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Impressionism - A Short Overview

Impressionism is an art style that originated during the second half of the 19th century by a group of collaborating artists living in Paris, France. Impressionism was originally met with rejection from the Académie des beaux-arts, which set the standards for French painting at that time. The impressionists, as they would later be coined by the critic Louis Leroy, eventually set up their own art exhibitions after their works were rejected by the Academy. This loose association of artists, often meeting at Café Guerbois to discuss their art, are credited with creating one of the most influential, popular and recognizable art styles in recent history. The familiarity of names such as Monet, Manet and Renoir are evidence to Impressionism's long lasting legacy.

The Style of Impressionism

Impressionism was a departure from the more traditional styles of painting in which historical or religious subjects were presented in a formal manner. Instead, impressionists focused their attention on everyday people, events and happenings. Although, the style of realism had also depicted ordinary subjects in its paintings, impressionism differed greatly in the techniques used to depict those subjects. Traditionally art was characterized by attention to great detail and accurate depiction of a given subject. Impressionists were less worried about accurate brushstrokes and more focused on the effect produced by the entire painting as a whole. This lead to the use of short, thick strokes giving their works the now familiar hazy and unfinished look. Their goal was to capture the feeling of a moment in time, leading them to paint many of their works outdoors tyring to capture the effect of natural light, a practice called en plein air.