Why Bother with Art Styles Anyway?
Art history isn’t just about timelines. Oil painting styles are basically humanity’s diary, with every shift in brushwork, perspective, or color was related to something about the times: religion losing its influence, science exploding, people craving beauty (or chaos) in their art.
And honestly, knowing the difference between Renaissance balance and Modernist madness makes you a sharper collector. Or at least gives you something to say when guests stare at your walls too long. At OilPaintings.com, we turn those museum styles into hand-painted masterpieces that can make not only a design statement, but a converstion piece.
Early Renaissance: Geometry, Perspective and All That Balance
Period: 14th-15th century
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First real use of perspective (suddenly things didn't look flat).
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Figures became human.
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Compositions were calm, organized, almost mathematical.
Think Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael. They were obsessed with anatomy studies, ratios, harmony. The Last Supper by da Vinci is basically a geometry lesson disguised as a biblical drama, where your eyes lock on Christ because the math demands it.
The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
Where it works at home: formal spaces, such as libraries, dining rooms, anywhere with wood paneling and symmetry. If your place has dark furniture and you sip wine more than beer, Renaissance paintings may fit right in.
Browse: Renaissance Art Style | Da Vinci Paintings
Baroque: Big Drama, Bigger Shadows
Period: 16th century
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Intense contrast between light and dark (chiaroscuro if you want the fancy term).
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Emotions dialed way up.
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Rich jewel tones, gold, velvet vibes.
Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer... They made everything theatrical. Light wasn't just for seeing. It told the story. The Night Watch by Rembrandt feels like a movie scene paused mid-action, figures stepping out of darkness like they know you're watching.
Where it fits: entry halls, formal dining rooms, anywhere you want guests to think "wow". Best with deep-colored walls, gold accents, heavy curtains.
Browse: Baroque Paintings | Rembrandt Paintings
Impressionism: Capturing the Effects of Light in Nature
Period: 18th century
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Dominated by heavy and thick brushstrokes and texture.
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Obsession with light, air and color shifts.
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Scenes of daily life, outdoor landscapes.
Monet, Renoir, Pissarro set up their easels outside and abandoned studio rules. Instead of painting the thing, they painted the feeling of seeing the thing. Monet's Water Lilies 18 isn't about flowers, it's about time rippling on water.
Water Lilies 18 by Claude Monet
Where it fits: bright living rooms, sunrooms, casual spaces with open windows and light fabrics. If your home is airy and soft, impressionist paintings will definitely feel at home there.
Browse: Impressionist Style | Claude Monet Paintings
Modernism & Abstract Expressionism: Breaking All the Rules
Period: early to mid 20th century
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No more realism, just raw emotion.
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Bold colors, abstract forms, freedom.
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Each artist basically said "my way or nothing".
Van Gogh's The Starry Night is less about the sky and more about what's raging inside him.
The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
Juan Gris shattered figures into cubes with his Cubist art style, like the colorful work of art called Harlequin with a Guitar.
Harlequin with a Guitar by Juan Gris
Paul Klee explored abstract forms using bright colors and his personal symbolism onto canvas. This was art as rebellion, not decoration. A popular example of his art style was depicted in Red Balloon.
Where it fits: modern homes, creative studios, offices with concrete floors and minimal furniture. Hang a large abstract piece on a white wall — suddenly the room feels alive.
Browse: Abstract Art | Contemporary Paintings
Quick Art Style Reference Sheet
| Style | Features | Colors | Best Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance | Perspective, balance | Earthy, muted reds/blues | Libraries, formal dining |
| Baroque | Drama, contrast, emotion | Deep reds, gold, dark greens | Entry halls, dining |
| Impressionism | Thick texture, outdoor light | Pastels, soft greens/blues | Living rooms, sunrooms |
| Modernism & Abstract | Bold, emotional, rebellious | Primaries, high contrast | Homes, offices |
Pro Tip: At OilPaintings.com, we resize or adjust colors to match your decor. Yes, that means if you want a hand-painted Monet reproduction in custom colors to match your sofa, it can easily be done for you by one of our skilled artists.
Final Thought: Centuries on Your Wall
Renaissance gave us order. Baroque cranked up the drama. Impressionists broke rules of color usage and thick brushstrokes. Modernists torched the artist rulebook entirely.
Pick one that matches your vibe, or mix them up. Either way, when you walk past a hand-painted oil reproduction, it's not just decor, it's centuries of art on your wall.
See our Bestsellers to start your own collection.
