The 4th of July has special meaning for many Americans as it marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which was the founding document of their country. This article discusses how this day is celebrated by artists in a variety of different ways, from illustrations of what the signing would have looked like to depictions of national landmarks and toys from the Revolutionary War.
With the final Independence Day on Tuesday, it’s time to celebrate and create artwork! In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that artists in fine art and various other mediums have made their own statements about patriotism and independence.
On this 4th of July holiday, it’s a perfect time to honor the independence of our country. What better way to do it than take a tour through the most visually spectacular artworks that celebrate America’s history?
History of Independence
Independence day was first celebrated by the thirteen colonies in 1777, nine years after they declared their separation from Great Britain. It is actually a fairly new tradition that was declared to commemorate the fourth of July, which is when the declaration became official on July 4, 1776.
Artists have often used the American flag as design inspiration and popular artists will sometimes put out their own deliberate recreations of these American icons. Although many think that Independence Day is an even newer holiday, it takes its roots back to before America’s founding fathers.
In 1776 in the United States, Independence Day is a time to celebrate national unity and acknowledge the history of U.S. Independence from Great Britain. After the Revolutionary War’s final battle, America was apart of a union with Great Britain for some time, as an independent republic. Eventually in 1787, all states ratified the constitution joining together to make up what we know as The United States Of America today.
The United States celebrates Independence Day on the 4th of July, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776. The signing of this document led to war with Britian and furthered out independence movement.
Legends and folklore pertaining to Independence Day
Putting aside the history lesson on Independence Day, what’s up with the whole apple pie thing? Smithsonian.com notes that carpenters at work in Plymouth had to “borrow” an apple pie for George Washington when he visited on July 24, 1789 and have referred to it as “liberty.” So, if a building is the construction site of liberty, they could also say they’re at their job location building liberty. Legends and folklore pertaining to Independence Day, as well as a section of contemporary artwork depicting the 4th, are highlighted in this blog.
How is the day celebrated in America?
Originally celebrated on July 2nd after the United States declared its independence from Britain in 1776, America and it’s various states celebrate Independence Day which commemorates the adoption and publication of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July. President George Washington began a tradition by advocating that America have an annual day of celebration. The 4th of July is typically a time period where Americans reflect on what they have as a nation and outlet their patriotism, however even artists take time to reflect!
The 4th of July is celebrated in America with a patriotic flare and lots of fireworks. Traditionally, the day is observed by attending a parade or participate in one near your home. Other activities may include gathering relatives at home, heading to the beach, browsing local farmer’s markets, or visiting amusement parks. These are just a few of the many ways that people celebrate this special day.
There are many different ways people celebrate the day.
Sometimes artists will set up stalls and sell their allot of paintings.
Graphic Design majors can design patriotically elements of the American flag, to show how patriotic they are.
The holiday meals on the table showcase a variety of home-style dishes including barbecue, buffalo chicken nachos, and guacamole bowls
4th of July is a national holiday in America, and is celebrated with parades, campfires, patriotic music, fireworks, family gatherings and general revelry. Sometimes it may be served as a collective day for observation of the U.S.’ independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. It has been increasingly acknowledged as a federal holiday since the 1850s and display of U.S. Flags on all public buildings became law by a 1916 act of Congress in 1987.
Folk art on Independence
Folk art is usually a form of storytelling. Sculptures, drawings, paintings and other visual arts are often inspired by memories or family experiences. These types of art typically deal with community life, history and help to preserve the culture as well. Folk art can be found all around the world but it’s some of the most developed in countries such as Mexico and Africa. Many different countries have their own folk art festivals like Mozambique’s Kongo Art Festival”
Folk art such as Independence Day needlepoint and cross stitch pieces represent an interesting aspect of fourth of July. One example would be a multitude of needlepoint patterns with red, white, and blue color schemes thick with star shapes which echo the American flag. This variety mirrors the range of subject matter in the Art Historical past including the Civil War, WWI and WWII-era posters, and early 20th century lithographs. A variety that also runs through folklore and more modern pop imagery to create a culture-wide visual record linking past to present celebrations.
What’s an artist’s take on the 4th of July?
Every artist has their own way of celebrating the 4th of July. Some will use fireworks to create a masterpieces in music, with light and the vision of fire illuminating their works. Others share their patriotism for our country by showcasing America’s landmarks on canvas. Still others go underground with graffiti surfaces where they film their perspectives on current events and art history. Whether you are in your home or are out at a gathering, take a moment to think about this artist’s take on the 4th of July.
It’s uncommon for the 4th of July to inspire activist art. Although it sometimes makes an appearance in video art, the 4th is typically a topic for muralists, sculptors and painters.
Independence Day is a day to celebrate the independence of the United States and what better way to enjoy it than by celebrating with an art exhibition? Some of these artists have created pieces based on the 4th of July holiday, such as paintings depicting historic events like when Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag or sculptures that seem to be guiding you into a different time period.
Examples of 4th of July artwork by artists
A popular way that artists use to celebrate the 4th of July is by painting images of fireworks, flags, and figures on the ground. George Washington is a popular subject during Fourth of July celebrations as well. Independence Day has typically been linked with some of America’s most famous artists including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and John Constable who were all born in 17-a-half months before the Declaration of Independence was written.
There are many new and different ways that the 4th of July is celebrated. One way is to incorporate it into a painting. There are many examples of this type of artwork by artists. This can be done through various techniques including dry media, oil paint, or sketching for abstraction.
Artists will be posting 4th of July artwork on a member site only for galleries that carry the work. Plans usually include 4 works from the artist which will be available to view, purchase, and ship while they like up to four new paintings by July 2nd.
Conclusion
The American Flag is a symbol of celebration, unity, independence, and liberty that has stood the test of time. Some Americans wear these colors not to honor the beginning of our country’s history but to wear something that matters. They are a reflection of freedom, peace and patriotism that has progressed through combat, racial struggle and cultural intolerance. At July 4th, we rediscover art’s power to make us thrilled and remind us that independence is worth celebrating.
