per entry.
Requirements: Open to international artists of all ages.
Closing Date: March 1, 2023

Jackson's Painting Prize was created to reward excellence in two-dimensional works of fine art. Both painting and drawing media are accepted and in addition to the main prize, there are also awards for emerging artists, best watercolor, and people's choice. Entries open December 1, 2022 and close March 1, 2023.

Enter now

Digital Art Contests

Photo: Howard Lawrence B

The Lumen Prize for Digital Art

Prize: $4,000 first prize, with a $13,500 total prize fund.
Entry Fee: $40 for two works ($32 for two works if submitted prior to March 24).
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: June 3, 2023

This digital art competition is organized by Lumen Art Projects Ltd, a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to providing new opportunities for digital artists around the world. The contest guidelines are relatively loose—the only requirement is that the submitted artworks must somehow engage with technology. Categories include Still, Moving Image, XR, 3D/Interactive and Artificial Intelligence. In 2023, there is even an award for NFT art. Several awards categories are also rewarded with artist residencies and exhibitions in addition to the cash prize.

Find out more.

animago Award

Prize: €3,000 cash prize for Best Young Production, all nominees provided lodging and tickets to animago.
Entry Fee: Free
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: TBD

For over 20 years the prestigious animago Award competition has spotlighted talent in the fields of 3d animation and stills, visual effects, visualization, and design. Organized by the German magazine Digital Production, all winners are announced during a gala at the annual animago conference in Munich, Germany. Though, due to the pandemic, animago has not taken place since 2019, artists are still encouraged to submit their work for the next time that the conference occurs.

Enter now

Illustration Contests

Photo: rawpixel

World Illustration Awards

Prize: A cash prize of £2,000 and more publicity opportunities.
Entry Fee: £29 (approximately $33)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: February 14, 2023

Anyone who’s into illustration is bound to have heard of the prestigious World Illustration Awards. Illustrators are invited to submit work created or published since January 2018 to 8 different categories. Winners will not only win a cash prize, but they’ll also be awarded invaluable global exposure, such as a marketing package in the Directory of Illustration, a feature in a major exhibition in central London, and an invitation to the Awards Evening in October.

Enter now

Society of Illustrators Annual Competition

Prize: Medals, work published in a full-color catalog and displayed in an exhibition.
Entry Fee: $20 for members ($35 for non-members)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: TBD

The Society of Illustrators Annual Competition is known as the premier showcase for illustrators and animators. Open to artists worldwide, work can be entered in one of the six categories: Editorial, Book, Advertising, Institutional, Uncommissioned, and Surface/ Product Design. The selected entries will be exhibited at the Society of Illustrators’ gallery in New York City and be printed in full color in their annual catalog. In addition to the entry fee, there is a hanging/publication fee of $90 for non-members and $80 for members.

Enter now

Drawing Contests

Photo: Stock Photos from Iuliia Tarabanova/Shutterstock

Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing

Prize: $2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize
Entry Fee: $45 ($35 before March 22, 2021)
Requirements: Open to artists in the United States and Canada.
Closing Date: April 29, 2023

The Strokes of Genius Competition celebrates original work made in drawing mediums; including pencil, charcoal, Conté crayon, pen and ink, scratchboard, silverpoint, colored pencil, pastels, and even some wet paint mediums if used in a linear or sketchy manner. Winning entries plus an additional 85+ finalists will be published in a special edition publication, The Best of Drawing, from the editors of Artists Magazine.

Enter now

General Art Contests

Photo: Pixabay via Pexels

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize

Prize: Over $50,000 in cash and prizes to be won (overall winner receives $10,000 to develop their practice). Plus global exposure through Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s 1 million+ social media community, along with website and print editorial. Winners will also participate in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s prestigious group exhibition at Haven Gallery in New York later this year.
Entry Fee: $40 per entry (artists can enter up to 10 times)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide working in the representational visual arts.
Closing Date: midnight PT on July 17, 2023

The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, now in its 6th year, is an annual non-acquisitive international art prize that celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts. It includes all static mediums including Traditional Art media, Digital Art media, and Photographic media; and all styles from realism and hyperrealism to pop surrealism and lowbrow. The Prize seeks to inspire creatives from around the world to pursue a life and career in the arts, and to help careers grow through funding and increased exposure of their work to galleries, collectors, and media, globally.

