August Macke was born in Meschede, Germany.He studied at the School for Arts and Crafts in Dusseldorf. He visited Paris for the first time in 1907 and returned a couple of years later and befriended Franz Marc and Kandinsky. Macke was interested in color and composition and the way the two interact. His work is a synthesis of Impressionism, Fauvism and Orphism. His paintings are full of life and free of the angst shown by other Expressionists. Macke's views of parks and city streets sparkle with high-toned reds, yellows, and greens within a space defined by firm linear patterns. Inspired by the light of Tunisia, his final paintings are regarded by many as his finest. Macke was drafted into the army and died in action.