If you’ve ever seen my artwork — whether at Bearden District Gallery or on my website — you’ve probably noticed its bold outlines, vibrant color fields, and stained-glass-like quality. That unique look is inspired by a lesser-known but deeply compelling style called Cloisonnism.

What is Cloissonism?

Cloisonnism is an art style that originated in the late 19th century, most famously associated with artists like Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin. Although I discovered the style through Van Gogh.  The name comes from the French word “cloisonné,” which refers to the technique of separating color fields with bold, dark lines — much like stained glass.

 

In painting, Cloisonnism emphasizes strong contours, flat areas of vivid color, and a sense of emotional feeling over realism. It invites the viewer to feel and not just analyze — to experience color and form as emotional languages. 

I’ve always been drawn to the balance of structure and freedom in Cloisonnism. The outlines give each form a kind of strength and clarity, while the vibrant colors and painterly textures create movement and feeling.

In my own work, I blend traditional Cloisonnism techniques with a more modern, intuitive approach — layering line, pattern, and emotion into each piece.  I love showing value shift and creating depth in my paintings in addition to flat form and color. The result is work that feels both grounded and expressive — somewhat realistic but incredibly impressionistic.

The clean lines and unique color palette in my work often complement traditional, minimalist, modern, or eclectic interiors beautifully.

Whether it’s a commissioned piece for a client’s home or a bold focal point for a commercial space, I love collaborating with designers to create art that feels deeply personal — and visually unforgettable.

If you’d like to explore my available work, commission a custom piece, or be the first to see my upcoming collection, I invite you to:

 

  👉 Visit: amandascottartstudio.com

  👉 Join my list: Newsletter Sign up

👉 Or reach out: [email protected]

 

Thanks for reading this far and for supporting local, original art.

— Amanda Scott
Contemporary Visual Artist | Knoxville, TN
[Instagram] | [The District Gallery]