The term ‘Impressionist’ was first used as an insult in response to an exhibition of new paintings in Paris in 1874. A diverse group of painters, rejected by the art establishment, defiantly set up their own exhibition. They included Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Degas.
Today, the Impressionist paintings are some of the best-known and best-loved in the collection. It takes a leap of the imagination for us to realize how radical the movement was considered in its day.
What characterizes Impressionism for most people nowadays, is both the subject matter and the technique. Landscapes, and scenes from modern urban and suburban life painted in bright, pure colors are typical.
I found the above quote to be so interesting. Imagine those famous artists were disparaged by the art establishment of the day because they took a radical detour from what was considered ‘art’ at the time.
I have painted for 20 years now. Decorative painting can tend to lean more towards a tighter, realistic type painting and though I never really adhered to realism I still need to loosen up.
So I am taking a couple impressionistic painting workshops and I am loving them!
I love the bright colors for the underpainting. You can just tell already that it will be a feast for the eyes.
When you come from another style of painting background you have to keep telling yourself not to get caught up in details, keep it loose. Very loose.
Sometimes you really just want to stop at the under-painting, it just looks so juicy and colorful but you press on.
Next comes the opaques and we proceed cautiously. You can easily kill the bright undertones if you get too heavy handed with opaques. Before you know it your painting is done.
You will always not feel done when you really should walk away so the trick is to stop and leave it for a day then come back and you need to love it for all the imperfections.
We are creating an illusion.
I hope you will join me here and enjoy my learning experiences of this new style (for me) of painting.
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