Impressionism vs. Postimpressionism
By: C.M.

Impressionism and Postimpressionism are two significant historical art periods. Although Postimpressionism originated from Impressionism they had many differences and very little similarities. This ranges from where the artists completed their work to even how the artists would like for their work to be preserved. Impressionism came to light in the 1870’s to 1880’s in Paris, France. These artists went against the rules of art at the time, they did not focus on using strait lines and details, which were the norm of the time, and instead they painted more landscapes and outdoor portraits using natural lighting. An example of this work is Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s, On the Terrace. They focused more on the way the light hit the subject and tried to show it as you actually see it. The artists tended to work outdoors, use short brush strokes and vibrant colors in their paintings. Postimpressionism started in the late 1880’s through the 1890’s by artists that were rejecting Impressionism. Impressionists were still painting objects as you see them where postimpressionist filled their works with feelings and emotions. These artists used many swirling motions like in the painting by Vincent Van Gogh, Starry Night. They tended to work in studios and take more time completing their work than impressionist did. Postimpressionist filled their works with feelings and emotions.

Impressionism and Postimpressionism were similar in the facts that both started by groups of radical artists. They both went against the norms of the times and instead the artists created new ways of creating and seeing art. There were more differences than similarities between the two periods. Impressionists would have to work rather quickly completing their works in order to catch their subjects in the unique

natural lighting they were trying to capture