In painting, style refers to the distinctive characteristics of technique (application and type of paint) subject matter, (still life, landscape, portrait), size (from wall paintings to wood or canvas backing) and treatment (use of design elements such as perspective, realism) which characterize an individual or group of artists.

Works of art, which share similar characteristics are considered to be of a similar style. For example:

• Paintings in the style of the Dutch Masters refined and excelled in still life and portrait painting.
• The Classical Artists of Greece and Rome painted wall murals.
• Leonardo de Vinci brought shape, form, and realism to painting through his study of the world around him changing how painters view their art.