Art Movement Series

Impressionism - A Time of Movement and Change

As we head into Autumn; a time of transition, what better way to begin this first Art Movements series by exploring Impressionism? An art movement that was conceived in a time of change.

Monet, Claude - 1868 [The Sea at Saint-Adresse].jpg

To get a feel for what this was like, we must step back in time. Picture this. En Plein Air but instead of the vicinity of Glen Eira, we’re in Normandy, France in the late 1800s. It’s the industrial revolution which is already rapidly changing established art styles and methods.

Bedazzled by the unique light that danced across the Channel coast and banks of the Seine and newly rebuilt modern Paris, we set up our easels and begin painting in ways that rebel against classical subject matter and embraced modernity. This new wave, this freshness was born at a time of advancement. Discoveries in science, a wider interest in journalism. From steam locomotives to new ways of manufacturing colours and paint tubes. And then there was the growing popularity and, interest in Japanese art along with portable easels and photography that gave way to breaking the bonds of convention and the expected. An exciting time to be alive.

So, what makes Impressionism what it is?

Unfinished in appearance, Impressionistic artworks capture passing moments, scenes that look fuzzy and unrefined. These were created with quick brush strokes, comma-like shapes and, bright, vibrant colours which captured the fleeting quality of light.

Well-known Impressionists as you may know include:

Impressionism, inspired by innovation itself paved the way for many avante-guard movements including Post Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism which we will explore in seasons to come.

Wish to explore Impressionism in your own creative works?

Here are 4 tips from Milan Art Institute’s blog on 4 tips for painting like an Impressionist:

Record each brush stroke. The Impressionists revolutionized the idea that we should see their brush strokes on the canvas. Unlike the paintings of their day, they avoided blending the colors, according to Milan Art Institute co-founder, Dimitra Milan. Instead, they laid down one stroke and then another and then another. They allowed whatever they were feeling in the moment to dictate their strokes.
Optically mix your paint colors. One way to avoid mixing colors is to allow the colors to mix optically on the canvas. So, if you’d like to create a patch of purple, instead of using a purple paint color, lay down a stroke of blue and then a stroke of red right beside it. The viewer’s eyes will optically mix them and create the shade of purple you’re after.
Paint Outside if You Can. Artists who love urban and travel sketching and painting owe a great deal to the Impressionists. Newly-invented tubes of paint gave them the freedom to pack up their art supplies and to capture fleeting moments of light, the ripple of water waves, people conversing at a boat party and more. This practice taught them to paint quickly and to capture the most important essence of their subjects. Painting onsite and in the alla prima style will help you up your skills and to learn to place your brush strokes more precisely.
Paint More Quickly Than You Normally Do. If your normal paint time requires between 15 and 20 hours to finish a painting, try to shorten up that time to four to six hours. You can break it up into one or two sessions if necessary.

Looking to make an inspirational trip to inform your art work?

This winter the NGV will be showcasing French Impressionism from June 6 till 5 October.

Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWp9nFm5uuI

This article was written and compiled by Melissa Parkinson, April 2025