The Art of van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Post-Impressionism from Udemy

This is a course on the incredibly beautiful and ground breaking art of the Post-Impressionist artists. We will see the theories behind the Pointillism of Seurat, the Structure studies by Cezanne, the Color Field compositions of Gaugin, and the vibrant and beautiful Expressionism of van Gogh. In short, the Foundations of Modern Art. I have enjoyed every minute teaching this course for over forty years and I absolutely loved putting this course together for you. The objective is for you to be able to look out your window and see the same scene with the eyes of Seurat, Cezanne, Gaugin or van Gogh. It will expand your visual delight universe.

I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students who take this course will be able to look out their window and see the same scene with the eyes of cezanne, seurat, gaugin or van gogh.
Increased appreciation of art

The course enhances human development.
The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Students who take this course will be able to look out their window and see the same scene with the eyes of cezanne, seurat, gaugin or van gogh.
Increased appreciation of art
The course enhances human development.
The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Syllabus

Introduction

On Color Theory

Georges Seurat 1859-1891. Pointillism

Paul Signac 1863 – 1935

Paul Cézanne 1839-1906. Structure

Paul Cézanne at Auvers

Paul Gauguin 1848-1903. Color fields

Vincent van Gogh 1853-1890. Expression

Vincent van Gogh at Auvers

Course Catalog

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the theories and techniques behind Post-Impressionist masters, providing a foundation for understanding modern art movements

Examines Pointillism, structural studies, color fields, and Expressionism, offering a comprehensive overview of Post-Impressionist styles

Aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for art and enrich the viewer's life experience through visual understanding

Includes a segment on color theory, which is foundational for understanding the artistic choices of the Post-Impressionists

Presents graphic material generated first-hand on site, offering unique perspectives and insights into the artists' environments

Focuses on artists and movements from the 19th century, which may not appeal to learners interested in contemporary art

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Art of van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Post-Impressionism with these activities:

Review Color Theory Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of color theory to better appreciate the color choices of Post-Impressionist artists.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review notes on color theory principles.
Watch videos explaining color relationships.
Practice mixing colors using online tools.

Explore Online Art Tutorials Focused on Cezanne's Techniques

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Improve your understanding of Cezanne's approach to structure and form by following online art tutorials.

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Search for online art tutorials on Cezanne's techniques.
Follow the tutorials, practicing his methods.
Experiment with applying his techniques to your own art.

Create a Presentation on Pointillism

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Deepen your understanding of Seurat and Signac's techniques by creating a presentation explaining Pointillism.

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Research Pointillism and its key artists.
Gather images of Pointillist paintings.
Create slides explaining the technique and its impact.
Present your findings to a friend or family member.

Four other activities

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Recreate a van Gogh Painting

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Gain a hands-on understanding of van Gogh's techniques by attempting to recreate one of his paintings.

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Choose a van Gogh painting to recreate.
Gather the necessary art supplies.
Study the original painting closely.
Attempt to recreate the painting, focusing on brushstrokes and color.

Review 'Van Gogh: The Life' by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith

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Gain a deeper understanding of Van Gogh's life and artistic motivations by reading a comprehensive biography.

View Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Van Gogh: The Life'.
Read the book, focusing on key periods of his life.
Take notes on how his life influenced his art.

Review 'Cézanne: A Life' by Alex Danchev

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Understand Cézanne's life and artistic journey by reading a detailed biography.

View Magritte: A Life on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Cézanne: A Life'.
Read the book, paying attention to his artistic development.
Note how his personal life shaped his artistic style.

Compile a Digital Museum of Post-Impressionist Art

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Enhance your appreciation for Post-Impressionism by curating a collection of digital images and information.

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Gather high-quality images of Post-Impressionist artworks.
Research the artists and their works.
Organize the images and information into a digital collection.
Share your collection with others online.

Career center

Learners who complete The Art of van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Post-Impressionism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Art historian

An art historian researches and analyzes art from various periods, including movements such as Post-Impressionism, the focus of this course. This role requires a deep understanding of artistic techniques, historical context, and the cultural significance of various artworks and styles. The course, focusing on the visual theories of Seurat, structural studies of Cezanne, color field compositions of Gauguin, and expressionism of van Gogh helps to build a foundation that enables an art historian to interpret and educate others on these important artists. Studying this course prepares one to examine the foundations of modern art with keen eyes and an appreciation for the educational patterns of evolution.

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Art Critic

An art critic analyzes and evaluates works of art, providing commentary on their aesthetic qualities, cultural impact, and historical context. This career involves understanding artistic techniques and movements, like those covered in this course, that focuses on the Pointillism of Seurat, the Structural studies of Cezanne, the Color Field compositions of Gaugin, and the Expressionism of van Gogh. Studying this course helps one to interpret and assess modern art using the theories and techniques pioneered by these pivotal artists. This course provides a basis for understanding how the Post-Impressionists have influenced the art world.

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Museum curator

A museum curator is responsible for managing and interpreting museum collections, and often specializes in a particular area of art history. This role requires a deep understanding of artistic movements and techniques, like those covered in this course. This course examines the theories behind the Pointillism of Seurat, the Structure studies by Cezanne, the Color Field compositions of Gaugin, and the vibrant Expressionism of van Gogh. Specifically, the course aims to enable learners to look at a scene through the eyes of these artists, which is a skill that can be applied to curating their artworks. A museum curator would greatly benefit from an understanding of these artists and their place in art history.

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Art Educator

An art educator teaches art concepts and techniques to students of all ages. This role requires a broad understanding of art history and the ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible way. This course, which covers the foundational elements of modern art through the works of Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh, may be useful in understanding the Post Impressionist masters and educating others about them. The course aims to enable students to perceive scenes through the eyes of these artists, a skill that will enable an art educator to inspire passion in their students. The course’s goal and methodology may be insightful to a teacher.

