Francis Danby was best known for his dramatic landscapes. He belonged to what is now known as the Bristol School, an informal group of artists who would come together in the evening to sketch and visit places which could feed their imaginations and enrich their … Continue readingAn Enchanted Island by Francis Danby
Even if you don’t know about any artists, you’ve probably heard of Claude Monet. He is considered to be the founder of Impressionist painting in France; in fact, the technique’s name itself came from Monet’s painting, Impression, Sunrise: Monet loved to paint the French countryside, and … Continue readingWater Lilies by Claude Monet
Paul Signac was a Neo-Impressionist painter born in France on November 11, 1863. He was one of the first Pointillist artists, working with Georges Seurat. The Pointillist technique is one which, like it sounds, uses only the tip of a paintbrush, pen, marker, etc. to … Continue readingThe Port of Saint Tropez by Paul Signac
Paul Peel was a Canadian artist born on November 7, 1860. He painted very human scenes, images which brought out not only the events of everyday life but the experience, love, and interactions of his characters. His paintings are relatable. You want to be in … Continue readingAdoration by Paul Peel
Gerard van Honthorst was a Dutch artist born on November 4, 1592. He was known for paintings set in the darkness and lit with a brilliant light. This approach created a strong contrast in value within his paintings, making them dramatic and eye-catching. The technique … Continue readingMusical Group on a Balcony by Gerard van Honthorst
Annibale Carracci was one of the most influential painters in the Baroque era. His art was resonant with lively scenes and believable interactions between his characters–dramatic, but still relatable. He was less formal than other artists of his time and style. He was inspired by … Continue readingMadonna and Child with Saint John by Annibale Carracci
Emile Bayard was born on November 2, 1837 in France. He is best known for his illustration of Cosette for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, shown above. He started publishing cartoons when he was just fifteen, and he worked for magazines for many years before moving into illustrating … Continue readingCosette by Emile Bayard
Johannes Vermeer is the creator of what are perhaps some of the most recognized paintings today. He was born on October 31, 1632 in the Dutch Republic. His focus in painting was middle-class life, and his work is known for his use of light. As … Continue readingGirl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer
Andrei Ryabushkin was a Russian painter born on October 29, 1861. He painted 17th century Russia, particularly focusing on the everyday lives of the people there. Unfortunately, because of this, his paintings weren’t widely accepted. The people wanted something more “beautiful,” more dramatic with more … Continue readingTea-Drinking by Andrei Ryabushkin
Eugène Fromentin was a French artist, although he is mostly known for being a writer. He was born on October 24, 1820. He wrote about art, particularly critiquing the Masters. His perspective was unique since he himself was an artist; his comments had a personal … Continue readingThe Simoun by Eugène Fromentin