Exploring different art forms

Contemporary art encompasses many different art forms, from traditional media such as paintings and drawings to more recently developed approaches that use digital and timebased media to create works that incorporate both sound and image.

And it doesn't stop there - more adventurous buyers might want to consider purchasing a piece of performance art that can be 'experienced' rather than merely seen...

Paintings

The first paintings were discovered in South West France in the Lascaux caves from the Upper Paleolithic Age, around 40,000 to 10,000 years ago, which shows that painting is one of the oldest art forms that exists.

Technically, a painting is a two-dimensional art form which is made up of layers of pigments applied onto a surface. The surface on which the pigment is applied varies from stone (used in the Paleolithic Age) to paper, wood, cloth and canvas.

As the surface of paintings differ, so do the materials used to create the pigments. During the Paleolithic Age coloured earths were used, followed by plant extracts and more recently synthetic colours. There are many types of paintings, but amongst the well-known are oil, acrylic, pastel, spray paintings and watercolours.

Prints

A print is a two-dimensional art form created by an impression made by a method involving a transfer from one surface to another.

All type of prints come in multiples (except monotypes) to form an edition. Since the late 19th century, artists tend to identify each print with a number and signature. It is common practice for the maker to produce alimited edition of the image, which means there is a fixed quantity. The tools used to create the print are often destroyed once the edition has been completed.

The earliest example of a printmaking technique is 'Woodcut', which is a type of relief print developed in the Far East. Relief prints are made up of recessed areas, so that the raised parts remaining can be inked and used to create an impression. This type of print is created using wood, linocut and metalcut.

Nowadays, along with relief prints a range of techniques are used to create different type of prints.

The below techniques include the intaglio technique where areas in the plate are incised or chemically etched to hold the ink.

• Engraving: A hardened steel tool called a burin is used to cut lines into the surface of a metal plate.The appearance of the incisions depends on the angle and pressure applied when using the burin. When the ink is applied over the metal plate it is retained in the incisions and the paper picks it up in the press to create the impression.
   
• Etching: Like engraving, the indentations hold the ink, but these are created in a different manner. Lines are cut onto a waxy surface which covers the metal plate. The plate is placed in an acid bath, which 'bites' into the metal left exposed and thus traces are formed. The plate is then ready for ink to be applied and follows the subsequent steps in engraving.
   
• Mezzotint: This type of print is a form of engraving where the whole plate of metal is roughened and then scraped and polished to different degrees, so that the ink also holds in varies quantities. With this type of print a good range of tone is achieved.
   
• Aquatint: This intaglio method is similar to etching as acid is used to make marks in the plate. However, a powdered resin is applied in parts making them acid resistant. Removing a protective coat leaves textured areas and a number of acid baths are made until the darkest tones are reached.
   
• Drypoint: This print-type is a variant of engraving which employs the intaglio method. However, with drypoint a sharp metal point is used which creates ridges (known as "burr") in the lines made. This technique allows for the ink to leave a soft, sometimes blurry line.

• Craft

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The art of craft-making can be defined as an occupation or trade which involves manual dexterity and skilled artistry. A significant advent for the crafts was the 'Arts and Crafts Movement' which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th century. The focus was on good design and craftsmanship at a time when there was increased mechanisation and mass production.

The terms 'applied arts' and 'decorative arts' are used when referring to craft. Applied arts is concerned with the application of design, aesthetics and objects of everyday use. Decorative arts have the same purpose as applied arts (but does not include design).  

A list of some of the techniques used in the production of craft are detailed in our handy guide, here.

Buy and collect contemporary craft

Contemporary craft can be a more accessible and affordable entry point to owning something unique and handmade by an artist or craftsperson.

Be amazed at the variety of methods and materials, traditional and cutting edge techniques that are used in the creation of contemporary craft.

Watch our films with contemporary craft buyers and collectors.

Group items together

With Own Art you can select several lower value items that bring the total purchase price to over £100, as the pricepoint for individual craft items can be much lower than you might expect.  You can then spread the cost of a number of gifts for christmas or if you just can't bear to leave something behind.

There are a whole host of galleries to visit and thousands of original works to choose from, so what are you waiting for?

Help and resources

Craft Finder select designer-makers so you can be sure of finding the highest quality workmanship and the most inspired pieces. The website lists over 700 stockists from the Scilly Isles to Southwold! 

The Crafts Council offer professional development information for makers, curators and anyone interested in the subject. You should also check out Craftspace, Craft Scotland and Craft Northern Ireland too.