How do you follow-up on the admired art form of Impressionism and the beloved works of such Impressionists as Monet and Renoir? Post-Impressionism emerged between 1886 and 1914, as artists strove to make their own mark in the visual arts. Post-Impressionists extended Impressionism by emphasizing geometric forms, distorting form for expressive effect, and by using color in random ways. Like Impressionists, Post-Impressionist artists continued using vivid colors, thick application of paint, as well as distinctive brush strokes and the use of real-life subject matter.
"The Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh
Post-Impressionist artists contributed to new ways to make art. Georges Seurat literally made his mark on this style by using tiny dots of color, which would come to be known as Pointillism. Vincent Van Gogh used extensive swirling, curling brushstrokes and vivid colors in his powerful art. Did you know that he created “The Starry Night” in June 1889 during his extended stay at a hospital? The hospital was formerly a monastery and featured beautiful grounds with fields, vineyards and olive trees that inspired Van Gogh during his hospitalization.
Kids love to learn about art and artists, and to apply this knowledge as they create original art in Abrakadoodle programs. Other well-known Post-Impressionists included Henri Rousseau, Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
