Painting Techniques of Impressionism
Impressionism is a style of painting introduced in France in the late 19th century. Sometimes referred to as "optical realism," Impressionist paintings focus primarily on the effect that light and movement play on an object. Impressionism is characterized by primary colors expressed in small, thin brush strokes that emphasize the accurate depiction of changing light on ordinary subject matter.
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Origin
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In opposition to the favored precise style of painting of the 19th century French art establishment, a group of painters began painting the forms and colors of objects in natural light as they appeared. The term "impressionism" was coined by a 19th century art critic in a review of Claude Monet's painting "Impression: Sunrise." It was used derogatorily, and the painting was criticized as being an unfinished sketch of the artist's "impression."
Lighting
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The use of natural lighting is a key characteristic of Impressionist painting, both during the painting process and in the painting itself. Artists often sit outside and paint a scene as it appears, capturing the play of natural light in shadows and reflections. This method of painting allows for the background to be more prominently displayed in the painting.
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Color
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Impressionism utilizes color to emphasize light and movement. Impressionists seldom use black and grays; instead, they use contemporary colors to create darker hues. Premixed paint tubes allow for greater spontaneity, and when a color is not readily available, Impressionist painters employ short brush strokes in contrasting colors to create the impression they seek. They use the method of diffusion as opposed to painting hard lines. Paint is applied side by side, and mixed right on the canvas, emphasizing the surrounding light of the subject matter.
Brush Strokes
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Rather than finely delineated pictures, Impressionism utilizes loose imagery. Focusing more on the play of light than on the image itself, artists paint quickly, not allowing initial paint applications to dry before applying new paint. The result is softer edges and a more natural mixing of colors on the canvas. They use small, yet clearly visible, brush strokes, giving the painting texture and emphasizing the play of light in shadows and movement. Impasto is a technique impressionists use to give weight, movement, and shadow to a painting. The paint is applied in thick, almost three-dimensional layers, making the short, thin brush strokes of Impressionism more visible. This method lacks hard lines; rather, it focuses on the textures created to capture the essence of the subject.
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References
- Photo Credit Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
