Impressionist Art Painters
IMPRESSIONISTS
The Impressionists were painters who were determined to free themselves from the constraints of tradition, and the art establishment of Paris. The works of the Impressionists both puzzled the public and offended the critics of their day.
Only decades later would these artists be vindicated by history. The Impressionists attempted to capture the physical reality of the moment, or at least their impression of it. They painted what they saw.
Camille Pissarro
Camille Pissarro (1830-1903) was born in the Virgin Islands; he moved to Paris when he was 12 years old. Pissarro conveyed his vision of French life in both urban and rural settings.
He sold very few paintings while he was alive, but today his works command millions of dollars apiece. He is considered a loyal patriarch of the Impressionist painting movement.
Claude Monet
Claude Monet (1840-1926) is considered by most as the man who founded, named, and best represents Impressionist painting. Monet was determined to capture the essence of a moment in time.
He transports us to a magical place that is real, but that in essence is not real at all. This is especially true in his later works after most of his friends had long since passed from this world.
Berthe Marisot
Berthe Marisot (1841-1895) was first a good friend, and then later the sister-in-law of Edouard Manet, whom I covered extensively in my previous Hub about Impressionism Art.
Marisot primarily painted portraits, domestic scenes and landscapes. Her work was not as appreciated as it should have been because she was a woman.
Pierre Auguste Renoir
Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) is my personal favorite of the Impressionist painters. Renoir was unequaled at portraying what all men love about women and unparalleled at painting apparel.
One of his paintings is featured in my Hub Art in my Home; it sold for $78M. Despite contracting arthritis at age 49, he continued to paint and by the time of his demise had created thousands of works of art.
Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch painter who battled mental illness for most of his life, and committed suicide at the age of 37 with a pistol. Van Gogh is technically considered to be a post-Impressionist painter.
He criticized the Impressionists who preceded him as both superficial and sloppy. His later works are considered his best, and It seems that the crazier he got the better he painted.
Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas (1834-1917) had little interest in landscape themes. He chose to paint people, especially women, and in particular ballerinas. Degas abhorred the term Impressionist and wanted to be known as a Realist.
He once lived in New Orleans for a year; was an excellent draftsman and sculptor; and later in life became a photographer as well.
Georges Seurat
Georges Seurat (1859-1891) is sometimes called a neo-Impressionist. Seurat certainly exhibited an original style featuring dots rather than brush stokes in his most famous work, which is featured above.
He had a deep appreciation for decorative color schemes, which could be considered antithetical to the ideals of the Impressionists. I consider him the father of pointillism.
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch (1863-1944) is a Norwegian artist who created one of the most famous paintings in the world today, featured above. Munch was the son of a priest who became a bawdy boozer and brawler.
He once said “I do not believe in the art which is not the compulsive result of Man’s urge to open his heart.” I consider him to be the forerunner of Expressionistic painting.
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) is an American Impressionist art painter.
The fact that she was born into a wealthy family was the only reason that Cassatt was able to pursue her chosen career as a painter against the tide of opinion that being an artist was somehow not suitable for women. She specialized in painting women in social settings, and with their children.
Paul Cezanne
Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) was a highly emotional man on a quest to make Impressionism "solid and durable." Cezanne considered the portrayal of everyday objects in art to be important.
He was very much into the forms of nature, and is quoted as saying "When I judge art, I take my painting and put it next to a God-made object like a tree or flower. If it clashes, it is not art."
Comments
Wow! Great to find a post knocnikg my socks off!
HI, James - I have always loved Impressionist landscape paintings. Last year, I stumbled on a British TV show called "Lark Rise to Candleford" a series set in late 19th century England. I fell in love with it. Then I realized that the show often features scenes that look like Impressionist landscapes - it was so beautiful!
Very good. Is worth studying. keep it up
If you have a large collection of slides - or an art book - on Van Gogh, try playing a recording of Don McLean's "Vincent" as you look through the paintings. I used to do this for my Humanities classes, and it was very moving. Your Hub brought back many memories. Thanks!
I'm glad you put this hub together. The more I see of Monet's work, the more I like it. That "Madame Monet in a Japanese Costume" is pretty funny.
It's been many years since art school and this has reminded me of why I loved it so much. Thank you. I'll be back :-)
Love your artwork : )
What is going on in Michigan?
James, I wish you healing, health and strength during your sabbatical and challenging times.
My memories are so clear of you, at that time in my life, and because I saw you...you are like Cezanne and in my heart.You were and still are a dream to me.
At this age I am very good at oppressing thoughts, feelings and intuition... as society tells us to do....aren't we all? What is hard is knowing and not being brainwashed. But, what is so beautiful is: our heart remains, tattered and worn but, we still can love and hope and feel the beauty of life.
There is a question to ask you in here some where.
Well OK I am flirting a little but true thoughts can not be oppressed forever my friend and all in fun and respect really.
I would love to email a CD but since I am still on dial-up out here in the woods my best bet would be to use the snail mail. I had your address but, recently lost some pappers and such. Would you email your PO to dara@daradaniel.com
Thanks. No I do not need an original.
Gosh, your are sweet and... right on James Brown. I still love his stuff just like I still love your stuff..no worries I am not flirting ...just stating a fact.
I am ready! But,how should I do this? Should I just send you a CD of my best stuff with my revised bio/statement(always a work in progress) and updated resume. I can handle that if that is alright with you. Did you find that photo of your handsome self...then and forever...I think you are one of those guys that becomes more distinguished as they get older...but, still eating Pistachios and Mac and Cheese(not together of course).
Luv Ya.
