Impressionism

Question 1

Impressionism

Answer 1

• Lead/introduced by Claude Monet
• Artists began to make art-for-art’s sake and aesthetics
• Was about appreciating nature
• Very informal
• Emphasis on the portrayal of light

Question 2

Influence of landscape on Impressionism

Answer 2

• Due to the beginning of industrialisation, the appreciation for nature grew larger
• Artists began to paint outside (en plein air )
• Showcased simplicity and avoided overworked paintings
• Landscape art wasnt respected at the Salon

Question 3

Influence of the camera on Impressionism

Answer 3

• That blurry look that appeared when moving objects were photographed is what inspired impressionist artists
• Wanted to capture a moment in time
• Wanted to show momentary action in people’s daily lives
• Cameras allowed artists to paint whatever they liked as a few of the purposes that art served were being replaced by cameras

Question 4

Themes

Answer 4

They depicted everyday scenes and landscapes

Question 5

Colour

Answer 5

• They mixed colour as little as possible but instead put blobs of complimentary colours next to each other to create the effect of colour in sunlight
• Tried to get the colour to match as accurately to their subject
• Dark shades and black were avoided
• No such thing as pure black

Question 6

Brushwork

Answer 6

• Paint was usually applied impasto and not blended to preserve brightness
• Brushstrokes were short and visible

Question 7

Edouard Manet

Answer 7

Influenced Impressionism with his harsh brushstrokes, strong flat colours, fresh appearance and natural lighting

Question 8

Luncheon on the Grass

Edouard Manet

Answer 8

• A concubine having lunch with fully dressed men
• Was heavily critised
• Only female figures that were allowed to be nude were mythological beings like Venus
• Woman at the back is too large so she looks like shes just floating above them
• Background lacks detail
• Looks unfinished

Question 9

Claude Monet

Answer 9

• The term ‘Impressionism’ came from one of his artworks
• Introduced time as a new dimension to art

Question 10

Rouen Catherdral Series

Answer 10

• Painted the same cathedral more than 30 times to capture how light and colour changed during different times of the day
• Worked very fast
• Line and shape disappeared

Question 11

Edgar Degas

The dancing class

Answer 11

• Painted ballerinas a lot because he was heavily interested in movement
• Portrayed the dancers plainness
• His composition is asymmetrical with a large open space that invites the viewer
• To show movement, some dancers are posed, some are stretcing, some are adjusting their costumes
• The linear movement of the floor boards invite the viewer
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