1. Range in Artwork

2.  We call a painting “objective” or "representational" if it portrays specific, recognizable physical objects. In some cases, the representational paintings look true to life, almost like a photograph.  For example, consider the following painting by Rembrandt (Dutch, 1606-1669). This painting is called "The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp", and was painted in 1632.

4.  And sometimes we just recognize the subject matter, but it is not necessarily realistic, as in this Picasso artwork:

6.  Non objective art is extremely abstracted. You cannot recognize elements in the art as anything specific such as a person, landscape, etc.  By the beginning of the 20th century painters previously restricted by the conventions of representational art were able to enter a realm in which unbounded imagination was, not only possible, but desirable - abstraction.

7. “Improvisation 7” (1910) Wassily Kandinsky

8. "Lavender Mist" [1950] by Jackson Pollock.

9.  All artwork is abstracted (simplified) to a degree. There are three types of abstraction.  Slight abstraction which is objective and descriptive (describing exactly what they see).  Moderate abstraction which is objective and decorative (and impression or idea of what the artist sees).  Extreme abstraction which is non objective and decorative.

10. "Apples, Peaches, Pears and Grapes" [1880] by Cézanne.

11. Pablo Picasso, “Three Musicians” (1921)

12. "One Year the Milkweed" [1944] by Arshile Gorky

13.  Not realistic, moderately or extremely abstract—can be either objective or non- objective

14.  Sometimes the artist chooses to create an artwork that is quite realistic—he or she is “describing” what they see:

15. "Wheatstacks (End of Summer)" [1890-1891] by Monet

18. “From the Lake” Georgia O’Keeffe

19. “Café Terrace at Night” Vincent Van Gogh

20. “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Pierre Auguste Renoir

21. Picasso’s Guitars