We use the terms art and fine art so interchangeably. Is there really a difference? Yes, and knowing the difference can make you a more savvy collector. Let’s delve a little deeper into what designates fine art together.
Types Of Art?
Have you ever seen a child’s macaroni collage or added “clip art” to a community newsletter? There are rows and rows of wall decorations available at big box home decor stores. We call many things “art” in our everyday lives, but not every creative act is considered fine artistry.
We Admire Skill & Creativity
You might consider cooking, tattooing, quilting, or hair styling an artistic act because it’s creative, expressive, and performed with an impressive skill level. Many of these talents involve imagination and personal touches.
Most of the time, these crafts also serve a functional purpose. A meal is meant to be eaten, a quilt keeps us warm, and a tattoo or hairstyle accents our style.
How Is Fine Art Different?
On the other hand, fine art is created specifically to be aesthetically pleasing, thought-provoking, or to express a feeling. These types of artwork are showpieces meant to simply be on display and viewed or listened to instead of serving a specific everyday function.
While a beautiful cake may look appealing, it is also meant to be consumed. A cake painting is mainly meant to be admired and is created specifically for that purpose. These pieces are meant to be experienced, judged, and enjoyed.
The 7 Fine Arts
There are 7 main fine art disciplines. Some of these might be surprising if you think of creativity as something you can only experience in a gallery or museum. Beethoven, Charles Dickens, and Emily Dickinson are considered fine artists, right alongside René Magritte or Leonardo da Vinci.
You can watch a ballet, read classic literature, or admire a sculpture and be experiencing fine art.
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Architecture
- Poetry
- Music
- Literature
- Dance
What About Photography?
Still confused? We don’t blame you. Photography, for example, is not generally considered fine art. Many museums and galleries display photographic collections and exhibits, however. Many people also collect photography and display it in the same areas as paintings and sculptures.
The Limited Edition Difference
One reason behind this might also explain the difference between all those posters and prints at the home decor store and Limited Edition paintings. Photography and cheap paper prints are usually easy to create and reproduce. Owning one copy doesn’t feel very special or valuable.
When you own a Limited Edition, it is usually numbered and comes with documentation of authenticity. You also have peace of mind that your painting has been created to last with the highest-quality materials.
Visit A California Fine Art Gallery
Ready to experience fine art for yourself? We invite you to stop by the Thomas Kinkade galleries of Carmel, Monterey, and Placerville, California. Our friendly, knowledgeable Art Consultants look forward to meeting you and helping you find a Limited Edition painting to compliment your space and express your unique, elevated taste.
