Art Nouveau : A Creative Style

Graphic illustrators near the end of the 19th century were using all the important elements of design, shape and pattern. The man whose influence changed the way modern graphic designers look at a page and who introduced those elements was merely 26 years old when he passed away. This man conceived his own intensely personal perception of the art nouveau method. His interpretation of the style was so haunting, artists have continued in their attempts to copy it throughout the 20th century.

Among the most significant and misunderstood literary characters of the day was Oscar Wilde, who promoted the merits of a wide range of artistic styles, as he felt that the art should be considered its own end and should not simply be considered for ethical or moral merits. Wilde penned an interesting story, which is both curious and deviant. The blossoming artist utilized dark eroticism, grand lines, arrangements and interesting imagery to depict the storyline.

This work was further distinguished by interconnection between white and black. He employs huge planes and borders or alternatively darkness that contrasts with fragile patterns that play on a white surface. The background surface is typically uneven and motion is provided by long, uninterrupted bending lines. Although his characters were drawn as basic outlines, the objects they interacted with, such as their clothing or hair were often much more detailed. It is the reciprocity between the straightforward and the complex that bolsters Wilde's work and empowers it.

A lot of designers toward the end of the 19th century received inspiration from the imports that were being brought from Japan, as well as renewing their interest in early Renaissance decorations and medieval arts. So, this artist's images were the basis for much imitation throughout the US and Europe, bringing him considerable fame, and appearances in well known publications. Currently, many of his pieces are often reproduced as posters and prints.

Poster art developed slowly from a form of commercial advertising to its own artistic genre during the late 19th century. As opposed to the typically black and white books of the period, posters were frequently produced in color. Poster design at this time centered upon only a single, vivid, striking image. Verbiage describing the poster's subject or topic was intentionally and strictly limited. Recognizing the way to catch somebody's attention was to simplify, he continued to keep his shapes both flat and simple, while his colors were powerful. His lines proved to be a little hesitant and broken, as in an Impressionist era painting. This is considered to be the precursor of the classic art nouveau design poster.

The very creator of the proper art nouveau poster used more fluid contours and stronger outlines in his distinctive illustrations. These posters typically feature youthful, flowing, slender girls with cascading hair. Their hair continues off their bodies and shifts into capricious shapes. An additional renowned art nouveau poster artist's creations were invariably characterized by sleek, thin proportions which included a full-body rendering of a woman. To make the intricate and detailed patterns of the time, the artists would draw from many sources including fold art, Arab and Moorish decoration, Hebrew lettering, Celtic motifs, Japanese wood cuts and Byzantine mosaics.

Due to the numerous books and reprint of their work, you can easily enjoy the graphic design talents of these many artists from the turn of the century. You will also find there are dealers who will specialize in the sale of 19th, and early 20th century poster art. Typically they put up tables at big international style antique shows. Original examples that have been well-maintained can easily cost hundreds, or even upwards of several thousand dollars.