Types Of Art: 7 Different Forms of Art To Know (With Examples)

Art is more than paper and pencil. There are 7 different forms of art that everyone should know about!

From Literature to Architecture and more, many of these different types of art show us how creative every artist can be.

In this article, we’re going to explore different art forms, and I’ll show you examples of each one!

So let’s get started with the different art types and what exactly is art!

Definition Of Art

What exactly is art, though? What’s the definition of art?

Art is a concept that has many art forms included in it. It’s a way to express creativity through those different forms, such as sculpture or photography.

There are many other categories of art, such as Visual Arts, Literary Arts, and Performing Arts.

We’ll cover those later in this article!

So, the definition of art can be very subjective, but in general, it’s a form of expression for individuals to communicate their creativity, emotions, and ideas in their own way.

For now, let’s dive into the different forms of Art!

7 Forms Of Art

There are 7 Forms of Art (also called Types of Art).

The 7 Forms of Art are:

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Architecture
• Literature
• Theater
• Cinema
• Music

As you can see, these seven different types of art are very versatile and very different from each other.

These various forms allow you as an artist to express yourself in your own unique and individual way!

Let’s dive into each form of art one by one, with examples!

Painting

Painting, a fundamental form of art falling under the broader category of visual arts, involves applying pigment onto a surface to create images and evoke emotions.

This two-dimensional medium has undergone significant evolution, transitioning from classic realism during the Renaissance to movements like Impressionism, Surrealism, and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art with still life.

One renowned artist, Leonardo da Vinci, left a huge mark with masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Today, painting continues to intrigue countless artists, and innovative techniques and materials, like pop art and AI Art, constantly emerge. Digital painting and other digital tools have also found their place in creating various kinds of art, making the paint of the modern era more versatile than ever!

Sculpture

By creating three-dimensional forms using different materials, you can create amazing sculptures!

Sculpture can be considered one of the most versatile arts since you can use materials such as clay, metal, wood, stone, and much more for your sculptures. 

And best of all, your creations become a tangible three-dimensional work of art!

To master sculpture, you need to master space, texture, and most importantly, form! Form in art is very important, especially if you’re working with organic forms.

So, if you’re looking for a form of art to create artwork in a three-dimensional way, sculpture is the perfect choice for you!

Architecture

Architecture combines functionality and aesthetics, allowing designers and architects to shape the built environment in innovative and visually appealing ways.

This isn’t just an art form to create modern housing or installations though.

It has been a very important part of the development of civilizations throughout history!

From the grand structures of ancient civilizations, such as the pyramids of Egypt and the temples of Greece, to iconic landmarks like the leaning tower of Pisa, architecture has played a significant role in shaping societies.

It’s through architecture that we can understand the cultural, social, and technological advancements of civilization.

Architects use various materials and techniques, drawing inspiration from other art forms like sculpture, to create structures that stand the test of time. Throughout history, architectural styles have evolved from the classical designs of ancient Rome to the grandeur of the French royal academy.

Architecture continues to push boundaries and innovate, creating spaces that inspire and captivate.

Literature

Literature, both fiction and nonfiction, is an art form that has a rich and diverse history!

From the ancient Sumerians to the culture of the Roman Empire, literature has served as a medium for expression and storytelling.

One of the earliest recorded works of literature is the epic poem, ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh,’ written by the priestess Ur in Sumeria. This epic tale explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the search for immortality.

It’s one of the most famous pieces of literature that dates back to c. 2100–1200 BC.

Throughout history, literature has shaped societies, challenged norms, and provided a lens through which to understand the human experience. From the works of Shakespeare to modern-day novels, literature continues to evolve and inspire, making it a timeless art form.

Theater

Now let’s dive into the captivating world of theater, a form of performance art that has been captivating audiences for centuries.

Theater is a unique and complex art form that combines various elements such as acting, set design, costumes, and lighting to create a captivating experience for the audience. 

It works in a live setting, so it can be tough for more introverted and shy artists!

The power of Theater is immense, though, since with each performance, you can be transported to different times and places with totally different settings.

One very important job in Theater is being a Stage Designer, since it focuses on bringing the director’s vision to life and creating sets that enhance the storytelling!

Another big point of Theater is that it can be a very interactive experience, with the performers and audience reacting and engaging throughout the performance in real-time.

One of the most famous plays in Theater is Hamlet by William Shakespeare, which has been recounted over and over throughout history, showcasing how timeless Theater can be!

Cinema

Cinema, also known as film, is a popular art form that combines visual and auditory elements to tell stories and evoke emotions.

It can be somewhat similar to Theater, but in this case, the production of the film is done beforehand, being recorded and edited, and then played in the Cinema. It has evolved greatly since its inception, becoming one of the most influential and widely consumed art forms in the world.

The development of cinema can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the invention of motion picture cameras. Even in Thomas Edison’s 1893 kinetoscope, you could watch a movie, one person at a time!

Since then, it has continuously evolved, incorporating new technologies and techniques to create captivating and immersive experiences for audiences.

Not unlike theater, cinema also allows the viewer to be transported through a wide range of themes, environments, and narratives! 

This is a very complex art form, though, usually requiring a lot of different types of artists to create a full, fleshed-out movie.

Music

Music is an art form that captivates its listeners with melodies and different rhythms!

It’s capable of evoking different emotions depending on the genre and mood that is playing, and it can encompass a very wide range of styles and techniques, such as using percussion or string instruments.

From classical symphonies to electronic beats, music is one art form that has the ability to connect people from all walks of life. Just like other forms of art, music has also been influenced by different art movements throughout history.

For example, music has been integrated into installation art, creating immersive experiences that engage the audience on multiple sensory levels.

This is one of those art forms that have evolved a lot throughout time, spanning new art genres. And it can be considered one of the oldest art forms that ever existed.

Related Questions

Let’s go over a few questions that you might have about these seven forms of art, or other related to this topic!

What Are Examples of Visual Arts?

There are 9 examples of Visual Arts:

• Architecture
• Ceramics
• Drawing
• Printmaking
• Computer Art
• Filmmaking
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpting

Each of these visual arts has different visual elements and can create very different kinds of art.

I go over these different media in art in this article, also showcasing a few examples!

What Are Examples of Literary Arts?

In general, there are 4 different examples of Literary Arts:

• Fiction
• Drama
• Poetry
• Prose

Besides these, Prose can be split into a few different ones, such as:

• Novel
• Novella
• Short Story
• Graphic Novel
• Electronic Literature (for Digital Devices such as a Kindle or similar Tablet)
• Non-fiction

As you can see, art involves several different major forms, and Literary arts is also like that!

What Are Examples of Performing Arts?

The main examples of Performing Arts are:

• Dance
• Music
• Theater

The art of music and theatre has already been explained in this article, but dance is also a very important example of a performing art!

As a Dancer, you also perform in front of an audience, transcending language barriers through fluid movements in a creative way.

I hope this article on the seven forms of art has helped you!

You might also be interested in the different Types Of Digital Art And Artists (With Examples).

Or you might want to check some of my personally Recommended Tools for Artists here!