Art By Style

Impressionism as a movement came out of a group of artists who exhibited in Paris in the 1860's. The movement was titled Impressionism, drawn from the title of a Claude Monet painting Impression, Soleil Levant (Impression Sunrise), done in 1872.

 JOHN TRAYNOR

Impressionist paintings are marked by expressive, often impasto, brushwork that is broadly and quickly applied. The brushwork is often highly visible with an open composition and emphasis on the changing qualities of light. Color is applied next to or on top of opposing colors while the paint remains wet, creating interesting juxtapositions of color and texture with limited mixing. A strong natural light source is a constant in impressionist works. Impressionist works are often drafted outdoors or painted en plein air.