Almost everything and anything in the world can be described as being a piece of art, which is what makes the industry as beautiful as it is.

However, it should be noted that there are generally only three different types of visual art forms. These are decorative, commercial and fine art. In order to define visual art, it is relatively simple, as visual art is all about the artwork that can be seen such as sculptures and paintings, rather than things such as architecture, music and theatre.

How are each of the classifications defined?

It should be noted, though, that for each of the three visual art types that have been outlined, there are a further three classifications that can be used to describe each piece of artwork that has been created. These classifications include representational, abstract or non-objective.

Representational art is defined as being artwork that has managed to depict identifiable subjects and is one of the most accepted art forms around. Whilst typically consisting of many of the older pieces of artwork, this is also the largest body of art available, but perhaps only because it is older than the others.

Defining abstract art would be to state that the piece takes inspiration from reality but will then present it in a way in which they are viewed differently, therefore showing it in a different and perhaps previously unthought-of way. This is one of the newest visual art forms, which is why it is still one of the most understood.

The last classification is non-objective art, which are pieces that take absolutely nothing from reality, although this does mean that they can get confused with abstract pieces at times. Non-objective art will use a number of different elements and materials, as well as the principles of art to create a visually pleasing piece of work.

Fine Art

Fine Art is one of the most popular forms of visual art available, as these pieces are essentially designed to be as beautiful as they can possibly be. This also helps them to differentiate themselves and prevent them from falling into the same category as decorative and commercial artworks.

There are seven forms of art within the fine art category, although the three main ones are considered to be artworks that have been produced and created as paintings, sculptures or as a piece of architecture, although drawing has since continued to edge its way into contention as a main form.

Many of the older pieces of artwork can be considered to be fine arts, although more and more of the modern and contemporary art is also making its way into the category, including many artists such as David Kracov and Barbara Kruger, who have pieces available at Eden Gallery where collectors can buy original art from.

Decorative

Decorative arts are perhaps one of the most common visual pieces that are available, as these can be works that have a functionality about them, as well as being visually pleasing to look at. These objects can include things such as everyday items, although not quite mass-produced.

Furthermore, these items are typically created by a specialist artist who will use their hands to create each individual piece that is produced. This could include artwork forms such as ceramics, glassware, woodwork, textiles and metalworks.

Decorative art can be found across the world and within many of the cultures that are available, with some countries providing true specialists and rather unique designs.

Commercial

In the same way that decorative arts can be, commercial art is also both functional and visually aesthetic, although these pieces will have been specifically designed for advertising purposes. The artworks that fall into this category will typically be used to promote sales and gain interest in the products or services that they are advertising, with businesses usually commissioning these pieces to attract a specific audience.

The works that can be found within the commercial category include things such as graphic designs, photography pieces, illustrations, animations, television, fashion designs and visual effects that can be found on social media platforms and various other websites, as well as TVs, magazines and store displays.

Commercial art is, arguably, the most common visual art form to exist as it is everywhere and will be the type of art that can be seen on a regular basis as it is mass-produced after being commissioned by businesses or someone has been hired to create it specifically for a paying client.