Impressionism, one of the most popular styles in the history of art, derives its name from an insult aimed at Claude Monet’s 1872 painting, Impression, Sunrise.
Leaving behind the dark colors, smooth surfaces, and subjects approved by the official Salon, the Impressionists painted with bright colors, let their brushstrokes show, and focused on scenes of everyday life. In fact, the artists’ goal was to capture an impression of what the eye sees in a fleeting glance.
Fri, Dec. 11: Impressionism Pt. I: Degas and Monet
Edgar Degas (1834-1917) is famous for his depictions of ballerinas—although more often in class and behind the scenes than on stage performing gracefully. He was called a “linear Impressionist,” a term he hated for its implication of careless accidental painting.
Claude Monet (1840-1926), key to the founding of Impressionism, painted outdoors in order to capture fleeting weather and atmospheric conditions on canvas. He painted with vivid tones using a technique referred to as “broken color.”
Fri, Dec. 18: Impressionism Pt. II: Morisot and Renoir
Berthe Morisot (1841-95) and her friend Mary Cassatt were rare women Impressionist painters in Paris. Morisot was praised by the other Impressionists for her skill in handling color. Favoring high value pastel tones, she painted portraits and landscapes.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), with his upbeat personality, continued to paint sensuous nudes when confined to a wheelchair with the brush strapped to his hand. Even when suffering chronic pain, painting was his preferred medicine.
These are two separate programs taking place on December 11 and 18. If you would like to attend Part I and Part II, please purchase tickets to both dates. This program takes place from 12-2:15 pm.