By Chelsea Reed
It’s one thing to recognize an Impressionist painting by looking at it, but trying to describe what Impressionism is to your friends? Well, that’s another matter altogether. Where do you start? How do you put it into words? Don’t worry, we get it. Here’s how to describe Impressionism the easy way. Think of it as “Impressionism for dummies.” It’ll come in handy the next time your guests ask you about the marvelous treasures in your home!
First, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. Just what is Impressionism, anyway? Well, to best describe what it is, it’s important to understand how it began. Impressionism is an art movement that originated in France in the 19th century. Back then, it was expected for artists to produce classical artwork based on what the Masters did in the Renaissance. But not all artists wanted to produce art that way. They wanted to be different, or in other words, Avant Garde. Paintings were made “on the spot” outside rather than with weeks of tedious classical training. And thus, Impressionism was born.
Unlike the heavier shadows and defined “perfect” forms in mainstream art at that time, Impressionism was almost the opposite. Impressionism was often painted outdoors and focused on the emphasis of light. Instead of subjects from history or myth, Impressionism painted scenes of ordinary people with a sense of movement and unusual angles. If a painting seems blurry close up but then an image takes shape as you step away, then it’s likely Impressionism. In other words, you’re seeing the impression of a subject!
It certainly is. In fact, modern Impressionism is everywhere. Even though it’s not as unusual (or even controversial) as it once was, the same qualities still apply. A modern Impressionist painting must emphasize light and movement, which means it will usually contain thinner lines and broader dabs of paint than other art styles would, giving off the impression of something. As a result, these types of paintings usually have an airy colorful feel that can feel whimsical. Just like their forerunners, modern Impressionist art usually depicts scenes of everyday life too. It’s a wonderful style that reflects the beauty of life around us.
Just like any art style, Impressionism has a special way to bring forth certain emotions and memories to the admirer. There’s no exact science to it. The same painting can bring laughter to one viewer and tears to another! It could be the colors, or the subject matter, or anything, really. But no matter what outcome you might have, one thing is clear: Pay attention to how you feel. Curating art is a personal journey. If you find an Impressionist piece that warms your heart or “speaks” to you in a special way, it’s time to bring it home!
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.
