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.