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Impressionism Overview

• Impressionism was a 19th-century art movement started by a group of Paris-based artists.

• Featured small, thin brush strokes and focus on light and color.

• Named after Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise".

• Movement characterized by open composition and ordinary subject matter.

Characteristics of Impressionist Paintings

• Brush Strokes: Small, visible, yet free and loose.

• Color and Light: Accurate depictions of changing light qualities, focusing on vibrant colors and the play of light.

• Subject Matter: Ordinary scenes; depictions of everyday life and nature.

• Visual Angles: Unusual perspectives, capturing a sense of movement.

Emergence of the Movement

• Radical break from academic standards of painting.

• Influenced by artists like Eugène Delacroix and the Barbizon School.

• Adoption of plein air painting (painting outdoors) to capture transient effects of sunlight.

• Emphasis on overall visual effects rather than minute details.

Early Reactions and Acceptance

• Initially met with hostility from critics and the art establishment.

• Over time, the public recognized the fresh perspective of the Impressionists.

• Techniques laid groundwork for future art movements such as Neo-Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

Notable Impressionist Artists

• Major figures include:

  • Claude Monet

  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir

  • Alfred Sisley

  • Camille Pissarro

  • Edgar Degas

  • Berthe Morisot

  • Paul Cézanne

Beginnings of Impressionism

• Dominated by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, showcasing traditional paintings.

• Artists expressed their frustrations through submissions to the Salon, often rejected.

• The Salon des Refusés was created in response to numerous rejections, showcasing alternative art styles.

Formation of the Société Anonyme Coopérative

• Established by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, and others for independent exhibitions.

• Focused on communal exhibitions, moving away from the restricted Salon.

• First exhibition held in April 1874, received mixed reviews yet cemented the term "Impressionists" in public lexicon.

Techniques of Impressionist Painting

• Utilized short, thick strokes to capture the essence of subjects quickly.

• Emphasis on side-by-side color application to enhance vibrancy.

• Avoidance of black paint; shadows painted with blue hues reflecting the sky.

• Techniques like painting wet-on-wet to create softer edges and intermingling colors.

Influence of Photography

• Photography competition initially posed challenges but ultimately inspired Impressionists to explore subjectivity.

• Strived to depict personal perceptions of reality rather than direct reflections.

• Japanese prints influenced asymmetrical compositions and