Have you heard of 'Colourist' painters?

I am always on the lookout for new artists to join the gallery. It’s often tricky to articulate what I am looking for when choosing new artists but I am definitely drawn to an artist who prioritises colour in their work. This doesn’t mean it has to be neon bright colours, it’s more about how the colours work together and what emotions they evoke in the viewer.

Abi Wason - It was Like Magic

Artists who focus primarily on the expression of colour in their work are known as ‘Colourists’, itself a specific art movement. As you might expect, colourists are particularly skilled at using colour. Their paintings are often known for using intense, vibrant colours that take centre stage although they can also be masters of subtle colour harmonies and relationships. 

Jessie Woodward #646

For these artists, colour becomes the most important aspect of the artwork, even more important than the subject matter or realistic depiction.They use colour to evoke emotions and create a specific mood or atmosphere in their paintings. The colours themselves become a form of expression. 

The term colourist goes at least as far back as the Venetian painters of the Renaissance who were known for their rich colours. Some famous 20th century colourist movements that emphasised bold and expressive use of colour include;

• Fauvism (early 20th century) - Pioneered by artists such as Henri Matisse
  

and Andre Derain.

• This movement used strong, non-naturalistic colours to create a sense of energy and emotion.

Orphism (early 20th Century) Abstract, cubist influenced painting style developed Sonia Delaunay (and her husband Robert) – a key figure in the Parisian Avant-Garde movement who used strong colours and geometric shapes.

Colour Field Painting (mid-20th century) - Artists like Mark Rothko

• focused on large areas of flat colour to create immersive and contemplative experiences.
  

Rothko-Image-Guggenheim - Erika Barahona Ede

I hope this gives you an insight into some of the work I like to include in the gallery! How important is colour to you when you are choosing artwork? Or are you more about realistic representations? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear what you think!

Shop colourful art here!