Art styles changed more quickly during the Modernist period than at any time before. Considering that most people were accustomed to recognisable art depicting religious iconography, classic or heroic tales, landscapes and portraits, it's not surprising that there were mixed responses to the avant-garde artists who sought to express both the inner and outer worlds in a different way, to piant 'art for art's sake' or experiment with colour, form and composition.

Below, you'll find some examples of art by artists painting this period, some of which you'll find 'easy on the eye' with other images being either less appealing, or less understandable. Please answer the introductory question about your response to these images, and then check back on your response when you've finished the program. Hopefully, even if your answer hasn't changed, you might have a greater understanding of why you have responded the way you have. The section on art terms and colour theory should assist you to recognise how the art has been constructed.

I have included many of the paintings which I first encounted through my own discovery of art through art appreciation programs - those that made me want to look twice, or to know more about the artist, or that created 'ah ha' moments. I hope you also discover many similar artworks in this program.