Painting Impressionistically

What is now known as impressionistic painting came into being in France in the 19th century as a reaction against the formal, realistic forms of painting extant in Europe. A group of artists including Monet, Cezanne, Manet, Pizarro and others developed a new approach by painting impressionistically...using light and color and form in a new way. Painting impressionistically is intended to present an impression of a scene or object or person in a moment in time, with painting impressionistically presenting a less exact image than traditional realistic painting.

Many art students today, as well as professionals, are painting impressionistically. The term painting impressionistically can be used somewhat loosely to include styles developed by post-impressionists such as Van Gogh who is often included in the groups of artists who pursued painting impressionistically.

Those who introduced painting impressionistically were for the most part painting with oils. Painting impressionistically, however, does not exclude any medium including oils, acrylics and watercolor paints.The term painting impressionistically refers to style rather than to any medium. One can paint impressionistically on paper, canvas or board and achieve the desired spontaneous result.

If one desires to explore painting impressionistically, it would be well to study the works of the famous impressionists. Any library of modest size will include volumes presenting the works of the impressionist artists which can be studied by one wishing to experiment with painting impressionistically. It is not suggested a student or beginning artist copy any of these famous works, but rather to get a feeling for the way light and color are used when painting impressionistically. It might be well to practice painting impressionistically with simple still life compositions experimenting by working loosely with strong colors representing the light and dark areas of the painting.

Not every artist wishes or is suited to painting impressionistically. Even though you may admire this style of painting, your expertise may lie more with realistic or abstract painting rather than with painting impressionistically. Each artist must develop his or her particular style and gifts which may or may not include painting impressionistically. .The important thing is to follow your creative instincts when pursuing your art.

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