In the second half of the nineteenth century, a new direction was born in France - impressionism. It is based on the desire of artists in a variety of ways to convey fleeting impressions of events and phenomena.
Impressionism in painting
Imbued with the features of this direction, young French artists begin to work in this style. Since that time, they paint their paintings not in the studio, as it was before, but in the open air. Trying to express their impressions as accessible as possible, they create a completely new method of painting. His main idea is to convey the external sensations of shadow and light on the surface of objects using separate strokes and exceptionally pure colors. Thanks to this, various forms that used to come to the fore now dissolve in the air filled with life.
In the era of impressionism, French artists work mainly in portrait and landscape genres, conveying their impressions of surrounding events (sketches of walks, scenes in cafes, on the street). In their paintings, they depicted a natural life where a person is in direct contact with a striking variety of bright colors environment. The air, in which objects and people are immersed, has become their main theme.
Examining the works of the Impressionists, you can surprisingly feel the wind, the earth, heated by the sun, and even frost - aptly French artists conveyed a wealth of natural color. This trend was the last major trend in the art of the nineteenth century.
French impressionist painters. Claude Monet
He has an important role in the development of impressionism in painting. Claude Monet is the creator of the famous painting “Impressions. Sunrise". In addition to this masterpiece, the artist created a number of equally well-known works: “Women in the Garden” (where he portrayed his beloved Camille), “View from the Church of Saint-Germain”, “Embankment of the Louvre”. The paintings of this greatest painter are presented in many museums in the world (in Paris, New York, Chicago, Boston, Moscow and St. Petersburg).
Eduard Manet
His first significant work is the painting "A lover of absinthe." Also, the bathing masterpiece, exhibited in the Salon of the Outcasts, exhibits works that are not accepted by the official commission. Edouard Manet is the author of many paintings, including “Portrait of Parents”, “Breakfast on the Grass”, “Olympia”, “Balcony”.
Auguste Renoir
Many French artists who wrote in the style of impressionism, sought to convey a cheerful perception of reality. This trend is especially pronounced in the work of Renoir. For his paintings, he chose fresh young faces, laid-back natural poses. The most famous were his works "Ball in the Garden", "Umbrellas."
Impressionism in a Modern Way
Nowadays, the main ideas of this once popular trend remain relevant. Modern French artists in their works continue to develop this style. Indeed, as long as a person lives a need to enjoy everything around him, impressionism, with its bright colors and impressive images, will continue to exist.