The Canon of Impressionism:The Interplay of Science and Poetry

The Impressionists may have created works that looked easy to produce, yet they struggled and toiled.  They experimented and took risks. Like them, we who desire to work in this method will be perfected through applying skills and techniques and through the rigors inherent in this new way of seeing and desiring to communicate that moment. It takes time to grow as an artist in method and technique through living in the joy of painting, which is there for us, waiting for us to let go and let it be.

Impressionism is an intricate interplay of science and poetry, where science is the application of one's craft to represent one's vision, while poetry is a passionate expression of one's personal experience. Impressionist painters rely on this interplay of science and poetry to be expressed through the hand's technical action, offering their viewers an experience of a captured transcendent moment.

At close range, Impressionist paintings look sketchy and almost loud; and from a distance, they look vibratory and quiet, yet there is completeness in each.  Within this world of Impressionism, opposites attract. Just think of it— simultaneous contrast of the juxtaposed color of yellow and purple, red and green, blue and orange; expressive brushstrokes living within illustrative strokes; and with optical mixing all blending together into a visual experience to transfer this joy to the viewer.

It is difficult to be free to paint while thinking scientifically measuring information in a disciplined manner. All the while, when the reality of such beauty that stands before us hits us, we will experience a veil of hesitation coming over us, thus as we draw back from the white canvas. Our brush, now loaded with color, is held still. 

We all have experienced such moments. This is where many students become frustrated and give up.  In my Master Class, you will learn the skills needed for the science and discover how to find your voice to speak to the canvas to be free. You will establish your own integrative cohesion of science and poetry; thus, allowing your brush to dance.