POST 1: Impressionists Session 1

 1: Do a little research on the artists featured in the film. Which artist appeals to you the most? Why? 

  • It proved challenging to select a single artist from the film, as both Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro appealed to me significantly, given their landscape-focused work. However, I'm inclined to favor Claude Monet, primarily because of the striking vibrancy and naturalistic quality of his paintings


2: How are paintings of the Impressionists distinctly different than those before them? What does Avant Garde mean? How does it relate to the art in this film? Is Impressionism a step in the right direction? Why? Do you think that these paintings are visually appealing? Why?

  • The Impressionists' departure from traditional painting was marked by their revolutionary techniques, particularly their use of fragmented brushstrokes and a focus on capturing fleeting light. As an 'avant-garde' movement, they were undeniably ahead of their time. This art form's attempt to depict the immediacy of visual experience resulted in a raw and authentic portrayal of subjects. The 'in-the-moment' quality of their work creates a visually compelling experience, providing a level of realism previously unseen.
3: What do you believe are the three most critical elements of Impressionist paintings?
  • I'd argue that the most crucial features of Impressionist art are their dynamic brushstrokes, their innovative use of light and color, and their focus on painting scenes from modern life, not the past.

References 

Impressionism: Art and Modernity." In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–.
Accessed 30 March 2024. https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/impressionism-art-and-modernity
"Monet, Claude." TheArtStory.org. Accessed 30 March 2025. 
https://www.theartstory.org/artist/monet-claude/

Laura Auricchio, "Claude Monet (1840–1926)," In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–, http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cmon/hd_cmon.htm 1 (October 2004).   

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