Works that have a naïve/childlike aesthetic might incorporate some of the following elements: simplified shapes, saturated color, expressive outlines, minimal shading/minimal indication of form, scenes of idyllic innocence, and painting without complete control or understanding but with little hesitation.

An artist might manifest a naive/childlike aesthetic in a piece due to his or her personality, age, or level of development, or the artist might choose this aesthetic as a reflection of the characters/objects/moment in history being portrayed. A naive/childlike aesthetic might also be adopted to make a piece suitable for a setting or purpose that demands something with an innocent appearance.

Featured: Woman Walking in an Exotic Forest by Henri Rousseau.