What is meant by "artistic style" in visual arts?

Artistic style refers to the distinctive manner or approach that artists use to express their ideas and emotions. It encompasses the unique characteristics, techniques, and aesthetics that define an artist's work and separate it from others. This could include the choice of colors, forms, lines, and materials, as well as the ways these elements come together to create a cohesive visual experience.

Artistic style can be influenced by various factors such as cultural background, personal experiences, and philosophical beliefs, which all feed into how an artist interprets their subject matter. Understanding an artist's style enables viewers to connect more deeply with the artwork by recognizing the nuances in technique and expression that communicate the artist's intentions.

The other options, while related to the field of visual arts, do not encapsulate the essence of "artistic style." The method of art critique, for instance, pertains to evaluating art rather than the personal expression within it. The historical period focuses on the chronology of art movements, and the popularity of an art form deals with public reception rather than the individual artist’s unique methodology.