Exploring Impressionism and Impressionistic Painting
Impressionism is more than just a style of painting—it’s a revolution in perception, a movement that broke from tradition and forever changed the course of art. Characterized by loose brushwork, vibrant color, and an emphasis on capturing fleeting moments, impressionism invites viewers to see the world through the eyes of the artist in real time.
In this blog article, I’ll explore the roots of impressionism, its impact on modern art, and the artists—both classic and contemporary—who have kept this bold and luminous tradition alive and inspired my on my artistic and painting journey.
What Is Impressionism?
Impressionism is a style of painting that emerged in France in the late 19th century. It aimed to depict the impression of a moment rather than a detailed, polished version of reality.
As I am writing this it reminds me of music and my love for punk rock. Punk was not a beautiful polished work of art but rather an expression of emotions. It was/is being vulnerable and leaving a bit of your soul on the stage. Gosh, is this why I’m so attracted to impressionism? Is it an act of rebellion against perfection and focused on deep expression? Hmmm…
Anyhow, impressionist artists often painted en plein air (outdoors), using quick, broken brushstrokes and focusing on the changing qualities of light, movement, and atmosphere.
This style moved away from historical and mythological themes that dominated classical art. Instead, it embraced the everyday—city streets, landscapes, social gatherings, and quiet domestic moments.
The Birth of a Movement
The term Impressionism was coined from Claude Monet’s painting Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant, 1872). It was initially used as a criticism by a French art critic, but the name stuck—and soon defined a group of rebellious painters who refused to conform to the rigid standards of the official Salon.
The first independent Impressionist exhibition was held in 1874, and though the early critics were harsh, the movement quickly gained momentum. These artists were fascinated by the effects of light, color, and atmosphere—and they dared to paint life as it was happening, rather than staged or idealized versions of it.
This also makes me think of my mindfulness practice and the awareness of the beauty when we stop and notice life, in this very moment.
Key Figures in Impressionism
Some of the most celebrated impressionist painters include:
Claude Monet – Often considered the father of Impressionism, his series on water lilies and haystacks captured how light transformed landscapes.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Known for his warm, radiant depictions of social life, especially scenes of dancing and gatherings.
Edgar Degas – While he shared many techniques with Impressionists, Degas brought a unique focus on movement, especially dancers and scenes of urban life.
Camille Pissarro – A master of landscape and cityscape, Pissarro was also a mentor to younger artists and believed in constant artistic experimentation.
Berthe Morisot – A pioneering female Impressionist, her luminous domestic scenes and delicate brushwork challenged gender norms in art at the time.
The Impressionist Legacy and Influence on Modern Art
Impressionism laid the groundwork for many modern art movements by rejecting rigid formalism and celebrating the artist’s personal expression. Post-impressionists like Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin built on its innovations, leading to even bolder explorations of color, form, and emotion.
One thing I notice as I study impressionism is the original impressionist’s tend to be a bit more muted that I like my own art. It seems these post-impressionist artists started adding more bolder colors which I find really appealing.
The freedom of impressionistic technique paved the way for abstraction, expressionism, and even contemporary minimalist and conceptual art. Its focus on emotion and perception continues to inspire artists seeking to express the feeling of an experience rather than just its appearance.
Modern Bold Impressionists to Watch
Today, impressionism continues to evolve. Some modern artists have reinterpreted its essence with contemporary themes and materials while maintaining its emphasis on light, movement, and emotion.
Here are a few modern impressionist painters worth exploring:
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Erin Hanson – Known for her “Open Impressionism” style, she paints vivid landscapes with thick brushstrokes and bright palettes. Her colors are so beautiful to me.
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Valerie Davide – A British artist whose expressive charcoal and mixed media works carry an impressionistic energy, especially in her animal portraits. Although I love bright bold colors… WOW! what Valerie pulls off in her charcoal and energy is just stunning.
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Leonid Afremov – Famous for his palette knife technique and radiant cityscapes, Afremov brought emotional intensity to modern impressionist painting. Leonid’s colors are truly bold and pop.
Iris Scott – A finger-painting artist whose work blurs the line between impressionism and expressionism, capturing motion and color in joyful explosions. She has this mythical appeal in some paintings and her animals in motion as breathtaking.
Final Thoughts: A Living Movement
Impressionism wasn’t just a style—it was a rebellion, a shift in consciousness, and an embrace of life’s impermanence. It taught us that there is beauty in the moment, magic in the everyday, and power in personal perception.
Whether you’re standing in front of a Monet at a museum or scrolling through a modern artist’s Instagram, impressionism invites you to pause, to feel, and to see the world through fresh eyes.
Initially, I think it was the bold colors of some of the modern impressionistic artists that caught my attention. Then as I looked closer it was the energy of the loose brush strokes that was something I wanted to explore and see if I could pull off.
I am newer to painting, but I am really enjoying that as I learn this impressionistic painting style it is also making me explore art history a bit and understand where things come from and who set the tone for the modern impressionistic artists I enjoy today.
Want to learn more about Impressionism?
The Case for Impressionism – This episode from PBS’s The Art Assignment explores why Impressionism remains one of the most beloved movements in art history, highlighting artists like Monet, Morisot, and Degas.
And for the kids or child within…
Art History for Kids: Impressionism – Aimed at young learners, this video explains the key characteristics of Impressionism in a fun and accessible manner.