Enter now

Artists Magazine Annual Art Competition

Prize: Over $29,000 in cash prizes and publication in Artists Magazine.
Entry Fee: $40 ($35 if submitted before April 3)
Requirements: Open to artists over 18 worldwide working in a traditional medium.
Closing Date: May 30, 2023

Artists Magazine’s Annual Art Competition celebrates traditional 2D artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, digital art, and much more. Winners will be chosen from a variety of categories including Portrait/Figure, Still Life, Landscape, Abstract, and Animal/Wildlife.

Along with generous cash prizes, this contest provides a huge opportunity to gain exposure—all winners’ work will be featured in the January/February 2023 issue of Artists Magazine.

Enter now

The Sunny Art Prize

Prize: A total cash fund of £6,000 plus a month-long art residency in China, and a solo exhibition in London.
Entry Fee: £25 for one artwork, up to £45 for four artworks.
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide age 18 and over.
Closing Date: June 30, 2023

One of the most inclusive and diverse art competitions in the UK, the Sunny Art Prize offers unique exposure for both emerging and established artists. Winners will be granted an opportunity to have their work shown in an exhibition in London, and develop their work during a month-long residency in China. A £6,000 (approximately $7,600) total cash prize will be split between the first three winning artists.

The art contest accepts entries in a diverse range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramic art, printmaking, installation art, mixed media, video art, and photography.

Enter now

Made in California Competition

Prize: $750 first prize, $500 second prize.
Entry Fee: $20 per entry
Requirements: Open to artists based in California.
Closing Date: February 16, 2023

Hosted by the Brea Gallery, the Made in California Competition provides a promotional opportunity for all artists based in the state of California. All mediums will be considered. And, in addition to the juried competition, there is also a solo show opportunity for artists who submit a body of work containing 5-10 pieces (the entry for the solo show is $80, and the prize is $350).

Enter now

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: 12 of the Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2023

Photo: Stock Photos from OKSANA_SLEPKO/Shutterstock

Valentine's Day is swiftly approaching and many of us will be searching for the words to express just how much we love the people in our lives. Sending a valentine to a lover is a centuries-old tradition. In the 19th century, lovelorn Victorians sent intricate, expandable paper creations. Today, options for love messages and sweet notes abound. On Etsy you will find adorable puns and sweet cats dancing across cards made by independent artists. But what should you write in these cute cards? An eloquent love quote is a great place to start. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best Valentine's Day quotes for you to find inspiration and get you started on those cute messages for that special person in your life.

These quotes—from authors, poets, and songwriters—are some of the best expressions of love ever written. You can also further immortalize them with beautiful gifts. Present your beloved with a heartfelt Rumi quote as a beautiful print, or this mug with the immortal words of Mr. Darcy that will keep their tea and their heart warm. As sweet as these gifts, quotes, and words are—they are just the beginning. The true icing on the cake of any Valentine's Day gift are the words you write from the heart.

Read on for our curated list of the most romantic love quotes to express your feelings this Valentine's Day.

Photo: Stock Photos from ADRIATICPHOTO/Shutterstock

“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.”
―Romeo in Romeo & Juliet (1597) by William Shakespeare

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
― Mr. Darcy in Pride And Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen

“There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.”
— On Reading and Writing by Friedrich Nietzsche

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
― Arwen in The Fellowship of the Ring (1954) by J. R. R. Tolkien

“You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love in spite of the fact that they're not.”
— Jodi Picoult

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
― Dr. Seuss

A Valentine's Card from between 1860 and 1880. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons [Public domain])

“Love is anterior to life, posterior to death, initial of creation, and the exponent of breath.”
— The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson

“It's enough for me to be sure that you and I exist at this moment.”
― One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) by Gabriel García Márquez

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.”
– 100 Love Sonnets (1959) by Pablo Neruda

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”

— Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595–1596) by William Shakespeare

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.”
— Charles M. Schulz

Photo: Stock Photos from A.G.A./Shutterstock

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
— Aristotle

“When I met my wife, it was so clear. I just knew. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I'd ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a cab. And it was like… magic.”
— Sam, played by Tom Hanks in Nora Ephron's Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

“We are most alive when we are in love.”
– John Updike

“Have I told you lately that I love you. / Have I told you there's no one else above you.”
— Have I Told You Lately (1989) by Van Morrison

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”
— Helen Keller

“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.”
— Zelda Fitzgerald

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.”

