Impressionism is a magnificent art form first developed in the late 19th century. Art was comprised on the general first impression of a scene. This form of art could capture a fleeting moment better than previous art forms because it allowed fast brushstrokes and less detailed images. Impressionism relied on the viewer to “fill in the gaps” or to visualize the whole picture.
Some of the most well-known impressionistic art is by Claude Monet. Monet’s Waterlilies have been copied and distributed around the world in many different forms. These enchanting water scenes are seen on prints, postcards, tapestries, and much more mediums.
Waterlilies, Green Reflection, Claude Monet, 1916-1923
Another well-known artist from Impressionism is Alfred Sisley. Sisley was one of the creators of French Impressionism. One of his most beautiful pieces is Misty Morning, 1874. This piece of art seemed to differ from most impression art as fog or mist was rarely used, Impressionism favored the light of day, and tended to be brighter. Many of Sisley’s works tended toward those of Monet. Sisley studied and favored the works of Monet. This would show more in the landscape paintings.
Misty Morning, (Fog, Voisins), Alfred Sisley, 1874.
I loved that while impressionism is known for its thick paint and fast brushstrokes, there is still an amazing sense of light and being. You can still see the shapes and shades of the image. There is exquisit detail in a very non-ordinary way that is not traditionally considered detailed.
Romantic and Realist artists and fans must have hated this new form of art. It goes against everything that has been taught about art. There is no definite lines, details, or finish. Art prior to Impressionism left no interpretation to the viewer. The artist painted exactly what they wanted you to see. While impressionism left some imagination to the viewer. Impressionistic art made you think. And as the Impressionist motto states “the human eye is a marvelous instrument,” there was a lot of art left to the viewer. We just have to appreciate art in the many different forms and allow ourselves to be open to change.
More wonderful information:
http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/c19th/impressionism.htm
http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/glo/impressionism/
http://www.impressionism.info/info.html
I really enjoyed your response to Monet’s Waterlilies. I agree that this painting is a very well known painting because I too have seen it on everything from postcards to coffee mugs. I also loved how impressionism art was able to define itself as an art form, yet still capture what was going on in the painting through shades, colors and lighting. Like any other change that happens, I am sure everyone was up in arms with this new form of art was being developed, but just look at what was produced. Amazing.
Nice post, your voice was clear, you gave great info, and we can really see what you think of this movement.
I’m intrigued at your choice to include information on what has been done with Impressionist paintings, specifically “Waterlillies,” in the decades since it was made. It would be nice if you had followed this information with your own thoughts on the phenomenon. We see art postcards and mugs and such, now anyway, of many many museum peices, but you are right that this image has been copied and multiplied in so many mediums and for many many intents. What do you think caused this? Do you think it has more to do with the ease and beauty of the painting STYLE being transfered, or that the painting itself – emotion and etc – really speaks to us?