Style
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| Style | |
|---|---|
| Type | Characteristic of art |
| Used in | Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Architecture, Design |
| Related terms | Medium, Technique, Movement, Composition |
In art, the term style refers to the distinctive manner or approach that characterizes an artist's work or an artistic movement. It encompasses the visual qualities, techniques, and choices that make a piece of art recognizable, such as the use of color, brushwork, composition, and subject matter. Style can apply both to an individual artist’s personal expression and to broader movements that share common traits.
Art historians often use style as a way to classify works into periods or categories. For example, the highly detailed and harmonious compositions of the Renaissance differ from the dramatic contrasts of Baroque or the loose, light-filled brushwork of Impressionism. Within these movements, individual artists may also develop personal styles that set their work apart from their contemporaries.
An artist’s style can change over time, reflecting shifts in technique, cultural influences, or personal growth. For instance, Pablo Picasso experimented with several distinct styles during his career, including his Blue Period, Rose Period, and later involvement in Cubism.
Style is closely related to other artistic concepts such as medium and technique. While medium refers to the material used and technique to the method of application, style is the overall effect or “look” that results from these choices. Together, they help define the unique identity of a work of art and shape how it is understood by viewers.