On Artsper, discover a selection of modern and contemporary
canvases by browsing our sections and varied selections.You will find a large variety of artworks from emerging painters as well as works from famous painters.
Painting has been man’s preferred medium for self-expression since prehistoric times. Even now, when people think of the visual arts, they tend to immediately think of painting. Whether a canvas is created using acrylic paint, oil paint,
watercolour , or ink, each technique has its own unique qualities and each has had a varied history.
For example,
oil painting has been the preferred method for several centuries because of the flexibility it allows – it dries slowly and enables the painter to take time to reconsider their painting; it also ages well and offers a range of possibilities in terms of look and textures. Acrylic paint has also its advantages : it is easy to use and apply since the binding agent is water, it is usable on a great variety of mediums and the colors are not altered by time. However, it is less flexible than oil painting as it dries much more quickly.
New techniques have also emerged : one example is spray painting. Indeed, street artists create their works in the streets or on canvas using a paint that comes out of an aerosol can as a spray.
There are two main categories of paintings : figurative art and abstract art. Art history has never stopped oscillating between these two notions and redefining them time and time again. Whether canvases represent a subject or are fully abstract, it’s important to remember that there is always a concept behind the artwork.
Artistic movements have followed on from one another for centuries, distinguishing themselves by either confronting past traditions or defying contemporary practices. Cubism, surrealism, minimalism, and pop art drastically revolutionised the medium and changed our interpretation of art, but also our view of perspective, form, colour, light, and more…
Although contemporary art is most often associated with abstract canvases, it’s not quite this simple as figurative art continues to play an important role in contemporary creation. If there is one thing we should remember from the history of art, it is that art is constantly changing. The moment you think that a standard has been set is the moment that an avant-garde movement will appear in reaction to what has come before.
On Artsper, explore a varied selection of modern and contemporary canvases by both established and emerging artists. Whether you enjoy modern canvases,
abstract canvases , pop art, street art, or landscape canvases, you’re bound to something like on Artsper!
