Impressionism and Post-Impressionism are two artistic movements that have had profound influences on the art community and the world as a whole. Both sought to break the mold of previous artistic styles and movements by creating works that were truly unique to the artist himself. Artists of the Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements used vibrant color palettes, well-defined brushstrokes, and unique perspectives on their subjects that sought to capture light, movement, and emotion on the canvas. These two art movements reimagined and reinvented the art world of their times, with Impressionism leading the way and Post-Impressionism building and growing from it. Starting in the 19th century, the art movement of Impressionism began to take shape and challenge itself. the conventional standards imposed on the artistic community. At the forefront of this movement were a group of Parisian artists, who sought to break free from the traditional styles and subjects of French painting. The most notable of these artists included: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, Mary Cassatt and Camille Pissarro. Each is a distinct and unique artist who helped shape the Impression movement. “Each of these artists, and more, broke free from the traditional styles encouraged by the government and the Academie des Beaux-Arts” (Samu, 2004). Which were often dark with a more muted palette, with themes often depicting religious themes or portraits. But these styles were very limiting, both due to the color palette and the artist's unique brushstrokes and style. Impressionism branched out against these rigid styles, instead favoring bold, vibrant color palettes, visible brushstrokes, and a… paper medium… or make their own movements. Each artist contributed their mind, their brush, and their talent to give shape and meaning to movements that did the same for the artistic community and the world as a whole. Without impressionism and post-impressionism our artistic heritage would not be as rich and fruitful as it is today. Works Cited Pierre-Auguste Renoir The Swing. (2006.). Orsay Museum. Retrieved February 5, 2014, from http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/the-swing-3014.html?cHash=9f4a786865.Samu, M. ( 2004 .). Impressionism: art and modernity. Timeline of Heilbrunn art history. Retrieved January 27, 2014, from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/imml/hd_imml.htm.Vincent van Gogh: Sunflowers. (2013, January 15). Vincent van Gogh Gallery. Retrieved February 5, 2014, from http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/sunflowerindex.html.