French impressionism and post-impressionism marked a break from traditional styles of European painting. Impressionists sought to capture an image glanced in an instant, in paintings that de-emphasized lines to create vibrant renderings that depict the shifting effect of light and color.
The post-impressionists rejected this primary concern with the spontaneous and naturalistic rendering of light and color. Rather than pure optical impressions, they concentrated on symbolic content and emotional expression. While they still used the vivid colors, thick paint, and distinct brushstrokes of the impressionists, their stress was on the use of geometric forms and unnatural colors.
In this 4-session painting course, several of the greatest French artists of the period— impressionists Claude Monet and Camille Pissaro and post-impressionists Paul Cézanne and Georges Seurat—serve as the focus of study, with an examination of each of their lives and art.
Students copy sections of their paintings, using the same materials and colors as the artists to learn their working methods of paint application and brushstroke. The goal is not to copy famous artists, but to gain skills that can be applied to your own work.
The sessions also cover topics including color theory, optical mixing, and pointillism.
Download the supply list for this class
World Art Certificate Program elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Instructor: Adrienne Wyman
4 sessions; 6 hours each
