Impressionist Art | by Marlene Dickerson

Impresionism in art can be characterised by a style where the importance of the subject matter is downplayed in favour of the artist capturing the effects of light, colour, form and texture. Loose spontaneous brushstrokes are used to create a sense of movement and atmosphere.

The impressionistic artist tries to capture the mood and atmosphere of the scene rather than a detailed representation of the subject. To this end, the subject is often located outdoors to capture the changing light conditions. As a result, Impressionist paintings often have a hazy or dreamlike quality, with blurred edges and indistinct forms.

The most famous Impressionist painters include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. Their work had a profound influence on the development of modern art, and their techniques and approach continue to inspire artists to this day.