Artists

Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas

(1834 - 1917)
Born: Paris, France
Style: Impressionism
Famous Works:
  • The Rehearsal (1873-4)
  • L'Absinthe (The Absinthe Drinker) (1876)
  • Prima Ballerina (1876)
Edgar Degas is often associated with other French Impressionists, however, the artist's vision was fundamentally different. Rather than working directly from nature, as most of his peers were, Degas worked to convey the spontaneous movement of figures. His art captured the compositions of snapshot photographs and the hues of Japanese prints. Degas was a master of composition; through building seemingly accidental pictures he was able to integrate the viewer into the experience of the scene. Many of his paintings appear to have a private narrative, a personal point of view due to their unusual cropping and angles. This unique mastery of composition sets him apart from other Impressionists. Besides his work in oil, Degas is known for his pastel drawings. Degas completed an extensive series in oil and pastel on the ballet dancers at the Paris Opera. His meticulous observation of movement, in combination with the formal aspects of ballet, produced cunning pictures of young women in rehearsal and exhibition costumes executed with light and active strokes and luminous hues. Degas was also a gifted draughtsman. He used line to carve out space rather than articulate the surface of the canvas, as his colleagues did. This study in line was inspired by his relationship with Ingres. As his eyesight failed him in his later years Degas turned to sculpting figures that were later cast in bronze after his death. Edgar Degas was one of the first Impressionists to be hailed as an international master, perhaps due not only to his contributions and superior skill as an artist, but also due to the ways in which his work is distinguished from other Impressionists.
Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $0.79

At Least 29% Off

Professional Luminance Colored Pencils

by Caran d'Ache

Long lasting, brilliant color for artists needs!

From $11.99

Charcoal Pencil Set

by Koh-I-Noor

Quality charcoal pencils and accessories in a convenient set

At Least 29% Off

From $3.09

Watercolors

by Van Gogh

Professional grade watercolors

Up to 35% Off

Finesse Blender Pen for Colored Pencil

by Speedball

Unifies, softens and blends all types of colored pencils.
Latest Product Reviews
I love these Stickles but, they get clogged once in a great while. But I do have fun with these! Beautiful!
- Jenn in Milwaukee Wisconsin
This is an essential tool for building all types of wooden models. I really enjoy using it as it produces very clean cuts.
- Frank Bauer in Conway, NH
Good shipping. Brushes arrived well packed with the tips in perfect condition.
- Scott in Gloucester, Ma
Free Download for Kids

Download free coloring book pages Download FREE coloring
book pages to color at
home or school.

View Pages »