Figurative art, describes artwork—particularly paintings and sculptures—that is clearly derived from real object sources, and is therefore by definition representational. “Figurative art” is often defined in contrast to abstract art:

Painting and sculpture can therefore be divided into the categories of figurative, representational and abstract. However, “abstract” is sometimes used as a synonym for non-representational art and non-objective art, i.e. art which has no derivation from figures or objects. Figurative art is not synonymous with figure painting (art that represents the human figure), although human and animal figures are frequent subjects.

The formal elements, upon which figurative art is dependent, include line, shape, color, light and dark, mass, volume, texture, and perspective,[2] although it should be pointed out that these elements of design could also play a role in creating other types of imagery — for instance abstract, or non-representational or non-objective two-dimensional artwork. The difference is that in figurative art these elements are deployed to create an impression or illusion of form and space, and, usually, to create emphasis in the narrative portrayed.

Figurative art includes, still life, architectural, floral, human form, landscape.

My point being, I put myself as a painter into a figurative category. To this point here are some example of figurative works from a historical perspective similar in nature to how I create figuratively.

Albrecht Dürer (1494)
Courtyard of Innsbruck Castle

Kathleen Carrillo
Architectural Whimsy: “Tuscan Village”

Other examples of figurative work include still life painting

Henri Matisse (1899)
Still Life with Compote, Apples and Oranges

Kathleen Carrillo
Spicy Slice of Life Collection : “Root Veggies”

So to be very clear, all representational art work is considered figurative. My passion is of course the female figure and my first allegiance is to create works about the empowerment of women through visuals. Here are a couple of examples of my passionate figurative work that also have some abstracted elements through collage and shapes and forms creating a composition that draws a viewer close emotionally.

Kathleen Carrillo
How Does Your Garden Grow Collection
“Addicted to her Poppy Garden”

Kathleen Carrillo
How Does Your Garden Grow Collection
“She Carries Her Own Garden of Delight With Her”