Understanding the Influences on Hokusai's Artistic Style

To execute the instruction, I will begin by researching the influences on Hokusai's artistic style.

Katsushika Hokusai

Known simply as Hokusai, was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter, and printmaker during the Edo period. His artistic style was influenced by a variety of factors.

Cultural influences:

Hokusai was deeply influenced by the cultural environment of the Edo period in Japan. This was a time of relative peace and prosperity, which allowed for the flourishing of the arts. The ukiyo-e genre, which Hokusai worked in, was particularly popular during this time. Ukiyo-e art often depicted scenes from history, contemporary urban life, and the natural world.

Personal experiences:

Hokusai's personal experiences also played a significant role in shaping his artistic style. He was known for his lifelong exploration of the natural world and the common people, which is reflected in his art. His works often depict everyday life in Japan, from fishermen at work to women washing clothes.

Other artists:

"Hokusai was also influenced by other artists of his time."

He was an apprentice to ukiyo-e master Katsukawa Shunshō, and the influence of Shunshō's style can be seen in Hokusai's early works. Hokusai was also influenced by the works of Sesshū Tōyō and other artists of the Chinese Song Dynasty, as well as Western artists like Rembrandt.

In conclusion

Hokusai's artistic style was shaped by a variety of influences, including the cultural environment of the Edo period, his personal experiences, and the works of other artists.