In my experience, blending elements from both historical and contemporary art styles is important for evolving your unique visual language. Check out my guide covering 50+ art styles you can integrate into your Procreate artworks, complete with tips on how to integrate them and inspirational Pinterest boards.
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1. Watercolors
- Use brushes that mimic watercolor effects, like wet edges and transparency.
- Layer colors lightly and use the blending tool for a natural, fluid look.
- Experiment with paper textures to enhance the watercolor feel.
Read more about watercolor painting on WIKIPEDIA.
2. Sketchbooking
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- Utilize a variety of media like pencils, ink, and watercolor.
- Experiment with different sketching techniques and styles.
- Focus on capturing quick ideas and daily inspirations.
3. Gouache
- Choose opaque brushes for a thick, creamy texture.
- Focus on bold, vibrant colors and even application.
- Utilize layers to build up color density and depth.
Read more about gouache on WIKIPEDIA.
4. Oils
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- Select brushes that replicate the thick, textured feel of oil paint.
- Blend colors on the canvas for a realistic oil effect.
- Play with the impasto technique for added texture.
Read more about oil painting on WIKIPEDIA.
5. Abstract Art
- Use geometric shapes, bold colors, and expressive lines.
- Experiment with abstract brushes and random patterns.
- Focus on composition and color theory to create balance.
Read more about abstract art on WIKIPEDIA.
6. Art Nouveau
- Emphasize elegant, flowing lines and natural forms.
- Use a limited, muted color palette for a vintage feel.
- Incorporate ornamental patterns and nature-inspired motifs.
Read more about Art Nouveau on WIKIPEDIA.
7. Pixel Art
- Use the pixel brush and work on a small canvas for accuracy.
- Employ a limited color palette and pixel-perfect designs.
- Create retro-style images, paying attention to detail.
Read more about pixel art on WIKIPEDIA.
8. Pop Art
- Adopt bold, bright colors and thick outlines.
- Include elements of mass culture and irony.
- Use halftone patterns for a classic print effect.
Read more about pop art on WIKIPEDIA.
9. Surrealism
- Blend reality with fantasy using dream-like imagery.
- Play with proportions and perspectives.
- Focus on symbolism and unexpected juxtapositions.
Read more about surrealism on WIKIPEDIA.
10. Graffiti
- Use spray paint brushes for a street art effect.
- Incorporate bold colors and dynamic, stylized lettering.
- Mimic wall textures to add authenticity.
Read more about graffiti on WIKIPEDIA.
11. Impressionism
- Use short, thick strokes to capture the essence of the subject.
- Focus on light and its changing qualities.
- Mix colors on the canvas for a vibrant, textured look.
Read more about Impressionism on WIKIPEDIA
12. Cubism
- Break objects into geometric shapes.
- Use a limited color palette and flat, two-dimensional space.
- Rearrange shapes to create abstracted, fragmented compositions.
Read more about Cubism on WIKIPEDIA
13. Realism
- Focus on accurately depicting subjects.
- Use detailed brushes and close attention to light and shadow.
- Study anatomy, perspective, and proportion for lifelike results.
Read more about Realism on WIKIPEDIA
14. Anime/Manga
- Create clean lines and large expressive eyes.
- Use cell shading for a classic anime look.
- Pay attention to hair and clothing details characteristic of the genre
Read more about Manga on Wikipedia.
15. Pointillism
- Create images with small, distinct dots of color.
- Utilize color theory to mix colors visually.
- Focus on patience and precision in your dot placement.
Read more about Pointillism on WIKIPEDIA.
16. Art Deco
- Incorporate bold geometric shapes and rich colors.
- Use symmetry and streamlined forms.
- Add luxurious gold and metallic elements for glamor.
Read more about Art Deco on WIKIPEDIA.
17. Charcoal Drawing
- Use textured brushes to mimic charcoal.
- Focus on strong contrasts and bold strokes.
- Blend for soft shadows and subtle gradients.
Read more about Charcoal in Art on WIKIPEDIA.
18. Comic Book Art
- Use bold lines and dynamic compositions.
