What does the term 'style' refer to in visual arts?

The term 'style' in visual arts refers to the unique characteristics and techniques employed by an artist or a movement. This encompasses a range of elements including the artist's choice of materials, the way they apply them, their color palette, and the overall aesthetic conveyed through their works. Style can often reflect cultural influences, personal expression, and various artistic movements, such as Impressionism or Cubism, defined by their distinctive techniques and philosophies. Recognizing the style allows viewers to identify and appreciate the nuances that separate one artist’s work from another or one movement from another, providing deeper insight into the history and development of art.