How did the Renaissance affect art?What was its significance?

One of the most powerful effects that the Renaissance had
on art was simply the fact that many cities and individuals gained enough wealth and
security to encourage and fund the exploration of and production of various types of
art.  Whether it was a small city-state on the Italian peninsula or a wealthy nobleman
in England, the availability of funding made it possible for various artists to flourish
and for young people with the opportunity to aspire to be artists instead of struggling
some other way to make a living.

Just as today the
availability of money for research or the arts will determine the opportunities, the
vibrance and various other things of either pursuit.  Without the money that changes in
trade, etc., brought during the Rennaissance, the explosion and proliferation of
wonderful art would not have been possible.