The Art Movement of Impressionism Essay

The art movement of impressionism can be acclaimed as one of the most popular and famous ones in the whole history of art. Its famous representatives are Frédéric Bazille, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Théo van Rysselberghe and Alfred Sisley. This art movement is initiated by the French painters during the period of Napoleon’s rein. This historical period is significant by its thirst for aesthetics and beauty which found its implementation in the works of its representatives. Among the most significant works accomplished by the painters from impressionism are “Girl with a Hoop” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (Bal du moulin de la Galette), Musée d’Orsay” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “The Cliff at Étretat after the Storm” by Claude Monet, “Woman with a Parasol” by Claude Monet, “Soleil Levant” by Claude Monet and “Boulevard Montmartr” by Camille Pissarro. The techniques applied by the representatives of this movement cab be evaluated as a classical ones as such painters worked with usual color harmony and traditional stroke methods.

Speaking about my personal reflections on the movement of impressionism, I would say that I am quite fascinated with the works accomplished in this style. The paintings by impressionists are full of enjoyment, emotions and feelings; they inspire and educate, and can be described as full of life and energy. I have chosen this movement as it serves as a source of my joy, and it is a pleasure to discuss its inimitable characteristics. One of the most outstanding peculiarities of this movement is the technique of its painters. This technique is especially remarkable by its ability to create a feeling of vibrancy of colors and shapes which makes the painting alive and realistic. The works accomplished by the painters of this style are so perfect for me that I am not even able to find any points in it to be criticized.

One of the art works of the impressionism which is very appealing for me is Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies”(Monet). Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” can be described as featuring complementary colours, high level of saturation and vibrancy which makes it very appealing to the audience. In this painting Monet resorts to the use of natural hues and bright tones which adds to the picture’s colour harmony and the positive impression it produces. The entire painting’s colour system appears very bright and thus, producing pleasant impression. Monet uses light colour for this picture which makes it appearing nearer to the viewer. In addition, the colours in this painting appear perceptually vibrate adding to its special liveliness and charm. Such vibrant colours as red, blue, yellow, violate, and pink were often used by impressionist to affect their audience. Monet also applies highly compliment colour in this painting. Separated colours of every image when they are evaluated together by the viewer seem to produce new ones from a distance. This can be observed in the colours of the lilies which seem to appear rosier from distance when affected by blue. The picture presents a good example of strong contrast adding to its easy perception by different viewers. This painting can be described as one of the most vivid examples of such tendency by impressionists to whom Monet can be related as one of the most outstanding.

Works Cited

Monet, Claude. “Water Lilies”. n. d. Web.