Contemporary decorative painting is a teachable art form because of the systematic method that is employed. The use of either patterns or freehand designs allows a high degree of success without academic training or inherent drawing ability. Approached with creativity, discipline and craftsmanship, contemporary decorative painting offers numerous opportunities for artistic self expression and creative satisfaction. The scope of contemporary decorative painting is boundless, incorporating styles and techniques of the past, adapting these to the trends and materials of the present, while at the same time developing the decorative art heritage of the future.

Tole painting is the term that has been used historically for decorative painting on tin surfaces, especially in New England and by the Pennsylvania Germans.

Today, in addition to tole painting and folk art styles of many countries such as Norway, Sweden, Germany, Russia, England and Mexico, contemporary decorative painting includes facets of Early American Decorative Painting such as stenciling, bronzing, gold leafing, country painting, theorem and graining. Whatever their methods, techniques or media, all decorative artists have a place in the Society of Decorative Painters