Storytelling Through Art: How Paintings Evoke Emotion

 
Art always has been and always will be a true outlet for human expression. As a medium, there has never been a truer, freer form to express emotions and convey anything and everything you want and need to.
 
When you add different viewpoints, thoughts, and emotions from others, the value of the piece and the emotions it invokes, as well as the message it delivers, can be interpreted in countless ways. The audience’s role in interpreting art is integral, and their viewpoints are valued.
 
The ambiguity of art, combined with its unique storytelling capabilities, allows paintings, in particular, to take viewers on an unexpected journey. This element of surprise and intrigue enables a deep appreciation of what they’re seeing.
 
But how does this work? How does storytelling in paintings evoke emotions?
 

Art, Painting and Storytelling

“Drawing is not what one sees but what one can make others see” 
Jean-Auguste-Dominique. 
 
Art, at its core, is simply a way to channel emotions. It’s this emotion clearly and carefully intertwined with every stroke of the brush that captures people’s imaginations and delivers a powerful message. 
 
It’s not just about the colours or the type of paint you use; it’s about the lines, the depth in the image, and the vision as felt by the artist and delivered into every single point of contact with the canvas. 
 
The transformation of these thoughts and feelings into a physical format drives every action from the first stroke of completion. The transference of emotions from the artist throughout the painting can bring art alive in a way that cannot be replicated by other means.
 
That essence is that emotion is the driving force behind the story, and as it builds it, it opens up a window into someone’s head and heart for a truly emotive result. 

How Is Storytelling Achieved in Paintings?

The blend of imagination and technique, as well as an ability to be poetic with their skills and passion, is what allows artists to paint the story for their audience. Much in the way a writer uses words to convey and invoke emotion in a story, an artist uses strokes, colour, attention to detail, and creative expression to tell the story in a more visual format.
 
Artististry tools such as colour, lines, swirls, focal points, depth, different aspects, perspectives, and more are all effective elements of a true piece of art created to compose the story the artist wants to tell. These are not just techniques but the tools an artist uses to bring their vision to life.
 
For example, colour is about more than just being aesthetically appealing; Van Gogh’s Starry Night is a great example of this. Each colour and how they are combined are more than focal points; they are multifaceted nuances that add additional aspects to the piece.
 
But what really makes the impact is how it’s viewed and interpreted. The viewer is not a passive recipient of the artist’s story but an active participant in its creation. While on the face of it, some pictures might seem straightforward and self-explanatory, when you look beyond the initial impression and pay attention to how the piece is built, the small details, you will find a deeper understanding that allows you to not only follow the story as created by the artist but to find your own story and journey embracing everything the image stands for. 
 
Ultimately, the power of storytelling through art and how paintings evoke emotion is down to a carefully curated mix of talent, creativity, vision, and skills that, when combined, deliver a powerful message to every single person who views and consumes the art. It is an extension of the artist, and when you buy paintings, it’s about more than just them; it’s about you and who you are and how you express yourself.