The world of art is a well-rounded, vibrant and colorful network of creations and expressions. Art is anything which represents a form of beauty in its different shapes, sizes, dimensions and ways.
Art is not only an exciting way to express oneself, but it is a powerful creative and communicative tool that has been used in many aspects of the world. Art can be found everywhere in the world ranging from ancient hieroglyphics to modern wall murals, to digital art created on computers. With its versatility and frequent usage, art can be broken down into many categories.
Here, we will explore the 9 art subjects that any artist should know to help them expand in their creativity and artistic skills.
1. Drawing
Drawing is by far one of the most important art subjects that any artist should study and learn. It is a form of artistic expression that uses pencil, ink, pastels and other forms of media to create lines and shapes on a two-dimensional surface.
Using either loose and unrestricted techniques or tight and careful techniques, drawing is used to create compositions, forms, and expressions. This can include still-life drawings, sketches of people, and many other variations. Drawing is a valuable skill for any artist to have as it improves observation, orients the artist’s coordination and allows them to express themselves in creative ways with 2-dimensional media.
2. Painting
Painting is another one of the 9 art subjects that any artist should know. Painting is a way of expressing yourself through the use of materials such as acrylics, watercolors, oils, gouache and many others.
Painting is the representation and recreation of the natural world through contrasts, colors, and values. This can include landscapes, abstracts, still-lifes and figures – to name a few. Painting is a way to effectively express feeling and emotions, transcribe the physical world, and help the artist demonstrate narratives, stories and scenes.
It has a longstanding history and is still a powerful form of artwork used today to depict reality and share messages.
3. Mixed Media
Mixed media is an art subject that combines different forms of art media such as painting, drawing, photography and others all in one composition. This form can be seen in many creative works, such as collages and assemblages.
Mixed media art can act as a vehicle to deliver new ideas, by combining common and uncommon materials together to give the artist an edge in their art form. By using a mix of various materials, the artist can incorporate these pieces, whether old or new, to bring an idea to life in an interesting way.
4. Printmaking
Printmaking is the creation of multiple copies of an original artwork, using processes such as engraving, lithography and etching. Processes in printmaking form an image to be printed onto a sheet of paper or any other surface. Prints can be compared to photographs, but are wholly unique in their processes and creations.
This art form can range from mere impressions of the natural world to bold abstract shapes and representational images. Printmaking is a way for the artist to reproduce their artworks in a simple yet complex way.
5. Photography
Photography is a time-intensive form of art that uses the camera to capture a scene or moment. Photographers use their skills to create stories and visual accounts, portraying the essence and significance of a moment in time. This type of art involves attention to light, color, and composition to create a magnificent array of visuals that can range from the artful to the documentary.
It can be seen in everything from fine art portraits to contemporary street photography and beyond.
6. Sculpture
Sculpture is a unique art form that uses 3-dimensional materials to create figures, objects, and scenes. Unlike 2-dimensional media, this art form has many more variables for the artist to consider; the scale and proportion, texture, composition, and balance.
Sculptors use their skills to craft life-like figures, stylized figures, animals and abstract forms out of clay, wax, metal and many other materials. Sculpture is the act of creating something tangible and permanent in the physical realm, putting an artist’s vision into reality.
7. Textiles
Textiles are a form of art involving fabric, threads and surfaces. This medium works with color, texture, patterns and forms to create often colorful and unique compositions.
Textiles can create functional apparel for fashion, durable products for everyday use, and tapestries for decoration. This art form requires designers to pay attention to details as everything from the threads to the fabric will determine how the design will look. It involves the fusion of form and function and is a very versatile form of artwork.
8. Ceramics
Ceramics is another art subject that involves clay and other materials to create fittings, pottery and sculptures. This is usually the forming of objects by either wheel throwing or hand-building. Ceramics involves an artist-to-object relationship that can create both functional and non-functional products.
This is an ancient art form that has been around for centuries and have been found in many historic sites. Everyday items such as dishes and mugs can be seen as a form of ceramics, as they are handcrafted and sculpted from clay.
9. Digital Art
Digital art is a form of art that uses computers, tablets and other digital devices to create art works. This type of artwork can take place on various digital platforms and can produce various types of digital art such as photography, drawings and paintings.
Digital art is an exciting form of artwork that enables the artist to explore boundaries not seen in traditional art forms, such as animation and 3D modeling. This broad field is an amazing way for an artist to explore, create and express themselves digitally.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the 9 art subjects are all varied and diverse forms of art with many applications in both traditional art forms and modern digital art. Drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography have long been established forms of art while digital art and others such as ceramics and printmaking have become more mainstream as technology advances.
The 9 art subjects detailed here provide a starting point for any artist to hone their skills and explore the incredible world of art.