I am still trying to free myself from constraints of tradition. In addition, I want to capture a moment of time. A time of awareness when my consciousness pays attention to the oneness of being with nature.
More specific comments on:
Poor Camille Pissarro...I feel his pain and the “Jalais Hill, Pontoise”, is fascinating and so worthy of recognition.
Claude Monet's Japanese Costume Lady has a HuthiGooGuy ...or something like that... upon her attire.
But, I find the most beautiful of all these paintings at the moment to be his Dancer
I am happy to see the lovely and so worthy impressionist painters Mary Cassatt and Bethe Marisot.
I myself have found, regardless of my interest, endeavors and/or occupation, it is a man's world out there.
Paul Cezanne is in my heart.
Renoir's “The Luncheon” makes me want to be an aristocrat...not really.
This was a really informative article, and so well-presented.Congratulations!
Magnificent art and your knowledge of art is superb. God Bless You.
Your hub is very fascinating indeed!
James,
I really like old photography and the photo of Pissaro and His wife from 1877 I saved so I could use the picture viewer on XP to increase the size and look at the detail of the clothing and especially the boot style. He dresses with my kind of style! :D I noticed that he really liked those riding boots as the right boot has worn through the sole stitching and has a flap hanging down which may be a statement as to the wealth at the time or he's like me he wears every thing out before either getting it mended or replacing the Item. Any way I really liked that choice for a picture it speaks volumes as to the era and style.
I really regret not coming to enjoy this hub sooner, James. What a wonderful presentation (a real work of art?) I can't pick my favorite painter here as it would not at all be fair (or possible for that matter). Once Hemingway stated that he wanted to "Write the way Cezanne painted." I can now see why. Thank you so much for sharing this, James!
Thoroughly enjoyed the Art tour and history! Thanks!
Another great hub about some of my favorite artists.
Impressionist art has always been my favorite. Monet and Degas on the top of my list. I got to visit the Met when I was in high school, I only appreciate the fact that I got to visit these places now that I am grown up. Thanks for sharing. The pictures are beautiful!
James,
another fine hub. I believe "the Scream" was used in the series "Night Gallery" and Rod Serling was the host. I like Monet followed by Van Gogh, probably the best if I had to choose in generality. Mostly I really go by the individual work. This hub takes me back to college years where I had to take the arts for required courses. I dreaded it, I remember well, as I was surprised by actually ending up liking it, along with music appreciation and being introduced to these things. The professor linked some of the works to exposure of things like TV shows and cartoons, making point that we were already possessing knowledge on the subject but we just didn't know it. He was right. Thanks for stirring the old noggin into memory!
An absolutely captivating Hub. Thanks, James
Don White
I loved all the paintings and your explanations! Degas's ballerinas are some of my favorite works of art. There is something magical about them. You make me want to go ramble through a museum with marble floors!
James,
I think I like Branch of the Seine by Monet best of those you displayed here.
Wasn't The Scream by Munch used in the intro of a Rod Serling show?
James, Beautiful art and good information. impressionist have always been by favorite. I saw a fantastic Monet exhibit at the Atlanta High Museum of Art a few years ago and was just awed. There were several other artists represeted as well. Great hub.
James, you know I watched "The Impressionists" 3 part BBC movie, and was totally smittened by these men/women's work, and very interesting lives. You are one art writer and you know how to showcase and highlight your subjects. I have to say i haven't seen Claude Monet's "Madame Monet In A Japanese Costume". Duh, where have i been? Fyi, we have a large print of Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party". Keep it going!
Ah the greats. Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet....Picasso (of a different style, but one of my favorites) Having taken many many years of art, I know them all....Painting styles are so different, as different as each of us....and this was a really interesting hub....Thanks for all the pics in here!!!
I love this stuff. Everytime I read a hub like this I have Humanities flashbacks. THAT was my favorite class. I took Humanities I and II AND Philosophy!
How'd you know that these are some of my favorite artists! I really enjoyed this - thanks, James!
Thank you James for you hub on Imperssionist art painters, I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for sharing it. Godspeed. Creativeone59
James
Thanks for the education; I enjoyed your hub very much!
I wish I know moe about art. I was never much into it, but I do appreciate a nice picture/portrait when I see it.
Keep on hubbing!
Great Hub James and a reminder of the many great artist we have been blesed with having over the years.
Blessings
I also love the Impressionists, though you have included some artists here that I would not lump with them!
I saw some years ago a wonderful exhibition of Renoir's works. As ;part of that show the museum screened a doccy about Renoir in his later years, painting with brushes strapped to his hands as his arthritic hands couldn't hold them. I think I found that perhaps the most moving part of the whole show. That he could produce such incredible beauty while battling the physical pain and the incredible difficulty was a real marvel to me. I watched the doccy a few times over.
Thanks for writing such a lovely Hub.
Love and peace
Tony
Way back when I was a student of art and art history. Your hub has featured so many of my favorite artists it's like visiting with old friends. Thanks.
Hello, James, and I missed your hubs. I was worried you retired. Thank you for an interesting read, as always, and showing these fantastic picture. I so enjoyed it.
What a lovely hub to wake to! James, I remember lazily paying attention to my Art History classes in college until the Impressionists were introduced. All came to life for me!
Thanks again!
awesome hub, keep it up
Wow, thanks for reminding. I have forgotten...Thank you.
I must admit that your knowledge of the art world [and everything else] is quite impressive, James.
I am partial to Renoir, Monet and Cezanne and a few of Van Gogh's paintings.
Oh, but you have forgotten Matisse or is he not a rennaisance man?
Thank you for clarification
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