French painter Georges Seurat (1859-1891), most famous for his creation of pointillism, also left his mark on the art world as the founder of the Neo-Impressionist movement of the late 19th century. Strongly influenced by Rembrandt, he spent his life studying color theories, linear structures and subtle changes of form. A great master artist, Seurat created the technique of Pointillism which uses tiny brushstrokes of contrasting color to create a shimmering brilliance. After the Salon rejected his work, he and other artists formed the Society for Independent Artists to hold their own exhibitions.