How to View an Impressionist Painting

When viewing an impressionist’s work, notice the surface integrity of how the texture of the painting communicates the ideas of light and feelings. Check the edges for its painting ground and canvas textures.

Notice how their brushstrokes are mobile and mutable giving us the idea of a fleeting moment. Impressionist compositions are informal while the patterns of color seem to transcend matter. Look into the painting at the strata of color, tint, tone and shade, black and white.

Assignment– View an Impressionist Painting

Visit a museum or download a high-res copy of a work.

View the piece at a far distance, up close and ½ way in between. Notice how the strokes blend together at a far distance, the strokes blend together, ½ way, notice what changed, and as you look close up at a detailed notice of how strokes are layered or separated.

Try again, this time focus on any color changes - greens at a distance can become strokes of yellow and blue sitting side by side as you come closer. This is optical mixing.

Tip: I suggest if you are going to a museum, bring a part of small binoculars or opera glasses to view the pieces in detail to avoid being corrected by the guards.