It’s funny that the mocking words of critics can spawn the terms that define a movement. Much in the way the term “Big Bang” came from a harsh critic of the theory, Fred Hoyle, the term impressionism came from a critics satirical review of Claude Monet’s painting Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant). The style is a massive departure from the works of Romance artists and those that came before them. Impressionist artists strove to capture in their paintings an exact moment and all the things that made that moment significant. Varied lighting, using colors to define forms instead of distinct lines, and the attempt to capture and convey movement set this style apart from its predecessors. When looked at from a distance the paintings look to be one solidly drawn work, but if one draws closer to the painting it becomes clear that the work is instead made of dots or splashes of color which the human eye combines when viewed from a distance. Its fascinating to think of being able to create something meant to be seen from a distance while working with it at an intimate distance and the painting still coming out in a successful way.
When comparing Impressionism to the styles that emerged before it there is a definite rift between the styles. Most of the styles no matter what their subject matter tended to try to portray things in a more idealized form – be it an idealized human form or the creation of a perfectly constructed building or setting. These paintings are more a flash- if you look too long at them you see them for what they really are – a combination of dots and slashes of color and not a solid image. But looking at the works of the early Impressionists the way I like to look at them: quickly and taking in the entire thing at once, gives you the impression of having caught a glimpse of something fantastic in a moment in time or a vivid memory.
The painting I found that exemplifies the “best looked at from a distance” aspect of Impressionist art I find appealing is called The House of the Hanged Man painted by Paul Cezanne in 1873 while he was in a town called Auvers-sur-Oise to the north of Paris. It was in the first impressionist exhibit in 1874. When I first saw the painting I couldn’t tell what it was despite the title so I moved my computer and stood about 5 feet away, the image seemed to get clearer the further away I got. Its quite a nice painting when viewed from a distance, but the closer I get the less I enjoy it. It seems to be a matter of perspective that determines whether or not I like this style of art.
I found this image of an impressionist cake while wandering the internet, I thought it might be something my classmates would enjoy…at least the idea of cake is enjoyable.
Information on Cezannes Painting can be found at this address:
http://impressionist1877.tripod.com/cezanne.htm
October 28, 2009 at 12:30 am |
I really liked the cake idea. Its really neat to see an Impressionistic style cake. Looks delicious to me! On the other hand, I also really enjoyed reading what you had to say. I really liked how you started with something completely off topic. It kept me drawn in to see how you were going to link it to the topic. I also really like how you pick apart the art itself. We all know how they create it, but its always good to be reminded of how the artwork really works. Looks like you’ve stated all the required information. Good job
March 21, 2010 at 7:55 am |
Interesting post! You listed realy good details about The House of the Hanged Man painted by Paul Cezanne. It is neat how you tried to analyze the painting standing away from your computer and how you discovered a different opinion about it. You also listed your artist and painting details well. I liked how you mentioned the cake painting that was interesting and very creative. Do you have an overall painting preference or style you have discovered you like better…Impressionistic, etc.?