Paul Signac – Artwork & Bio of the French Painter

Paul Signac was a French painter born on 11 November 1863 in Paris, France. As a teenager, Signac was drawn to art and encouraged by his parents. Most of his art education came from copying and recreating the works of famous artists and attending exhibitions. Signac started painting professionally at eighteen and exhibited his works at the Salon des Artistes Indépendants as early as 1884.

Signac’s socialization with artists and art groups led to his highly-productive relationship with Georges Seurat, with whom he promoted a new painting style. In 1885, Signac, Seurat, and a few other artists ushered in the Neo-Impressionism art movement, marking the end of Impressionism. Signac’s political inclinations became evident in his works in the 1890s.

In 1897, Signac moved to Saint Tropez with his wife and set up his studio in his newly-acquired house. Signac kept creating artwork till his old age, painting into the last decade of his life. In addition to the numerous works in different mediums that Signac painted, he also wrote various essays and pieces. He died on 15 August 1935 from bacterial blood poisoning.

What was Paul Signac Known For?

Paul Signac was known for painting landscapes, outdoor scenes, and interiors. Drawn to Monet’s works from childhood, Signac often painted similar subject matter and adopted the Plein air method. Signac is also renowned for his pivotal role in developing and popularizing Neo-Impressionism.

Who was Paul Signac Influenced By?

Paul Signac was influenced by Claude Monet and Georges Seurat. Of all the artists whose works he copied, Monets intrigued Signac the most. Signac adopted many of Monet’s techniques, color schemes, and subject matter. Signac’s later works show the impact of his association with Seurat.

What Art Movement was Paul Signac Associated With?

Paul Signac was associated with the Neo-Impressionism art movement.