Top 10 Documentaries on Painting

Description: Although primarily a biographical drama, this film includes documentary elements, exploring the life and art of Frida Kahlo, showcasing her paintings and the tumultuous events that inspired them.

Fact: Salma Hayek, who played Frida, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Description: While more of a narrative film, it delves into the relationship between an aging sculptor and his young model, exploring themes of art, beauty, and the passage of time.

Fact: The film was Spain's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Description: Inventor Tim Jenison attempts to recreate Johannes Vermeer's painting techniques using technology, exploring the theory that Vermeer might have used optical devices to achieve his photorealistic effects.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Penn Jillette of the magician duo Penn & Teller.

Description: This documentary delves into the contemporary art world, focusing on how art is valued, bought, and sold. It features artists like Jeff Koons and Gerhard Richter, providing insight into the intersection of art and commerce.

Fact: The film was directed by Nathaniel Kahn, who also directed "My Architect," another acclaimed documentary.

Description: This documentary focuses on the legal battle over the Barnes Foundation's art collection, which includes works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse, shedding light on the politics and ethics of art ownership.

Fact: The film features interviews with art critics, historians, and legal experts.

Description: This unique film captures Pablo Picasso painting on a transparent canvas, allowing viewers to see the evolution of his work in real-time, offering a rare glimpse into his creative process.

Fact: Picasso himself chose the music for the film, which was composed by Georges Auric.

Description: A comprehensive documentary that examines Frida Kahlo's life, her relationship with Diego Rivera, and her impact on art, using archival footage and interviews with those who knew her.

Fact: The film includes rare footage of Frida Kahlo and her artwork.

Description: Although centered around street art, this documentary by Banksy includes insights into the art world, questioning what makes art valuable and who qualifies as an artist.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: While not exclusively about painting, this film explores the life of a young boy in Colombia who dreams of becoming a painter amidst the backdrop of civil conflict, highlighting the power of art in adversity.

Fact: The film was Colombia's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Description: This documentary explores the life and influence of Paul Durand-Ruel, the art dealer who championed the Impressionists, providing a backdrop to the rise of artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

Fact: The film includes rare archival footage and interviews with art historians.