An experimental system that generates and visualizes impulsive flow in air has been employed to visualize vortex structures and processes over airfoils at high angles of attack. The photographic sequences reveals the details of flow separation, subsequent vortex formation and the onset of steady-state vortex shedding. It is hoped that the results of this study serve as a reference on vortex structure and processes over bluff bodies in impulsive motion and as a useful guide for future measurements and parametric computer studies.