Final answer:
Abstract artists were inspired by the light and color of Impressionism and prioritized form, structure, color, and shape to express ideas and emotions in their art, shifting away from realistic depictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abstract artists, who drew inspiration from the Impressionists and aimed to reject the naturalistic depiction of the world, saw the essential characteristics of art as related to form and structure as well as color and shape. These artists approached painting as a way to express more than just realistic representations, focusing instead on aspects that could evoke emotions and engage the viewer in a deeper way. This reflects a move away from the detailed realism and concrete shadows that were a hallmark of earlier artistic periods.
Impressionists had already begun changing the traditional approach to art by emphasizing light and color. They sought to capture fleeting moments and the effects of light on their subjects, using dynamic brushstrokes and a plethora of hues to depict a sense of immediacy. This laid the groundwork for further abstract explorations in Post-Impressionism and beyond, where artists like Seurat concentrated on techniques like pointillism and Cézanne simplified forms into basic geometric shapes. These trends continued with movements such as Fauvism, which upheld the use of vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and expressive means.
Ultimately, the abstract artists were interested in how form and color could be used in their compositions to express feelings and thoughts, moving beyond the mere representation of reality. This abstract innovation is evident in the emphasis on color and shape within compositions, allowing them to speak to viewers through pure visual language without relying on detailed or real-life references.