In the context of this artwork, discuss the Asnières of the Paintings.

Asnières (pronounced /a-nee-air/), now named Asnières-sur-Seine, is a town in the northern suburbs of Paris located on the banks of the Seine and near the fortifications of Paris. In the 19th century Parisians took a short train ride to Asnières for boating, including rowing meets; festivals; and the "unrestrained atmosphere" of its dances.Van Gogh and Bernard often painted together "en plein air".  Vincent wrote to his sister Wil, "While painting at Asnières, I saw more colors than I have ever seen before."  Instead of working in the somber colors of his early work, van Gogh embraced the use of color and light of the Impressionists.   Influenced by Impressionism and Pointillism, van Gogh modified his traditional style and used vivid color, shorter brushstrokes and perspective to engage the viewer. His views of the banks of the Seine are an important progression for his later landscape paintings.  In Asnières, within walking distance of Theo's flat in Montmartre, van Gogh painted parks, cafés, restaurants and the river.
Theo Impressionist Impressionism Pointillism Seine en plein air Paris Wil Asnières-sur-Seine Montmartre Asnières fortifications of Paris