— David Viscott

Photo: Stock Photos from 4 PM PRODUCTION/Shutterstock

“I am grateful to have been loved and to be loved now and to be able to love, because that liberates. Love liberates. It doesn't just hold—that's ego. Love liberates. It doesn't bind.”
— Maya Angelou

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
— Lao Tzu

“I ask you to pass through life at my side—to be my second self, and best earthly companion.”
— Mr. Rochester, Jane Eyre (1847) by Charlotte Brontë

“Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth.”
— Prince Albert

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good times and bad. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.”
— Ann Landers

“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”
— George Sand

Photo: Stock Photos from ENGAGESTOCK/Shutterstock

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: 25 Best Love Quotes From Literature, Poetry, and Pop Culture

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Like any creative field, art history has its own language. While this reality can be overwhelming for aspiring art historians, having a handy glossary of art terms can make analyzing a work of art a lot less intimidating.

In this list, you'll find 25 words that will help you discuss art with ease. From general concepts, like brushwork and composition, to specific techniques, including chiaroscuro and trompe l'oeil, this arsenal of art terms offers everything you need to make the most out of your next museum visit.

Analyze art like a professional with this art history glossary.

Abstract

Breaking away from the figurative representation of objects, abstract art reimagines imagery as a study of the relationship between shape, form, color, and line. Abstraction occurs on a continuum, including the fractured-yet-recognizable forms of Cubism and the totally non-pictorial nature of Abstract Expressionism.

Aerial Perspective

Also known as atmospheric perspective, this method for creating depth in two-dimensional artworks focuses on the idea that the further an object is from the foreground, the lighter in tone and hue the color will be. By exaggerating the difference in these tones, artists can use aerial perspective to create drama and establish the illusion of space on the picture plane.

Assemblage

This artistic form or medium uses a mix of materials that create three-dimensional layers from a fixed base. The usage of different materials makes it similar to collage, but in a three-dimensional form. Assemblage has its origins in Cubism and the work of artists like Man Ray and Vladimir Tatlin, who often used found objects in their artwork.

Avant-garde

The French term avant-garde literally translates to “advance guard,” but is used to describe artworks, movements, or artists that are experimental and forward-thinking.

Biomorphic

Biomorphic artwork is art that, while remaining abstract, evokes the form and shape of natural and living organisms. The term was first used relating to art in the mid-1930s and has been connected with Surrealism and Cubism. Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia is an example of architecture that has been characterized as biomorphic.

Brushwork

This term refers to the way a painter applies paint to a surface with a brush. Brushwork is typically characterized by the size, texture, and precision of the strokes. For instance, brushwork may be described as “tight” or “loose” depending on how visible they are to the naked eye.

Oil painting on canvas (Photo: Stock Photos from Sweet Art/Shutterstock)

Chiaroscuro

Italian for “light-dark,” chiaroscuro is the use of strong contrasts between luminosity and shadow to achieve a sense of volume and dimensionality. This unique technique was developed during the Italian Renaissance by Leonard da Vinci, the Baroque period by Caravaggio, and the Dutch Golden Age by Rembrandt.

Color Theory

Color theory is the basic principle of how to work with color. Fundamental to artists and how they choose the pigments they work with, an understanding of color theory will inform the mood of the artwork. The color wheel is key to understanding color theory, as it breaks hues down into cool colors and warm colors, as well as defines complementary colors, among other things.

Composition

The composition of a work of art is the way in which its visual elements are arranged, especially in relationship to one another.

Conceptual

This 20th-century art form developed in the 1960s, when artists began to emphasize ideas and concepts over the finished product. Art that is conceptual breaks free from all the standard rules and can take any form from sculpture and painting to happenings and performances.

Contour

As the outline of something, the contour is one of the building blocks of drawing. Using different contour lines can dramatically change the way an artwork appears and is most evident in line art. The Dance by Henri Matisse is just one example of a work of art known for its distinct contours.

Contrapposto

In sculpture, contrapposto (“counterpose” in Italian) is an asymmetrical posture in which most of a figure's weight is distributed onto one foot. This results in a realistic stance, as famously evident in Michelangelo's David statue.

Michelangelo, ‘David' (ca. 1501-1504) (Photo: Stock Photos from Alfonso de Tomas/Shutterstock)

Figurative

A work of art is considered figurative when its subject matter is representational.

Focal Point

An artwork's focal point is where its visual interest sits. Compositions can undoubtedly have more than one focal point and artists can employ different techniques to draw the viewer's eye to particular focal points. Color and contrast, as well as perspective, can be used to pull focus. An artwork without any focal point can appear chaotic and unfocused to the viewer.

Foreground

The foreground of a work of art is the part of the composition that is closest to the viewer. It is typically discernible from the background, which appears to be further away. Placing the focal point of a composition in the foreground creates an intimate feeling.

Foreshortening

Foreshortening is a technique in which an artist distorts perspective to evoke an illusion of depth. Foreshortened subjects often appear to recede into the picture plane.

