Impressionism was a radical 19th-century art movement originating in France. It revolutionized painting by prioritizing the quick capture of momentary light effects, vivid colours, and everyday modern subjects over highly detailed, realistic compositions. Artists painted spontaneously outdoors rather than in traditional studios.
The style is defined by several distinct characteristics:
Visible Brushwork: Paintings use short, thick, and rapid dabs of paint rather than smooth, blended lines.
Emphasis on Light: Artists focused on the shifting qualities of natural light and how it altered landscapes and atmospheres as time passed.
Everyday Subjects: They abandoned mythological, biblical, and historical themes, focusing instead on modern life, ordinary people, and the outdoors.
New Colour Palettes: Painters rejected heavy shadows and dark outlines, choosing instead to use unblended, pure colours directly from the tube.
Plein Air Painting: The invention of portable paint tubes allowed artists to work en plein air (out in the open air).
