Painting_Styles

Painting Styles Artists have many different painting and style techniques. Three that will be mentioned in this paper are Neoclassicism, Impressionism, and Abstract Expressionism. I will compare and contrast The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries by Jacques-Louis David which is an example of Neoclassicism, Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre Auguste Renoir which is an example of Impressionism, and Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) by Jackson Pollock which is an example of Abstract Expressionism, as well as discuss each ones painting techniques and any formal elements they may have. Rome, Greece, France was all fans of the Neoclassicism style of art. This style of art was representational without expressing much emotion in its presentation. The more classical elements of this movement were used to indicate courage and the renaissance of ideas, primarily in England which can be seen in The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries by Jacques-Louis David pictured below. Fig. 1 1812 The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries Jacques-Louis David Oil on canvas 2010 National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC Jacques-Louis David put a lot of detail in this work. I can even see the arrogant nature of Napoleon in his structure and face. This is an ideal work of art with much detail and realism put into it. It was done in bold colors to draw in the eye. Optical realism, which is like when an artist tries to draw the viewer’s attention to the movement of light and darkness in their paintings, was used in Impressionism. This painting style’s use of light creates the sensation of natural light. Impressionists used precise form and technique and unfortunately receive much ridiculed in their day. Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre Auguste Renoir pictured below, an example of Impressionism and how Impressionists used everyday type sceneries with ordinary people in their artwork. This differs from previous periods, where classical, mythical and religious themes dominated. Fig. 2 1880-81 Luncheon of the Boating Party Pierre Auguste Renoir Oil on canvas The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC This piece is full of rich colors that reflect both the time period and the artist's impressionist style. It shows a leisure gathering of people of how they were in that time period. The artist uses a lot of shape, space, color and texture throughout the entire artwork which makes it more appealing to the eye Abstract expressionism is distinguished by artists producing paintings very quickly by using usually large brushes to allow the rapid application of paint while pouring their emotion into the work of art. Jackson Pollock uses black paint on canvas in his Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) pictured below. Fig. 3 1950 Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) Jackson Pollock Enamel on canvas The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York His technique is called drip painting. I think that Autumn Rhythm has its own unique pattern of lines that are intertwine into one another. Also the name of the piece had to do with the colors he used which are all found in nature. Each of these paintings gives a glance into the time and character of the artist who created them. Jacques-Louis David, Pierre Auguste Renoir, and Jackson Pollock were all well known in their time and movement which helped in altering the different styles and techniques of application in the world of art. Each of their works was and still is considered revolutionary and even astonishing. References Jackson Pollock (American, 1912–1956). (1950). Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) [Abstract Expressionist]. Retrieved April 4, 2010 from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/57.92 Jacques-Louis David (French, 1748 – 1825). (1812). The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries[18th- and 19th-Century France — Neoclassicism]. Retrieved April 4, 2010 from http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/gg56/gg56-45831.0.html Pierre Auguste Renoir (Impressionist). (1880-81). Luncheon of the Boating Party. Retrieved April 4, 2010, from http://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/boating/index.aspx