Impressionism

Impressionism was a revolutionary art movement that originated in France during the late 19th century. It emphasized capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, rather than precise detail or subject matter. Impressionist artists typically painted 'en plein air' (outdoors) using broken brushstrokes, visible color, and short, rapid strokes to convey the viewer's immediate, sensory experience. The focus was on capturing the impression of a scene, the subjective perception of it at a specific moment in time. The movement impacted painting, sculpture, and music.

Impressionism meaning with examples

• Monet's 'Impression, soleil levant' gave the movement its name. His paintings exemplified Impressionism's focus on capturing fleeting moments of light, such as the shimmering water and hazy atmosphere of a harbor at sunrise. This style rejected the rigid academic traditions and aimed at conveying the artist’s immediate response to the scene. It broke boundaries with the subject matter.
• The use of broken color and visible brushstrokes is a hallmark of Impressionism. Artists like Renoir and Degas explored these techniques to represent light and shadow on landscapes or portraits of people. They captured the sense of movement and the ephemeral qualities of their subjects and environment while utilizing specific color palettes to express a unique style.
• In music, Debussy's compositions are often described as Impressionistic. He attempted to recreate the fleeting quality of light, and the delicate changes of mood and atmospheric effects in his music. Through the subtle use of harmony and instrumentation, he aimed to evoke moods and impressions rather than tell a story.
• Impressionism's influence extended beyond painting and sculpture, impacting photography. These photographers would take pictures of their friends and family. This involved capturing the effects of light, shadow, and fleeting moments on film, mirroring the Impressionists' ambition to capture the visual experience of a moment.