The Modes of Representation
Realism
The precise, detailed and accurate representation in art of the visual appearance of scenes and objects; it seeks to imitate reality as closely as possible
Romanticism
Representational art in which the subject is depicted in a nostalgic, emotional, fanciful or other mysterious way.
Stylized
Representational art that depicts certain features as nonorganic surface elements rather than realistically. A given style or convention is used.
Idealism
Representative images are depicted according to a concept of perfection rather than real life.
Naturalism
Seeks to faithfully represent the actual appearance of things, with the least degree of distortion or subjective interpretation. (Used interchangeably with Realism)
Illusionism
This art is so convincing in its realism that it may be mistaken for the real thing.
Non-objective
When artists express themselves by using compositional elements such as line, shape, color, texture, or value. These works contain no recognizable subject matter. (There is still subject matter and meaning, however)
Abstract
When artists interpret subjects (figures, objects, scenes) in a way that is unlike their natural appearance.