Form. Faces. Figures.

From the earliest reaches of the history of art, artists have painted people. Their faces, their bodies and their interaction with others. From our portfolio of fine artists, we've selected a range of work that investigates these themes. While the artists featured are modern in their outlook and style, each retains an element of the meaning of art in its earliest definition - that of skill and mastery.

Figurative art does not necessarily refer to the human form, but in the case of this body of work - with its use of real object sources - we have considered the etymological essence of the word in our selection. The term figurative has been used to refer to any form of art that retains strong references to the real world - in the modern world, particularly since the arrival of abstract art. This is reflected in our choices, with their mixture of represantationalism and modernity.

The artists featured in this selection each have full collections with us, which play host to a number of inspirational fine art canvas prints. They can be viewed by clicking the images below, and each artwork title will take you to a larger image of the piece.

Tomás Fine Art Canvas Print Collection - The imaginative style of Irish artist Tomás, while representational to a degree, is also engaging and spiritual in its execution.

1) Sunlit - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £105 - Gentle rays of sun cast delicate shadows over the pale skin of a woman lost in contemplation. The smoothness of her skin is richly contrasted with the flower details and fabric patterns, coming together beautifully in a captivating fine art print on canvas.

2) Sleeping on Velvet - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £105 - Adopting a comforting position curled up on rich velvet material, the subject emanates peace, tranquility and an unperturbed mind.

3) Light Moments - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £115 - A poignant, almost playful stare - which suggests an admiration of her own beauty and the confidence that comes with youth.

Stephen Warnes Fine Art Canvas Print Collection - Based in the north of England, Stephen's work with faces and figures often form the basis of surrealist compositions.

4) Angel - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £105 - A complex series of images emanate from the simple, yet graceful central image in this signature surrealist composition.

5) Barefoot in the Park - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £105 - The fantastical nature of the sky gives a hint of danger to the beautiful central character, as if the radiating patterns and textures were a reflection of her soul.

6) Quayside Anima - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £105 - Images of the city of Newcastle, including the famous Tyne Bridge weave in and out from behind a beautiful, smooth face in another composition with surrealist influence.

James Selway Fine Art Canvas Print Collection - From his base in Catalunya, James's work with figures concentrates on emotion and has a contemplative nature together with a semi-abstract feel.

7) Young Men, Barcelona Market - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £95 - In this though provoking fine art canvas print, the artist portrays a scene which could equally be innocent, or insalubrious.

8) Red Dress - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £85 - Stylised, partially abstracted figures - and in particular the wearer of the stunning red dress, come to life in this rural Spanish scene.

9) The Gathering - Fine Art Canvas Print - From £95 - A sea of faces, talking, or remaining silent in contemplation in this exploration of the micro-society created in a Barcelona café.

4th August 2009