Impressionism and Post Impressionism

In this essay, I will describe and discuss the relationship of the periods of Impressionism and Post impressionism including their time periods, characteristics, social conditions, and reference a specific work of art from each period.

In the late 19th century in France, a new movement of art called Impressionism was developed. Impressionism was a radical departure from tradition. The movement came out of discontent with the classical, dismal pieces of art and absolute style of painting. Impressionists rejected the control of academies and salons and favored independent exhibitions. Conservative critics felt their work was unfinished and sketch like. Their work is recognized today for its rejection of established styles, new technology and ideas, and depiction of modern life. The artists abandoned the traditional landscapes and favored trees, houses, and even urban street scenes and railroad stations. They painted real life landscapes as they saw them without idealization and need to paint quickly and efficiently in order to capture the scene. Impressionists confronted nature and modern city life directly by painting in the open air, used a palette of pure colors, and enjoyed the appearance of normal light. The painters of this time lived in Paris or in Paris' rural area and worked between 1860 and 1900. They were a close knit group of artists called the Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers, etc. Its founding members included Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissaro.

One of the most enthusiastic artists of this time was Claude Monet. Monet was able to capture intense light and feelings in his paintings which was not done in the earlier movements. His brushwork was flexible and diverse when he painted outdoor scenes. This technique was shocking to the eyes as people were accustomed to neutral white, grays, and blacks. In Monet's LeGrenouillere (29.100.112), which depicts a boating establishment of that time period shows the natural light and focuses on dimmer colors such as browns and greens. The small rowing boats, island, and a floating barge are the center points in this piece. In the backdrop, there is a section of trees and vegetation that is painted in a lighter fashion. The brushstrokes used are both thick and soft which creates a variable look and provides the viewer with a frame of reference. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/imml/hd_imml.htm)

The Post Impression movement was formed by a collection of artists in the late 1880's as a fresh way to create art. Working with real life scenes, the use of brilliant colors, and broken brushstrokes