Fauvism (1905 – 1910)
Fauvism comes from the French word fauves, meaning “wild beasts,” a nickname given by critics shocked by the movement’s use of intense, unnatural colours. Inspired by Impressionism but wanting more freedom, artists like Henri Matisse and André Derain used bold brushstrokes and vivid, non-realistic colour to express emotion rather than describe reality. Fauvist artworks often show landscapes, portraits, or still life scenes transformed through vibrant colour choices. The movement was short-lived but hugely influential, paving the way for Expressionism and modern abstract art.
Learn more WikiArt- Fauvism
Artworks to be inspired by-
You may like to try to reproduce the Matisse artwork. My demonstration will be inspired by the Andre Derain work.
Henri Matisse – Portrait of Madame Matisse (The Green Stripe) (1905, oil on canvas)
“This Fauvist portrait by Henri Matisse uses bold, unnatural colour — a green stripe divides the face, while pinks, blues, and oranges clash around it. In Fauvism, artists used oil paint in wild, expressive ways to show emotion, not realistic skin tones.”
André Derain – Mountain at Collioure (1905, oil on canvas)
“Derain painted this Fauvist landscape in vivid, unnatural colours — blue trees, red mountains, orange shadows. He used oil paint in thick, bright strokes to make the scene feel energetic and alive. Fauvism is all about colour as expression.”
Key Artwork example of the movement
Henri Matisse – Woman with a Hat (1905)
When first exhibited, this portrait shocked critics with its “wild” use of colour: the face is green and pink, the background clashing orange and blue. Instead of using natural tones, Matisse painted with vivid, emotional colour to create energy and expression. This bold, liberated use of colour is the hallmark of Fauvism, where artists prioritised feeling over realism.
Artists to Research:
Henri Matisse
Andre Derain
Maurice de Vlaminck
Raoul Dufy
Georges Rouault
Kees van Dongen
Albert Marquet
Othon Friesz
Henri-Charles Manguin
Charles Camoin