What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
painting
Example
She spent all day painting a beautiful landscape. [painting: verb]
Example
The museum had a collection of famous paintings by renowned artists. [paintings: noun]
Example
He used a brush to apply the paint to the canvas, carefully creating his masterpiece. [painting: gerund or present participle]
artwork
Example
The gallery featured a variety of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. [artwork: noun]
Example
Her latest artwork was a stunning portrait of her grandmother. [artwork: noun]
Example
The artist's impressive artwork spanned several decades and included a range of styles and mediums. [artwork: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artwork is more commonly used than painting in everyday language, as it is a more general term that covers a wider range of visual art. However, painting is still a common term in the art world and is often used to describe specific works of art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between painting and artwork?
Both painting and artwork can be used in formal and informal contexts, but artwork is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations, from casual conversations to academic discussions.
