Naïve art is a term that is usually applied to the work of untrained painters; it presumes the existence of an academy and of a generally accepted 'educated' manner of painting. In practice, there are schools of naïve atists; over time it has become very much yet another acceptable style. Its characteristics are an awkward relationship to the formal qualities of painting: 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.

Grandma Moses is the most famous American Naïve artist.

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.