What is media and why do artist use certain types of media over others?
The word "media" is simply the plural form of "medium." A medium is simply the particular form or material that an artist chooses to use. For example, oil is one medium for painting; acrylic is another; watercolor is still another. There are many more. Sometimes an artist will work with more than one medium, in which case it's called mixed media.
In sculpture, marble is one medium, while bronze is another, and wood is still another.
Artists' choices are based on lots of things, including what they have had success with, as well as what they'd like to experiment with. There is no one answer to that question.
If you click on the Art link at the left (top of the list) you will find lots of resources to help you find information.
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Writeacher has it exactly. Several of my ex-students classify media as two-dimensional, three-dimensional, multimedia, or graphics. Within each of those broad categories, there are subdivisions: materials used, colors, textures, themes, and motifs.
I am looking at my Dali in front of me (Christopher Columbus discovering the New World)....media includes style also.
Media refers to the various materials and forms that artists use to create their artwork. It can include painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, digital media, and many more.
There are several reasons why artists choose certain types of media over others. One reason is the specific characteristics and properties of the medium itself. Different materials have different textures, colors, and qualities that can evoke different emotions or convey certain messages. For example, oil paint can create rich and textured surfaces, while watercolor paint can create delicate and transparent effects. Artists may choose a specific medium because they believe it is best suited to express their artistic vision or because they enjoy working with that specific material.
Another reason is the technical skills and expertise required for each medium. Artists often develop proficiency in a specific medium over time through practice and experience. They may choose to work with a particular medium because they have mastered its techniques and feel comfortable using it to create their desired effects.
Additionally, the historical and cultural context of a particular medium can also influence an artist's choice. For example, certain media, such as oil painting, have a long-standing tradition and historical significance in the art world. Artists may choose to use these traditional media to pay homage to artistic traditions or challenge them by using new and innovative approaches.
Ultimately, the choice of media is a personal decision for each artist, influenced by their artistic style, technical skills, creative goals, and the message they want to convey through their artwork.