5 Spring/Summer 2024 Art Trends to Use in Your Work

It’s been years since I did a post on trends. I have a love/hate (but mostly hate) relationship with trends. Mainly because they can drive you absolutely crazy. Even as I was reading up, I found so many contradictions. Neutrals are in. No bold colors are in. Maximalism is out. No Minimalism is out. Ahhh!!

So why even bother? Because this feels like a moment in time where we’re on the precipice of big change. AI is all the rage. It makes for an interesting landscape to talk about art trends. Also, when it comes to keywords and creating art that sells, finding your own version of trends can be very profitable.

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Bring on the Chocolate Brown

One thing everyone seems to agree on across art, fashion, and interior design is that dark browns are about to have a major moment. As someone who naturally gravitates towards nude or tan shades, I find this insight fascinating. I remember having dark brown accessories and furniture growing up, which makes me think this trend is due to the 90’s resurgence we’re having. Also, chocolate brown is the kind of color that feels like a warm hug. There’s something very human about it, which might in contrast to the AI trend we’re seeing.

This chocolate brown trend is something I could see myself trying in my work. Art in this color could sell really well to go with all the chocolate brown rooms that are about to hit Pinterest. It’s crazy, if you search dark brown or chocolate brown art, not a lot comes up. This is a good time to hop on this trend before it goes gang busters. You heard it here first!

From the shop UniqueArtworkbyAnne on Etsy

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When in Doubt, Add Texture

I found a lot of articles that say wall sculptures are in. Or is it mixed media? Or collage? What these all have in common is 3D texture. Anything that makes your art feel less flat is worth trying this season. I hate to keep referencing AI, but I think that’s responsible for this trend too. People want things that look and feel real. Literally. Think art that pops off the canvas. I could see myself trying this trend with a bit of collaging or, at the very least, adding some heavy paint strokes to my work.

Collage art by Julie Liger-Belair

Art by Eline Baas

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Think Small

I guess small art is in now too, so make sure your print shop includes that coveted 5x7 size. I might even go as far as 4x6 or smaller to appease this trend. For those really tiny sizes, consider offering frames for customer convenience and to up the order price. This is a good way to sell originals too, if that’s your thing, because small paintings are easy to crank out. Just make sure you still charge enough so you don’t go crazy!

Painting by Anna.Ellen.Art

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Go Wild

I love hearing what animals and patterns are trending, because it’s so applicable to my work. This season, it’s leopard prints and safari animals. I’m not surprised because leopard prints contain chocolate brown. Also, I remember this print growing up around the same time I used to wear dark brown accessories. Doing abstract versions of this print could be really fun. Also, if you’re doing animal paintings, consider leopards or any other animals you would find in their habitat. If you don’t want to paint leopards, consider styling your art print photos with leopard accessories.

Art by Dana Gibson

Image from The Pattern Collective

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Quirky Portraits.

I’ve made plenty of these, so I was relieved to hear this was trending. Finally, something I’m already comfortable doing. I just need to make more of them! When hopping on this trend, consider anything that’s a modern take on a traditional portrait. Think putting people in strange positions, using bold patterns/colors, or incorporating unique accessories. For bonus points, add some texture to your portraits and make them small and you have a winning combination!

Portrait by Martin Martin Wehmer

Art by Leslie Weaver