Painting is one of the most interesting forms of art. He depicts life in bright colors and speaks about himself, the painter’s aspirations, his environment and his nation. He became a tool not only for personal expression, but also, most importantly, a tool for preserving good memories of the most significant people and events of history.
Below are some of the highlights in the history of painting in America. Let's take a look at how art evolved in America and some of the best American artists who, in one way or another, have noted a lasting imprint in the history of American art.
Early years
The puritanical values of the early English settlers in North America were so serious that they avoided all luxury, including artistic expressions such as painting, flourishing art in Europe, especially in England. Starting to settle in a foreign land was very difficult for these new settlers, so they only did the most important things.
However, in the first years of their settlement, some portraits were noted. These paintings were made by artists who identified themselves as “limiters”. These were the earliest known American artists. They were naturally artistic, as they were only learning, moving from one place to another to paint portraits of ordinary people. Studying at an art school was contrary to their strict Puritan way of life.
The rise of American art
Almost early American interest in painting grew more than a few years after he founded his life in America, American artists began to travel to England to study.
Although early American artists had a strong influence on art styles already developed in Europe, over the years they began to create their own style of painting. In the 19th century, in particular, noticeable differences began to appear between the paintings of American artists and their European counterparts. This particular American style was shown not only by American artists, but also by other American artists, especially in the field of architecture.
The diversity in painting styles of American artists also contributed to the large geographical size of the country. American artists from each region demonstrated variations in their works. Moreover, there were differences in the works of American artists living in cities and American artists living in rural areas.
National Academy of Design
The National Academy of Design, founded in 1825, was an honorary association of American artists, including American artists. Today it is called the National Academy, which is also a museum and a school of art.
Society of American Artists
The first members of the Society of American Artists include American artists Robert Swain Gifford, an American landscape painter; John Henry Trahtman, the most popular landscape painter and impressionist in his time; John LaFarge, who was also known for his stained glass windows and writings; and Albert Pinkham Ryder, famous for his seascapes. These American artists left the National Academy of Design and created their own association because the former could not satisfy their needs as artists.
Ten American Artists
Thanks to the Society of American Artists, the growth of commercialism, ten significant American artists left the association and were known as the “Ten American Artists”. Among them were John Henry Trahtman, Thomas Wilmer Devin, Edmund Charles Tarbell and Frank Weston Benson. The group was identified as impressionist.
