Matisse and Fauvism

Learning from the Masters

At We Art St. Pete, we believe that understanding art history is not just about studying the past—it’s about shaping the future. Every artist, no matter their medium, stands on the shoulders of those who came before them. By immersing ourselves in the works, ideas, and innovations of past masters, we gain new perspectives, refine our techniques, and find inspiration that fuels our creative practice.

This is why we’ve launched a curated space for high-quality lectures, artist talks, and discussions featuring some of the most influential artists, curators, and scholars from around the world.

Learning from Matisse and Fauvism

Our first featured lecture comes from the National Gallery’s David Gariff, an esteemed art historian, on Henri Matisse and the Fauvist movement. Matisse, a pioneer of color and expression, pushed boundaries in ways that continue to influence contemporary artists. His bold use of color, emphasis on emotional impact, and rejection of traditional perspective changed the course of modern art.

For artists today, understanding Matisse and Fauvism is more than an academic exercise—it’s a way to see how risk-taking, intuition, and innovation can lead to breakthroughs in one’s own work. Whether you work in painting, sculpture, digital media, or another form, studying artists like Matisse can help you think outside the box and push your creative limits.

Find Your Inspiration: Top Art Lectures & Talks

One of the most valuable things an artist can do is to seek out high-level conversations about art. The good news? There’s a wealth of expert knowledge available online. We've compiled a list of some of the best lectures and talks from leading institutions, so you can continue your learning journey from anywhere.

Here are a few standout resources:

• The National Gallery (UK & US) – Deep dives into art movements, individual artists, and artistic techniques.

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Artist interviews and discussions on contemporary art practices.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) – A rich archive of lectures exploring art from ancient to contemporary times.

• Harvard Art Museums & MIT OpenCourseWare – Free courses and talks from top educators in the field of art history and theory.

• The Getty Museum – In-depth analyses of major art movements, conservation efforts, and behind-the-scenes insights into museum curation.

• Tate Talks (Tate Modern & Tate Britain) – Engaging discussions with contemporary artists about their influences and creative processes.

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We Art St. Pete is committed to making sure artists in our community have access to these kinds of enriching resources. Whether you’re looking for historical context, technical guidance, or pure artistic inspiration, these lectures and talks can help you grow as an artist and expand your creative vision.

Join the Conversation

Who are the artists, historians, and curators that inspire you? What lectures, talks, or institutions have shaped your artistic journey? We want to hear from you! Drop a comment, share your favorite resources, and let’s continue building a community that values knowledge, creativity, and artistic excellence.

Stay tuned as we continue to add new lectures, artist talks, and exclusive insights into the ever-evolving world of art.

Follow @WeArtStPete and be part of the movement.