What is Impressionism?
Q: What is Impressionism?
A: Impressionism is a style of painting which began in France in the late 19th century. It shows life-like subjects painted in a broad, rapid style, with brushstrokes that are easily seen and colours that are often bright.
Q: Where does the term 'impressionism' come from?
A: The term 'impressionism' comes from a painting by Claude Monet, which he showed in an exhibition with the name Impression, soleil levant ("Impression, Sunrise"). An art critic called Louis Leroy saw the exhibition and wrote a review in which he said that all the paintings were just "impressions".
Q: What type of medium do impressionist painters use?
A: Impressionist painters are mostly known for their work in oil paint on canvas. Some impressionist painters also made watercolours and prints. There is also some impressionist sculpture.
Q: Who was Claude Monet?
A: Claude Monet was an influential French painter who was one of the founders of the Impressionist movement. He created a painting titled “Impression, Sunrise” which gave rise to the term “Impressionism” when it was reviewed by art critic Louis Leroy.
Q: Who was Louis Leroy?
A: Louis Leroy was an art critic who attended an exhibition featuring works by Claude Monet and wrote a review about them where he referred to them as "impressions". This led to the naming of this new style of painting as "Impressionism".
Q: What did Louis Leroy say about Claude Monet's paintings?
A: In his review of Claude Monet's paintings at an exhibition, Louis Leroy said they were just "impressions". This comment eventually led to this new style being named as "Impressionism".
Q: Are there other forms of artwork associated with Impresionism besides painting?
A: Yes, some impressionist painters also made watercolours and prints. There is also some impressionist sculpture.
