Impressionism | Impressionist Art

Beginning in the 19th century, art began to emphasize open composition with small brush strokes and thin, yet visible, lines. The subjects were often ordinary, everyday objects, and movement was really emphasized as a part of human experience and perception. Visual angles were also very important at this time. This art movement was known as Impressionism, and was largely driven by a group of Paris-based artists. At first, their techniques and subjects were criticized by the large art community, but they were later embraced and accepted.

There are a number of very well-known Impressionists whose work remains known to this day. Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley and Frederic Brazille were friends and often painted together. Charles Gleyre served as a mentor to all three, and is said to have helped them develop some of the strokes that define impressionism. Other well-known Impressionist artists are Paul Cezanne and Edouard Manet. Each had his own talents but focused on space and movement.