Whatever your feelings, art usually reflects a period in time, and over the centuries artists have adopted many different styles to express this. Whichever is your favourite, take some artistic inspiration and consider a career in art.

Cubism
Cubism was developed at the beginning of the 20th century by the artists Pablo Picasso and George Braque. They refused to depict the world in 3D like many of their fellow artists, insisting that pictures are always flat. Instead, they started painting objects from many different angles. One of the most famous examples is Picasso’s ‘Guitar’.

Surrealism
This is an artistic style dedicated to expressing the imagination as revealed in dreams. It was founded in Paris in the 1920s and was heavily influenced by the work of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud and his theories of the unconscious mind. Salvador Dali’s ‘Lobster Telephone’ is an example of this bizarre, fantastical genre.

Impressionism
Impressionism has its roots in France in the late 19th century and is typically where the artist paints an object as though they were just catching a glimpse of it. Pictures tend to be very bold and vibrant and generally depict outdoor scenes without much detail but using a lot of colour. Renoir’s famous Impressionist painting ‘The Umbrellas’ can be seen at the National Gallery in London.

Renaissance
Renaissance Art refers to European paintings from the historical period between 1400 and 1600 called the Renaissance, meaning ‘rebirth’. Its main characteristic was a revival of the classical forms originally developed by the ancient Romans and Greeks, and an increased concern with the natural world and all its details. Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ is one of the most famous Renaissance paintings.

If you have a passion for any of these artistic styles, take a look at some of the ways in to an arty career.
Fine Artist
No formal training is necessary but most freelance artists have a relevant degree or HND. These are offered across the UK in universities and art colleges. Some institutions may offer places to applicants without formal qualifications, but with a good portfolio. However, most require five GCSEs (A-C).

Picture Framer
There are no formal entry qualifications, although some GCSEs grades are useful. Many people enter picture framing after taking a private course or gaining experience in a related craft industry. Courses are offered by local colleges and adult education centres across the UK and training is usually on the job.