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Gallery Owner

A gallery owner manages an art gallery, which involves selecting artists, curating exhibitions, and promoting art sales. This position requires a deep understanding of the art world and the ability to identify and sell works that appeal to a collector base. This course, exploring the theories of Pointillism, Structure, Color Fields, and Expressionism as pioneered by Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh, respectively, may be useful for building knowledge of historically impactful art. The course’s aim to enhance human development and enrich life experience could translate to a refined taste in art. A gallery owner will benefit from this course.

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Art Appraiser

An art appraiser determines the monetary value of artworks for insurance, sales, or estate purposes. This role requires a detailed understanding of art history, techniques, and market trends. This course, which examines the theories of Pointillism, Structure, Color Fields, and Expressionism as pioneered by Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh, may be useful for developing a comprehensive understanding of the elements of historically significant art. The course aims to enable students to perceive scenes through the eyes of these artists, a skill that will enable an art appraiser to make informed valuations. The course’s goal and methodology may be insightful to an appraiser.

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Exhibition Designer

An exhibition designer creates layouts for art exhibitions in museums and galleries. This role benefits from an appreciation for the theories of art, as well as an ability to understand the context in which to present it. This course, which examines the theories of Pointillism, Structure, Color Fields, and Expressionism as pioneered by Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh, may be useful for developing this skill. A person in this role will need to use their appreciation of art to craft powerful and moving presentations. The course’s goal to enhance understanding may assist an exhibition designer.

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Art Consultant

An art consultant advises individuals and institutions on acquiring and managing art collections. This role requires a deep understanding of art history, market trends, and the ability to match pieces to a client's needs. This course delves into the foundational elements of modern art through the works of Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh. Specifically, the course aims to enable learners to look at a scene through the eyes of these artists, which is a skill that would be useful for assisting clients. An art consultant may find that they can better ascertain a client's taste after taking this course.

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Illustrator

An illustrator creates artwork for publications and various media. The role requires a strong command of visual design and the ability to translate ideas into compelling images. While this course focuses on Post-Impressionist masters, the lessons on color theory, structure, and expression as demonstrated by Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh, are useful for any visual artist. This course aims to enhance the visual appreciation of the student, a helpful skill for an illustrator. The course's goal may enrich and inform their visual choices.

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Graphic designer

A graphic designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas. This role requires training in graphic design principles and software. Though not directly focused on digital techniques, the course explores the color theory, structure, and expression utilized by Seurat, Cezanne, Gauguin, and van Gogh, which provides a good foundation for visual design. The course enables students to perceive scenes through the eyes of these master artists, an ability that may be useful to a graphic designer. The course’s goal may enrich and inform their visual choices.

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Fine Artist

A fine artist creates original artwork for aesthetic purposes, often exploring various media. The role requires a deep understanding of artistic principles and techniques. This course examines the visual theories of Seurat, structural studies of Cezanne, color field compositions of Gauguin, and expressionism of van Gogh. Studying this course helps to build a foundation by understanding how the Post-Impressionists conceived of their works. The course’s aim to enhance visual perception could inspire and inform a fine artist's creative explorations of structure and expression.

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Set Designer

A set designer creates the visual environments for theatre, film, and television productions. This role requires a strong sense of visual design, as well as a knowledge of color and structure. While not explicitly focused on theatrical design, this course examines the color field compositions of Gaugin, which may be helpful to someone in this role. The course also aims to help the student see the world through the eyes of Cezanne and van Gogh, who concerned themselves with structure and expression respectively. The knowledge gained via this course may be helpful to a set designer.

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Fashion Designer

A fashion designer creates clothing and accessory designs. This role requires a strong sense of visual design and the ability to translate ideas into compelling products. This course examines the color field compositions of Gaugin, and the Expressionism of van Gogh. Studying the works of these influential artists may introduce new visual concepts that a fashion designer can incorporate into their work. The course also aims to heighten awareness of visual perception. One who seeks to be a fashion designer may benefit from this course.

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Interior designer

An interior designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. While this course does not focus on interiors, it does examine the color field compositions of Gaugin, the structure studies of Cezanne, and the Expressionism of van Gogh. These elements, as well as the course’s overall goal to heighten visual perception, may be useful in this field. An interior designer may find that this course enhances their visual sensibilities. This may provide a new way of looking at space, light, and atmosphere.

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Commercial Photographer

A commercial photographer takes photos of products, businesses, and people for commercial usage. While not directly related to photography, this course may be useful. It examines the theories behind the Pointillism of Seurat, the Structure studies by Cezanne, the Color Field compositions of Gaugin, and the Expressionism of van Gogh. Specifically, the course aims to enable learners to look at a scene through the eyes of these artists, which is a skill that can be applied with a camera. A commercial photographer may find that this course enhances their visual perception.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Art of van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Post-Impressionism.

Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved

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This comprehensive biography provides deep insights into Van Gogh's life, struggles, and artistic development. Understanding his personal context is crucial for appreciating the emotional depth and expressionism in his work. offers a richer understanding of the artist beyond just his paintings, making his artistic choices more meaningful.

Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved

Hardcover

Magritte

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This biography explores the life and artistic evolution of Paul Cézanne, focusing on his structural approach to painting and his influence on modern art. It provides valuable context for understanding Cézanne's techniques and his role in shaping the Post-Impressionist movement. is particularly helpful for understanding Cézanne's focus on form and his departure from traditional artistic conventions.

The Art of van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Post-Impressionism

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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