Mapping the flow of painterly gesture.

Zhu, Lizhen; Chun, Chaewan; Brown, Kathryn; Wang, James Z · Patterns (N Y) · 2026

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Abstract

We introduce streamline-based visualizations that manifest the detailed directional structures of painted surfaces by integrating local gradient information into continuous flow representations. Using Impressionist paintings as a primary case study, we position these visualizations as interpretive instruments that render the gestural production of artworks perceptible, comparable, and accessible to both scholars and non-specialist audiences.