Giorgione, ‘The Tempest' (ca. 1506-1508) (Photo: Ismoon via Wikimedia Commons Public domain)

Genre

A genre refers to a type of art (typically painting). Examples of genres include landscape and still life.

Iconography

Iconography refers to the subject matter, or images, used to convey meaning or communicate a message in a work of art.

Impasto

This Italian word for “mixture” refers to thick layers of paint used to create texture. While it was first used by Venetian painters during the Italian Renaissance, it really took hold in the 19th century. Renowned landscape painter J.M.W. Turner used impasto to build layers of color and drama in his work. Painters often use palette knives for this technique, which is meant to emphasize their talent in manipulating their chosen medium.

Medium

A medium is a material used to create art. Examples of mediums are watercolor paint, oil, pastel, marble, gouache, and charcoal.

Middle Ground

Sandwiched between the foreground and background, the middle ground lies at the center of a painting or photograph, in reference to depth. When the focal point is placed in the middle ground, the artwork typically appears balanced and neutral.

Photo: Stock Photos from Happy Person/Shutterstock

Mixed Media

The term mixed media is used when referring to an artwork made with more than one medium or material. For example, an artist may use acrylics, ink, and colored pencil on canvas. Assemblages and collages are also two types of mixed media artwork, as they incorporate different materials into the finished piece.

Modern

As a movement, the term “modern” refers to art created between the onset of Impressionism and Pop Art, which ushered in contemporary art. On a more general scale, however, “modern” can mean current or cutting-edge.

Motif

In the visual arts, a motif is an element of iconography. In paintings, a motif can refer to any pictorial feature of the composition. In the decorative arts and architecture, it often denotes a recognizable symbol that repeats.

Narrative

Narrative, in terms of art history, is the visual storytelling that occurs within a piece of art. While not every piece of art will have a clear story, narrative art asks painters and sculptors to use visual cues in order to lead viewers through a series of events.

Pentimento

Pentimento (“repentance” in Italian) refers to the presence of evidence that an artist has painted over a previously-rendered subject. In The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso, for example, the vague outline of a woman's face is apparent beneath the final brushstrokes.

Detail of Picasso, ‘The Old Guitarist' (1903) (Photo: The Art Institute of Chicago via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)

Perspective

Perspective is the representation of 3-dimensional depth and space on a flat surface. There are two main types of perspective: linear and atmospheric. Linear perspective employs intersecting lines and vanishing points as a means to make objects appear far away. According to Leonardo da Vinci in A Treatise on Painting, atmospheric perspective, on the other hand, illustrates the idea that “colors become weaker in proportion to their distance from the person who is looking at them” through tonal changes.

Scale

Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to another. Often, as in the case of large-scale paintings, this comparison is based on the portrayed object's real-life size.

Sfumato

Predominantly associated with the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, sfumato (derived from fumo or “smoke” in Italian) is a method of shading and color-blending that evokes a soft, “smoky” haze. This technique is apparent in the blurred background and softly-defined facial features of the Mona Lisa.

Leonardo da Vinci, ‘Mona Lisa' (ca. 1503-1516) (Photo: Galerie de tableaux en très haute définition via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)

Style

A work of art's style is a classification of its visual appearance. Often, style is characterized according to the distinctive aesthetic approach of an individual artist, art movement, period, or culture.

Tone

Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of a particular color.

Trompe l'oeil

In French, trompe l'oeil means “deceive the eye.” It is a technique that creates optical illusions of three-dimensionality by employing eye-catching lifelike imagery.

Visual Rhythm

An artwork's visual rhythm refers to an artist's ability to successfully direct the viewer's eye across the piece and create flow. It can be created by placing similar colors next to each other or organizing positive spaces and negative spaces next to each other in a way that creates movement.

Pere Borrell del Caso, ‘Escaping Criticism' (1874) (Photo: Collection Banco de España via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Now that you've grasped the basic terms, master Art History 101 with these must-have art history books.

This article has been edited and updated.

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Two-point perspective drawing of a mall (Photo: Stock Photos from Zoltan Major / Shutterstock)

Drawing is full of fundamental techniques that will improve how you create art. And if you like to draw realistically, understanding these methods is vital. Perspective is one of these approaches that will help you become a better draftsperson—especially when it comes to architecture. It creates the illusion of depth to make your work appear more realistic.

What is perspective drawing in art?

Perspective drawing gives objects on a 2D surface a sense of three-dimensionality. There are two types of perspective: linear perspective and atmospheric perspective.