- Employ flat colors and high contrast.
- Include speech bubbles and sound effect words for impact.
Read more about Comic Books on WIKIPEDIA.
19. Minimalism
- Focus on simplicity and remove unnecessary elements.
- Use limited color palettes and simple shapes.
- Emphasize negative space and clean lines.
Read more about Minimalism in Visual Arts on WIKIPEDIA.
20. Renaissance
- Emulate classical compositions and techniques.
- Focus on realistic anatomy and perspective.
- Use a muted, earthy color palette.
Read more about The Renaissance on WIKIPEDIA.
21. Gothic
- Use dark, moody themes and colors.
- Incorporate gothic architecture and motifs.
- Focus on dramatic lighting and shadow.
Read more about Gothic Art on WIKIPEDIA.
22. Futurism
- Emphasize speed, technology, and dynamic motion.
- Use fragmented forms and abstract shapes.
- Incorporate elements of industry and modernity.
Read more about Futurism on WIKIPEDIA.
23. Expressionism
- Use distorted forms and exaggerated colors to evoke emotion.
- Focus on subjective expression rather than realism.
- Emphasize texture and bold brushwork.
Read more about Expressionism on WIKIPEDIA.
24. Fauvism
- Use wild, vibrant colors and simplified forms.
- Focus on painterly qualities and strong color over realism.
- Emphasize bold, flat patterns and non-naturalistic color.
Read more about Fauvism on WIKIPEDIA.
25. Baroque
- Use dramatic lighting and rich, deep colors.
- Focus on grandeur, tension, and movement in compositions.
- Emphasize ornate details and emotional intensity.
Read more about Baroque on WIKIPEDIA.
26. Neoclassicism
- Draw inspiration from classical art and mythology.
- Use clean lines and a restrained color palette.
- Focus on harmony, clarity, and idealized forms.
Read more about Neoclassicism on WIKIPEDIA.
27. Rococo
- Use light, pastel colors and elaborate ornamentation.
- Focus on playful, romantic themes and soft lines.
- Emphasize elegance and the carefree aspects of the aristocratic life.
Read more about Rococo on WIKIPEDIA.
28. Constructivism
- Use geometric forms with angular shapes and straight lines.
- Incorporate industrial materials like metals, glass, and plastics.
- Focus on functionality and practicality, where each element serves a purpose.
Read more about Constructivism on WIKIPEDIA.
29. Surrealist Photography
- Combine photographic elements to create dream-like scenes.
- Use layering and blending techniques for a seamless effect.
- Focus on the element of surprise and unusual juxtapositions.
Learn more about conceptual surrealist photography from Anya Anti in Episode 77 of Art Side of Life Pod.
30. Victorian
- Use ornate designs and detailed patterns.
- Emphasize elegance and refinement.
- Incorporate floral motifs and rich colors.
Read more about Victorian Era on WIKIPEDIA.
31. Digital Collage
- Combine various images and textures to create a new composition.
- Use layers and blending modes for a cohesive look.
- Focus on storytelling and thematic coherence.
Learn more about digital collages from Nazario Graziano in Art Side of Life written interviews series.
32. Photorealism
- Focus on achieving highly detailed, realistic images.
- Use fine brushes for precision and texture.
- Study light, shadow, and reflection for lifelike results.
Read more about Photorealism on WIKIPEDIA.
33. Urban Sketching
- Mimic the candid, urban feel.
- Use textures and filters to create a gritty, realistic look.
- Focus on urban landscapes and everyday scenes.
Learn more about Urban Sketching from Teoh Yi Chie on the Art Side of Life Podcast.
34. Modernism
- Focus on breaking away from traditional forms and techniques.
- Use abstract shapes and bold colors.
- Emphasize innovation and experimentation.
Read more about Modernism on WIKIPEDIA.
35. Byzantine
- Use gold and rich colors
- Employ flat, two-dimensional figures with a lack of perspective.
- Include intricate patterns and detailed iconography.
Read more about Byzantine Art on WIKIPEDIA.
