What Was The Impact Of Vincent Van Gogh On The Art World?

Vincent Van Gogh and his paintings

Vincent van Gogh died over 120 years ago, yet his art continues to be extremely popular. People all over the world resonate with his art.

Van Gogh used color, form, and emotions in his art. He had a bright palette that was individualized for his time. Even though he did not see a lot of success during his life until after he died, the impact of his art can be seen in both the European Expressionism and Fauvism movements. Many of the artists in these two movements were inspired by Vincent van Gogh and his paintings and artistic style.

La Chambre à Arles or Bedroom in Arles
by Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh’s Art is Mimicked but not Copied

Many artists have tried to copy Vincent van Gogh’s style that he created over 100 years ago. But no artist has been successful in completely copying him and his work.

One of the fantastic things about van Gogh is his unique style, use of brush strokes, color, subject matter, and form that his artwork is unique and individualized. Many artists even today continue to be inspired by van Gogh and the artwork he created.

Van Gogh once wrote to his brother Theo about dead artists and how others looked up to them; this must have been very close to home for a man who never saw much success in his own life when we said:

“…painters being dead and buried, speak to several following generations through their works.”

Vincent Van Gogh

It is like Van Gogh knew that his artwork may not be appreciated during his lifetime but would be appreciated after he died.

In 1905, van Gogh influenced the Expressionism movement in Germany and Austrian and the Fauvism Art Movement in France. Van Gogh’s colorful yet emotionally charged paintings gave these artists the inspiration they needed.

Van Gogh’s Influence on Expressionism

Van Gogh is considered the artist who almost single-handedly influenced the Expressionism art movement. That is why many consider him to be the Father of Expressionism.

Van Gogh’s paintings brought with them a great sense of emotional depth. You can see this in so many of his paintings, especially paintings such as Starry Night (To find out more about Starry Night, you can read our blog about How Much Is Van Gogh’s Starry Night Worth, And Other Facts by clicking this link.)

The Expressionist influenced by Van Gogh’s use of pure and bright colors, brush strokes, and contrasting color combinations in his paintings.

Interieur mit Maler (Interior with painter) 1920
by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Van Gogh was their art inspiration; Van Gogh had a massive impact on the German and Austrian Expressionism movement. Artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Die Brucke or The Bridge in 1913 were fascinated by van Gogh’s colors, brushwork, and pallets.

Artists like Vasily Kandinsky from The Der Blaue Reiter or The Blue Riders were also influenced by van Gogh; they rejected the visual reality and looked into nature’s essence. This inspired them with their works of art.

Houses at Murnau (1909)
by Vasily Kandinsky

All these German Expressionism artists as Ernest Ludwig KIrchner, Vasily Kandinsky, Alexej Von Jawlensky and Max Pechstien were all influenced by Van Gogh.

Van Gogh’s Impact On Fauvism

Van Gogh influenced the Fauvism movement. Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Maurice de Devalimich, and George Braque’s work of art show Van Gogh’s influences.

Landscape of Martigues
by André Derain

Their artwork used bright colors, forms that were different or had previously been used – all of these showed how Van Gogh influenced their art. It was like the artist suddenly realized that Vincent Van Gogh had shown them and permitted them to paint with these colors and styles.

These artists were inspired by how van Gogh would use bright colors and combine those colors. Also, how the emotions would come through those paintings, both the Fauvists and Expressionists believed that feelings should come through their art.

Van Gogh’s freedom also inspired them to use form and color in their artwork. As the Artist, Max Pechstein declared:

“Van Gogh was the father of all us!”

Max pechstein

Many people consider or say that Van Gogh is the father of both Expressionism and Fauvism painting. Expressionism and Fauvism artist were all inspired by him and his art.

When we talk about van Gogh and his artwork, we can see that he had a massive impact on many art movements. It is like van Gogh permitted them to do the kind of art they were now doing, especially for the Expressionism and Fauvism Artist.

This individualist style, use of color, techniques, form, and brush strokes continue to make Vincent van Gogh a great artist. I am also influenced and inspired by his art.

Great paintings and artists like Vincent van Gogh inspire me. Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We love art that uplifts and inspires. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!

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How Much Is Van Gogh’s Starry Night Worth?, And Other Facts

Van Gogh used color, form, and emotions in his art. He had a bright palette that was individualized for his time. Even though he did not see a lot of success during his life after he died, the impact of his art can be seen in both the Expressionism and Fauvism movements that were taking place in Europe.

By clicking here, you can learn more by reading How Much Is Van Gogh’s Starry Night Worth?, And Other Facts.

Why Is Van Gogh Considered Such a Great Artist?

The Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night painting is considered priceless; many have estimated that the price is worth well over 100 million US dollars. The Museum of Modern Art in New York City has had the painting in its collection since 1941.

By clicking here, you can discover more by reading Why Is Van Gogh Considered Such a Great Artist?

Anita Louise Hummel

Hi, I am Anita Louise Hummel. I am an artist and a blogger. I paint mainly oil paints. I love to paint women, animals (mainly dogs and cats), and abstracts. I use a lot of gold and silver leaf in my paintings. I also love to blog about anything to do with art, business, Procreate, and all the wonderful artists that inspire me.

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What Was The Impact Of Vincent Van Gogh On The Art World?