Basics of Linear Perspective

When we talk about one, two, or even three-point perspective, we’re talking about linear perspective. It's a method of representing space in which the scale of an object diminishes as the distance from the viewer increases. Essentially, objects that are farther away from us appear smaller than those that are near. The position at which they meet at a horizon line (the intersection of where the ground meets the sky) is called the vanishing point.

Linear perspective might seem rudimentary but it wasn’t until the Renaissance that it had a name. In 1413, Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi began developing linear perspective and the method that many artists use today. He started by painting the outlines of Florentine buildings in a mirror and saw that when the structure’s outline was continued, the lines ended on the horizon line.

Brunelleschi’s discovery was a major influence on artists at the time. Many years later, his friend Leon Battista Alberti penned De Pictura, the first treatise on linear perspective that explained how to correctly show distance in a painting using mathematic principles first proven by Euclid in ancient Greece.

One-Point Perspective

One of the best illustrations of single-point perspective is to imagine that you’re looking at eye level at a straight road. All of the elements and angles of the composition—particularly the road itself—will converge at a single point on the horizon line, or horizontal line on the page.

Photo: Francisco Delgado

Single-point perspective can be at any point along the horizon line; the only stipulation is that all lines lead to the solitary point. Although elementary, it is evident in iconic works of art.

Perspectival study for “The Adoration of the Magi,” c. 1481

Leonardo da Vinci best exemplifies this in his perspectival study for The Adoration of the Magi around 1481. This incredible sketch demonstrates the great lengths that da Vinci went through to determine the focal point of the piece. Notice how the lines, from the steps to the arches, all converge at the same spot on the horizon line.

Two-Point Perspective

Cube in two-point perspective (Photo: Stock Photos from kavalenkava / Shutterstock)

Just as one-point perspective focuses on one vanishing point, two-point perspective ushers in a second one. Typically, these two points are at the opposite sides of the composition, such as one on the far left and another on the far right. Two-point perspective has vertical lines that are perpendicular to the ground plane. For example: think of the sides of a building as the vertical lines and the sidewalk as your ground plane.

Three-Point Perspective

Image: Circle Line Art School

Three-point perspective, also called multi-point, is a type of perspective that has at least a third vanishing point. This is common, especially as the complexity of the subject matter grows. A standard setup features two vanishing points on the far left and far right of the composition and then the third point below them. Doing this gives you a bird’s eye view of the subject. If you were to place the third point above the two vanishing points, it would create an extreme view looking upwards.

Introduction to Atmospheric Perspective

Linear perspective is based on mathematics and straight lines, but atmospheric perspective relies on something entirely different. Also called aerial perspective, it conveys depth through value changes, colors, and visual clarity.

One of the best ways to illustrate atmospheric perspective is in a landscape photograph. Imagine you’re viewing a mountainscape far in the distance. The formations closest to you will look the most colorful and in the greatest detail. As the mountains appear farther away, they have a dull, bluish cast covering them.

Photo: Guillaume Briard

How does this happen? In atmospheric perspective, water, vapor, and even smog affect what you see. As there’s more distance between you and a form, the increased particles result in less visual contrast. It also has to do with color wavelength. Blue color waves tend to bounce around these particles, which is why things take on this hue from long distances.

 

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This idea, that things closer to you are brighter and easier to see, goes hand-in-hand with values in compositions. Things that are in high contrast (a combination of light tones and dark tones) are more eye-catching than low contrast. In the above painting by artist Adem Potaş, the trees in the backdrop practically disappear because their tone is nearly the same as the rest of the sky.

Learn How to Create Your Own Perspective Drawings

Now that you’ve been introduced to the basics, it’s time to practice your perspective drawing.

Drawing Linear Perspective: One, Two, and Three points

Circle Line Art School has created three in-depth videos that explain how to draw with one or more vanishing points. Each tutorial is narrated step-by-step and demonstrates sketching a building (or buildings). All you need is drawing paper, your favorite set of drawing pencils, an eraser, and ruler.

Tips on How to Incorporate Atmospheric Perspective in Your Work 

Artist Lineke Lijn explains how she creates atmospheric perspective in her work and how you can incorporate it into your work, too.

Need more inspiration? Here's some art we love that features perfect perspective.

Artist: Paul Heaston

Artist: Paul Heaston

Palace of Westminster, London. Artist: Lorenzo Concas

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris. Artist: Lorenzo Concas

Artist: Aysylu Zaripova

Artist: Thomas W. Schaller

 

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Want to learn more? Here are five practical drawing tips to take your art to the next level.

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