We discussed in small groups the differences between impressionism and post-impressionism.
I think there is a strong relationship in the styles but there are subtle and distinct differences:
The types of new man-made pigments offered greater variation from the earthier tones of traditional paints. New bright colours were an exciting opportunity to make new images and experiment. Colour was being explored in a more scientific way.
Brush marks were more apparent as a style choice. Vincent Van Gogh, made very distinct use of brush stroke as an important element in itself of the image. This could add to the more abstracted style in many of the post impression pictures. Painters could give themselves a more definite personal "signature" by their brush marks, for example, Van Gogh's very deliberate swirls and deep dashe and Seurat's dots. The degree of experimentation seemed greater than the shifts that have occurred between other era's of art style. The speed of social change may have facilitated this.
Abstraction was greater. Simplifying shape and line, using colour more colour block, moving away from the element as seen in reality, to a suggestion of the image.
Because painting materials were now more ready made and mobile, the subject of the painting could move away from studio to outdoor scenes, painting what is seen. This gave the opportunity and inspiration to play more with light.
I found this a helpful and thought provoking discussion, leading me to look more carefully and observantly. As always I want to see paintings I like in real life to observe these elements.
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