Gilbert Stuart is best known for his painting–paintings in the plural, rather–of George Washington. He was a renowned portrait artist and when he painted a likeness of Washington, it was so widely desired that further copies were requested. Over the years he painted more than 130 … Continue readingThe Athenaeum Portrait by Gilbert Stuart
Georges Seurat was born on December 2, 1859 in Paris. He was a post-impressionist painter and is best known for having developed the pointillist technique, which he did by working together with Paul Signac. Perhaps his most famous work is A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, which … Continue readingA Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat
William-Adolphe Bouguereau was born on November 30, 1825 in La Rochelle, France. He was an academic painter who painted traditionally, creating realistic works but often weaving mythological and Christian themes into his pieces. He was careful to use props to convey subtle but symbolic messages. … Continue readingInnocence by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
William Sidney Mount was an American painter born on November 26, 1807 in New York. He painted scenes of everyday life, and his work focused largely on lively interactions between people. He was also a composer and player of the fiddle. Much of his visual … Continue readingThe Trap Sprung by William Sidney Mount
Eustache Le Sueur was born on November 19, 1617 in Paris. He is famous for helping to found the French Academy of Painting, and he is also known for his own religious artwork. Eustache Le Sueur’s father was himself an artist and was able to … Continue readingThe Annunciation by Eustache Le Sueur
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