Impressionism

The 19th century was a good time for colonization, trade and industrial revolution. The people were filled with optimism. This was also the case in the art world. Impressionism is a major movement that started in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement soon spread to Belgium, Germany, Italy, England, Spain and Scandinavian countries. The first Impressionist painters were Claude Monet (1840-1926), Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Camille Pissarro (1830-1903), Alfred Sisley (1839-1899), Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) and Frdric Bazille (1841-1870). The conservative Academy had strict rules. The early impressionists reacted against the conservative views of the course. Impressionism was against that and so begins Impressionism was formed. The drawings arent so fine but have short impression. It is characterized by concentrating on the immediate picture and by the use of primary colors and small strokes to create actual reflected light. The color and color variation were used for a beautiful effect. The subjects are everyday people in their surroundings or landscape. The painters can directly work outside with a greater effect of light and air on their drawings.

Sunrise. Claude Monet, 1873

Boulevard Montmarte. Camille Pissarro, 1897

Sources: http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/glo/impressionism/ http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/c19th/impressionism.htm http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/ij/impressionism.html http://www.agotaspages.com/graphics/photo_art/impressionists/index.html