Naïve art is a term that is usually applied to the work of untrained painters. It is characterized by simplicity and a lack of the elements or qualities found in the art of formally trained artists.

The term Naïve Art presumes the existence (by contrast) of an academy and of a generally accepted 'educated' manner of painting. In practice, however, there are schools of naïve atists. Over time it has very much become yet another acceptable style.

The characteristics of Naïve Art are an awkward relationship to the formal qualities of painting, i. e., difficulties with drawing and perspective that result in a charmingly awkward and often refreshing vision. Strong use of pattern, unrefined colour, and simplicity rather than subtlety are all supposed markers of naive art; however, it has become such a popular and recognisable style that it would probably be more correct to call most examples pseudo-naïve.

Primitive art is another term often applied to the art of those without formal training; this is to be distinguished from the self-conscious movement primitivism. Another term related to, but not completely synonymous with, Naive Art, is Folk art.

Naïve Artists

• Camille Bombois
• Edward Hicks
• Morris Hirschfield
• Franjo Klopotan
• Lawrence Lowry
• Grandma Moses
• Derold Page
• Ivan Rabuzin
• Henri Rousseau
• Heinz Steinmann
• Alfred Wallis