Impressionism - The First Defiant, Bold, and Defining Revolution in Art - By: Annette Labedzki

Edgar Degas, one of the most famous members of the Parisian group of artists, hated the word "Impressionist." The term was often used to straitjacket him and his group of the 19th century artists, such as Renoir, Monet, and Pissarro. After all, every form of art, be it music, literature, or the fine arts, are in a way "Impressionist." What we see is what the artist tries to 'impress' us with. Even photography is fundamentally "Impressionist" because what we see is a photographer's 'impression' of reality.

Classic paintings were well on until a new phase rocked the 19th century Europe, especially in the terms of paintings. The world of art almost simultaneously seemed to belong to a world that never pre-existed. These revolutionary paintings defied the very notion of 'classical' painters, such as Michelangelo or Constable. Rigid lines or a careful mix of colors did not bind these artworks. In fact, almost a majority of the paintings, like "Impression, Sunrise (1872)" by Claude Monet were more of a hasty capturing of the subject and the 'mood' of the moment. Overall, these paintings were rash, bold, and most of them had colors directly applied on canvas (a taboo for oil painters). "Impressionism" had arrived.

"Impressionism" grew out to be more of an economic blockade, rather than an artistic revolution for art's sake. Painters, such as Macchioli (Italy), Monet, Renoir Cezanne, and Pissarro, the starters of the "Impressionist" movement, got tired of their paintings being repeatedly rejected by the French Academy. Their crime, they chose non-conventional subjects, like landscapes and ordinary people. Added to that was the fact that these artists revealed a lot of their own personality through their visible brush strokes and almost a blasphemous use of direct colors. Whatever the reason for rejections, soon the grim financial facts started hitting the households of these artistes. They were unable to sell their works, as they could not be displayed 'legitimately.'

Eventually, in 1874, these 'Impressionist' artists formed a group and displayed their works in a studio owned by the artist, Nadar. The exhibition was a disaster within the critical art community. Critics almost wrote most of them off. Artists, such as Monet and Cezanne were singled out, and were brow beaten in critical circles for their "unfinished and sketchy" works. Louis Leroy (a Parisian art critic) declared Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" as worse than a wallpaper. The good news about the episode was the exhibition got publicity. The general sentiment was that of admiration at this breakaway "Impressionist" art.

Unfazed, this group of artists displayed independently until 1894, often fighting for artistic space with the French Academy Salon. A string of common techniques, like Impasto, the short strokes of a sketchy use of colors, the total avoidance of black (naturally, black occurs almost never, it instead is very dark hue of some color), and a wet into wet soft edge, characterized the "Impressionist" paintings.

The group, unfortunately, remained cohesive for a very short time, as the artists, such as Cezanne and Monet distanced themselves from the group. Later, Gauguin and Seurat joined the group. With time, many notable artists kept flitting in and out of the group. Despite the acrimony in their personal lives, these "Impressionists" presented a new view to the artistic world. In addition, these pioneers also inspired "Impressionist Techniques" in music and literature. For all its shortcomings, "Impressionism" will be remembered as one of the first revolutions in the art universe.

Edgar Degas, one of the most famous members of the Parisian group of artists, hated the word "Impressionist." The term was often used to straitjacket him and his group of the 19th century artists, such as Renoir, Monet, and Pissarro. After all, every form of art, be it music, literature, or the fine arts, are in a way "Impressionist." What we see is what the artist tries to 'impress' us with. Even photography is fundamentally "Impressionist" because what we see is a photographer's 'impression' of reality.

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art. Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com
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