* People: Portraits, figures in a scene, etc.
* Objects: Still lifes, landscapes, cityscapes, etc.
* Events: Historical scenes, mythological tales, etc.
The key characteristic of representational painting is its intention to be recognizable and understood by the viewer. This differs from abstract art, which focuses on form, color, and composition without a clear subject matter.
Here are some key aspects of representational painting:
* Realism: This style strives to depict reality as accurately as possible, using techniques like perspective, light, and shadow to create a lifelike illusion.
* Impressionism: Artists in this style focus on capturing the fleeting impression of a scene, using loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
* Expressionism: This style emphasizes subjective experience and emotions, often distorting reality to convey a particular feeling.
* Surrealism: This style uses dreamlike imagery and juxtapositions to explore the subconscious mind.
Examples of representational painting styles:
* Renaissance Painting: Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
* Baroque Painting: Works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Rubens.
* Impressionist Painting: Works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas.
* Realist Painting: Works by Courbet, Manet, and Eakins.
In essence, representational painting is all about communicating a recognizable subject through the use of visual language. It's a vast and diverse category encompassing a wide range of styles and approaches.