What is (the) Point(illism)?
As I begin to write this, I am taken back to my high school years where I participated in a play called “The Yellow Letters”. It was a moving piece about Vincent van Gogh and his letters to his brother, Theo. Almost 20 years later, I found out there is a movie, very similar, called “Loving Vincent”. I have not watched this, yet, but the trailer does invoke a memory of the play I participated in years ago. And memories of the artists featured resurface like old friends. So what is the point of this particular blog? To uncover what the point of art is through the art style of pointillism.
Meet Georges Seurat
One artist in particular who is worth mentioning is Georges Seurat. Up until that point, my tender age of 14years, I certainly knew of Vincent van Gogh, but had not come across Georges Seurat before. They were both part of the Post-Impressionist artist movement, and from what I can recall, were dear friends who encouraged and critiqued each other’s work.
Georges Seurat was born in France, 1859. I would like to think these artists had years and years of experience and influence, but recently while I was doing some research, I discovered he died at the young age of 31 years old. I cannot fathom the life he must have lived. To be immersed and to know your creative self as he must have at such a young age, I am in awe of this and it encourages me to continue to pursue my creative endeavours, having been graced to be living well past the age of 31 years already.
The art style of Pointillism
So, what is the point of this little introduction, no pun intended (yes, it is indeed intended) I would like to explore his style of Pointillism. Georges Seurat is the pioneer of this artistic technique. It uses dots of paint or small strokes of colour. The intent is to explore colour theory and trick the eye into seeing the blended colours, but upon closer inspection, it is not blended at all. One of his most famous works is portrayed below, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” (taken from the book “1001 paintings to see before you die”, by Stephen Farthing. I came across this little gem while perusing my local library, and highly recommend it to page through and explore art from all periods of time)
This technique is paramount when learning colours, and to understanding hues and tones. I love these two quotes I found, by Georges Seurat “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” “Some say they see poetry in my paintings; I see only science.” It expresses my feelings rather well towards this style and technique. There is logic to it but there is an underlying beauty of what it reveals.
Pointillism requires patience. Undertaking this technique is a momentous task, but is worth the time and energy to explore. It nurtures your artistic ability to understand colours, shapes and light. Perhaps a technique reserved more for an intermediate artist, however I also think beginners can take it on and discover something new which can be built upon as one progresses.
Back to the Point
Though the point of art may have many answers to everyone, for me, the art style of what Pointillism portrays, there lies a deeper meaning to step closer; to observe and inspect those smaller things in our lives; to refine and create a masterpiece which one day we can reflect upon and view a magnificent work of art. After all, our lives are intricate splattering of tiny circumstances coming together, creating who we are.
If this has inspired you to explore this art style or merely to reflect upon your own life’s work, then my point has been made. Thanks to Georges Seurat for his profound contribution to the arts and for us to discover so much more.
Explore other art styles every month. Our monthly art boxes are packed with treasures and information for you to nurture your artistic flair and talent. Watch out for this theme: Pointillism on our Instagram page as well urustudio_creative_space.
