Styles & Periods

Styles & Periods

Neoplasticism

Neoplasticism was the central philosophy of De Stijl, a Dutch artistic movement led by Theo van Doesburg and including Piet Mondrian. In one of the many reactions to Cubism in the 1920s, De Stijl and the Neoplasticists felt that Cubism had retarded its own natural result- a completely non-representational abstraction. The use of pared down, primary colors and right angles would eliminate any distractions from the ultimate reality, rendering a plastic expression. This faith in color was unprecedented. Mondrian went on to develop a set of guidelines governing the creation of his paintings, including the balance of opposites, use of blue, yellow, and red on structures of black and white, and shapes made solely from right angles. The result was a neutralization of all depth, distraction from perceived references to the natural world. Despite the elimination of illusionist characteristics, Mondrian felt his paintings reflected the world around him. By the mid 1920s, philosophical disagreements between members of De Stijl had caused the group to weaken, and it would finally dissolve in 1931 following the death of Theo van Doesburg. Piet Mondrian remained true to the principles of Neoplasticism, and his works are among the most recognizable of the movement.


Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $22.39

Acrylic Revolution

by North Light

Packed with tips and tricks for working with acrylic

Up to 50% Off

Up to 30% Off

Unfinished Wood Easel

by Fredrix

Affordable display easel
Best Seller

From $5.39

Semi-Moist Watercolors

by Yarka

All natural pigments for rich transparent colors

Up to 45% Off

Up to 30% Off

Latest Product Reviews
Was exactly the product I was looking for.
- Grandma Sally in Montana
very good service and fast delivery
- dale in mass
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
Free Download for Kids

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

View Pages »