10 characteristics of impressionism

Impressionism was an artistic movement that arose in France in the second half of the 19th century. It was a current that revolutionized the world of art, since it broke with the established ideas up to that moment. The impressionists focused on capturing the transience of sensations through color and light. Impressionist paintings are characteristic for the use of loose brushstrokes and the absence of precise delineations, which gives the sensation of movement and life.

Impressionist artists sought to capture the beauty of the simplest moments of everyday life, such as a sunny day in the park, a dinner with friends in a cafe, or a walk in the countryside. Instead of representing reality literally, the Impressionists focused on the sensations evoked by the landscape or scene they were painting. The Impressionist technique had a major impact on 20th-century painting and laid the foundation for many subsequent art movements.

Impressionism was more than a simple artistic current, it was a way of thinking and seeing life. Through their work, the Impressionists invited us to see the world with different eyes, to appreciate the beauty of the everyday and to value the transience of the simplest moments. Thanks to impressionism, painting took a giant leap into modernity and left us with an artistic legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists around the world.

List of the 10 most important characteristics of impressionism

1. Use of light and color: the impressionists focused on how light affected colors. They used loose brushstrokes to capture the impression of the moment and created vibrant, shifting sensations of light and shadow.
2. Visible brush strokes: the use of loose, individual brushstrokes was a distinctive feature of impressionism. Brush strokes were visible and used to create texture and movement in the work.
3. Day-to-day topics: the impressionists focused on everyday life and capturing fleeting moments of urban and rural life. Common settings include landscapes, portraits, and scenes from city life.
4. Capturing the atmosphere and feeling: the impressionists wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the moments being depicted. They created paintings that were like fragments of time, capturing the feeling and mood of the moment.
5. visual impression: Impressionist painters wanted to create a visual impression of the objects they painted, rather than trying to represent them realistically. This was achieved through the use of free brushstrokes, light and colour.



6. Shadow games: the impressionists also focused on shadow play and how light affects the shape and appearance of objects. They created many works that explored the textures and colors found in different shades.
7. Nature is a recurring theme: Although the Impressionists also painted urban scenes, nature was a recurring favorite subject. Landscapes, gardens, and rural views were commonplace and used to explore the effect of light and color in nature.
8. Use of color theory: the impressionists were inspired by color theory and studied it so they can use it in their work. They used complementary colors, such as blues and oranges, and painted in small marks to create a sense of depth and light.
9. Feeling of speed: the impressionists wanted to create an impression of speed and spontaneity in their works. They used loose brushstrokes and bright colors, which gave a feeling of doing something quickly and without thinking too much.
10. artistic freedom: the impressionists were less traditional than their predecessors, often experimenting with new techniques and styles. They focused on innovation and experimentation, rather than following the rules of the day.

Final comments about impressionism

In conclusion, impressionism was an artistic movement that had a great influence on the history of art. Its main characteristics were the use of light and colour, the representation of everyday life, the elimination of lines and shapes and the importance of the individual perception of the viewer. In addition, impressionism opened the doors to new forms of expression in art and laid the foundation for later movements.

Through impressionism, artists sought to capture nature and emotions in a more real and authentic way. His focus on the individual perception of the viewer and the removal of academic restrictions allowed for the creation of new art forms that represent freedom and experimentation. In short, Impressionism had a significant impact on art history and continues to be a movement that inspires artists today.

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