What Is 2D Art? – Explore the Different Types of 2D Art

What is 2D art exactly? Two-dimensional art is defined as having a composition that only has height and depth. The various types of 2D artworks are usually defined by composition and medium. In today’s article, we will be exploring the world of 2D artists and examples of 2D artworks.

What Is 2D Art?

One of the most popular forms of art is two-dimensional art. Although it is an art form that has been around for hundreds of years, there is still something about 2D painting that tends to pique interest. It can be the ease with which it can be utilized to convey important concepts.

Regardless of the cause, the various types of 2D artworks are a well-liked and adaptable method of expression.

Hope II (1907 – 1908) by Gustav Klimt, located in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, United States; Gustav Klimt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Any type of visual art that only has two dimensions is referred to as two-dimensional art. Sketches, paintings, printed art, and photographs are examples of 2D artworks. 3D artworks like statues, installations, and 3D pictures are not included in the category of 2D art.

Types of 2D Artworks

Sketches, paintings, prints, and pictures are a few well-known forms of 2D art. Several materials, including charcoal, pencil, ink, watercolors, and oil paintings, can be used to produce them. Except for sculpture and architecture, the majority of traditional fine arts are two-dimensional. 2D art is adaptable, expressive, and capable of conveying a wide range of thoughts and feelings. 2D art is often also used to make flat but intricate patterns.

Two-dimensional art is more widespread and useful than other 3D art forms because it is simple to move and show in a variety of contexts.

2D Drawing

If an artist uses conventional techniques, the majority of drawings are two-dimensional. Typically, 2D art drawings are created on paper with colored ink, pencil, charcoal, or chalk. Of course, thanks to technological advancements, it is now feasible to use digital techniques with 2D art.

Technology transforms an example of 2D art into a 3D work of art.

Presumed Self-Portrait (c. 1512) by Leonard da Vinci, located in the Royal Library of Turin in Turin, Italy. This drawing was completed with red chalk on paper; Leonardo da Vinci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

2D Paintings

Another common example of 2D artwork is a painting. A type of 2D art that has been existing for a while is painting. A two-dimensional painting might depict a certain time or place, tell a narrative, or convey feelings.

These paintings may be created using a range of mediums, including acrylics, oils, watercolors, and pastels.

Olive Trees with the Alpilles in the Background (1889) by Vincent van Gogh, located in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, United States. This painting was created with oil paint on canvas; Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If a painting, however, has three-dimensional aspects, it may be categorized as either a mixed-media piece of art or a 3D wall artwork. Nevertheless, there are a few instances of 3D paintings that create the illusion of depth by layering conventional materials. Famous artists’ 2D paintings have recently been transformed into interactive three-dimensional encounters for several art shows.

The immersive Klimt, Van Gogh and Monet shows are good examples of this transition from 2D to 3D.

Are 2D Artists and Two-Dimensional Art Still Thriving?

The appearance and feel of a video game, film, or book are created using 2D concept art. Using 2D art, artists may design characters, landscapes, and props. Concept art can be created by graphic designers, illustrators, and comic book writers.

When the staff is still debating on the project’s appearance and vibe early in the development process, 2D concept art is frequently employed.

It can assist in spreading the concept around the team and obtaining input from key stakeholders. As increasingly more projects shift to 3D or digital graphics, some individuals think that 2D concept art is fading. However, two-dimensional concept art is still necessary for many projects, and it takes a particular talent to do it.

As we have learned, 2D artworks are all around us. An example of 2D art will be defined by only two dimensions: height and width. Throughout history, 2D artists have brought us incredible paintings and drawings, and we highly doubt that skill will become redundant any time soon. Which are your favorite types of 2D art?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is 2D Art?

Flat-plane creation methods and procedures are known as two-dimensional art. They can be measured in height and they can also be measured in width, but 2D cannot be measured in depth. Drawing, printing, painting, photography, and various mixed media are examples of these. There are modern techniques that allow you to digitally transform two-dimensional art into 3D images.

What Are the Types of 2D Art?

Among all art forms, drawing is undoubtedly the most fundamental. Since we could wield a tool and make markings on a surface, the majority of us have been sketching. The term printmaking describes a collection of two-dimensional mechanically assisted methods that allow for the creation of numerous individual works of art. There are many different mediums and methods used in painting. After being invented in the middle of the 19th century, or about 1850, photography quickly gained popularity as a means of capturing images of people and places. The growth of photography clearly influenced other forms of art.

Isabella Meyer( Head of Content, Editor, Art Writer )

Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate years, she took Art History as an additional subject and absolutely loved it. Building on from her art history knowledge that began in high school, art has always been a particular area of fascination for her. From learning about artworks previously unknown to her, or sharpening her existing understanding of specific works, the ability to continue learning within this interesting sphere excites her greatly.

Her focal points of interest in art history encompass profiling specific artists and art movements, as it is these areas where she is able to really dig deep into the rich narrative of the art world. Additionally, she particularly enjoys exploring the different artistic styles of the 20^th century, as well as the important impact that female artists have had on the development of art history.

Learn more about Isabella Meyer and the Art in Context Team.