Carrye Campbell

SLM 521

Spring 2005

Dropin 4

Impressionism and Post-Impressionism

(C)1994-95 Nicolas Pioch
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


From the 1860s to the 1880s, the Impressionists defied academic tradition in French art with their emphasis on modern subjects and practice of painting in the open air with pure colors. Critics at the time felt their work looked unfinished. The movement strived for a spontaneity and directness that brought new excitement to the art of painting.

 

Post-Impressionism is a catch-all term that describes art that came after Impressionism. From the 1880s to the end of the century, Post-Impressionist artists kept Impressionismıs bright colors but added a whole new focus on meaning, whether primitive, mystical, or scientific. These artists pushed the basic pictorial components of color, line, and composition into new psychological and formal territories, influencing many abstract artists of the early 20th century.

 

 

For this activity:

 

  1. Visit the following links to learn more about Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Please read the brief summaries and write down the names of the leading artists for each movement. Also, jot down any notes or information that define and help you understand the key points of each movement. You will need this in just a few minutes.

 

Impressionism

http://wwar.com/masters/movements/impressionism.html

 

Post-Impressionism

http://wwar.com/masters/movements/post_impressionism.html

 

  1. Next, click on the following link to explore the images and read the descriptions of selected Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.

http://www.artic.edu/artaccess/AA_Impressionist/index.html

 

  1. Using the information you have read and observed, select two paintings - one that you think is Impressionist and one that you think is Post-Impressionist.

 

  1. Write a paragraph that compares and discusses qualities of the two paintings, being sure to include commentary on:

 

-Painting technique – brushstrokes, application of paint, etc.

-Elements of art such as color, line, shape, texture

-Subject matter / composition

-Influences for each artist

 

  1. Which art movement do you prefer? Why?

 

 

Record all responses in your art notebook.

 

 

 

The above image by Edgar Degas is from http://www.artchive.com/artchive/D/degas/degas_violin.jpg.html

The above image by Henri de Paul Cezanne is from http://www.artchive.com/artchive/C/cezanne_bathers.html

 

 

 

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