36. Psychedelic
- Use bright, neon colors and swirling patterns.
- Focus on visual distortions and hallucinatory imagery.
- Incorporate motifs like mushrooms, eyes, and fluid shapes.
Read more about Psychedelic Art on WIKIPEDIA.
37. Trompe-l’oeil
- Create optical illusions that make 2D art look 3D.
- Use shadows and perspective tricks.
- Focus on hyper-realistic details to deceive the eye.
Read more about Trompe-l’œil on WIKIPEDIA.
38. Ukiyo-e (Japanese Woodblock Prints)
- Use flat areas of color and graceful lines.
- Focus on nature, landscapes, and daily life.
- Incorporate Japanese aesthetics and motifs.
Read more about Ukiyo-e on WIKIPEDIA.
39. Concept Art
- Create imaginative worlds and characters.
- Use a mix of realistic and fantastical elements.
- Focus on storytelling and world-building.
Read more about Concept Art on WIKIPEDIA.
40. Art Brut (Outsider Art)
- Embrace raw, unrefined aesthetics.
- Use bold, primitive forms and spontaneous techniques.
- Focus on personal expression, free from traditional art norms.
Read more about Outsider Art on WIKIPEDIA.
41. Bauhaus
- Use geometric shapes and a functional approach.
- Focus on the unity of art, design, and technology.
- Employ a basic color palette and clean lines.
Read more about Bauhaus on WIKIPEDIA.
42. Kinetic Art
- Create art that implies motion or change.
- Use animated layers and dynamic compositions.
- Focus on rhythm and visual effects.
Explore Kinetic Art on WIKIPEDIA.
43. Pre-Raphaelite
- Use vibrant colors and detailed nature scenes.
- Focus on romantic and mythological themes.
- Emphasize beauty and complex compositions.
Discover the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood on WIKIPEDIA.
44. Ornamental Design
- Create intricate, decorative patterns.
- Use symmetry and repeating motifs.
- Focus on embellishment and aesthetic appeal.
Learn about Ornament in Art on WIKIPEDIA.
45. Lowbrow (Pop Surrealism)
- Combine pop culture with surreal elements.
- Use bright colors and cartoon-like imagery.
- Focus on subverting mainstream aesthetics.
Investigate the Lowbrow Art Movement on WIKIPEDIA.
46. High Dynamic Range (HDR) Art
- Emphasize extreme contrasts and vibrant colors.
- Use layering to enhance depth and detail.
- Focus on creating a hyper-realistic, intense visual experience.
47. Nordic Design
- Use simple, clean lines and a muted color palette.
- Emphasize functionality and minimalism.
- Incorporate natural elements and sustainable materials.
48. Art Informel
- Embrace abstract expressionism with an informal approach.
- Use spontaneous, gestural brushwork.
- Focus on texture, form, and the physical act of painting.
Understand Informalism on WIKIPEDIA.
49. Environmental Art
- Create art that interacts with and comments on the natural environment.
- Use sustainable materials and ecological themes.
Get insights into Environmental Art on WIKIPEDIA.
50. Collage Art
- Combine different digital materials to form new compositions in Procreate.
- Manipulate images and textures with selection and layering techniques.
- Experiment with varied visual elements to create unique collages.
Read more about collage art and montage in my interview with montagist Patric Boyer.
51. Cyberpunk
- Use neon colors, futuristic urban landscapes, and high-tech imagery.
- Incorporate themes of dystopia, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics.
- Focus on the contrast between technology and humanity.
Check out Cyberpunk on WIKIPEDIA.
52. Magical Realism
- Blend realistic environments with magical or surreal elements.
- Use subtle shifts in the ordinary world to introduce fantasy.
- Focus on creating a sense of wonder and mystery.
Find out about Magic Realism on WIKIPEDIA.
53. Engraving Style
- Recreate engraving effects using patterned brushes and shading in Procreate.
- Emphasize detailed lines and textures to mimic carved art.
- Focus on precision and intricacy in your digital engraving creations.
Explore the world of Engraving on WIKIPEDIA.
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
