Impressionism

Impressionism can be defined as a 19th century art movement that began as a loose association of Paris-based painters who began publicly exhibiting their art in the 1860s.

Impressionist Paintings were charcterized by visible brushstrokes, light colors, open composition, emphasis on light in its changing qualities (giving the impression of the passage of time), subject matters which werent out of the ordinary and innovative angles.This style of painting influenced a galaxy of painters, most famous of whom was Vincent Van Gogh.



The trademark of the impressionist style of painting is the concentration on the general impression produced by a scene or object and the use of unmixed primary colors and small strokes to simulate actual reflected light.

Monet’s Impression, Sunrise (1872/73)

This is the painting after which Impressionist Movement was named. Monet depicts the harbor of Le Havre with very loose bush stroke. The aritst seems to suggest his subject rather than delineating it. It was indeed a landmark painting of the 19th century.