Impressionism

Impressionism is a style of painting which began in France in the late 19th century. Impressionist painting shows life-like subjects painted in a broad, rapid style, with brushstrokes that are easily seen and colours that are often bright. The term ‘impressionism’ comes from a painting by Claude Monet, which he showed in an exhibition with the nameImpression, soleil levant (“Impression, Sunrise”). An art critic called Louis Leroy saw the exhibition and wrote a review in which he said that all the paintings were just “impressions”. The word stuck.

Impressionist painters are mostly known for their work in oil paint on canvas. Some impressionist painters also madewatercolours and prints. There is also some impressionist sculpture.