French Impressionism
by Pat Matriscino

Your Ad Here

The great awakening - Not since the Renaissance began in Italy had there been a more concentrated effort on the part of artists to bring forth the very essence of color - LIGHT ITSELF. This small band of painters, from almost every walk of life created in France such an everlasting overwhelming effect on the world of art that it would never again be the same. Indeed their beautiful works have caused us all to take a second look.

Finally it was out of the secluded studio used for so very long and into the sunlight - into the very heart of nature. They went out into the countryside surrounding Paris and to Provence, Arles and the whole of Southern France where the light was (and is) like no other. There the light possesses a special quality to all who experience it. The result of this collaboration was some of the finest artwork the world has ever seen. 

It should be noted that it was a tremendous leap of faith on the part of the impressionists. Prior to this era all art was produced in the studio with the only light was whatever happened to come through the existing windows and other openings. Now we have artists actually painting "on location" (en-plein aire). Now we have colors as they are observed and shadows as they occur.  

The name Claude Monet comes to mind as the "Father of Impressionism". This title is perhaps overstated in absolute fact, however it is as accurate as any statement for it was his painting entitled "Impression Sunrise" which garnered such varied reviews from critics of the period and was so very different from anything yet produced that it was almost solely responsible for the "group's" title given them by the French press.

"Impressionists". This title held as true then as it does today, and will for evermore. It is not enough to mention this group or "school" merely in passing. We need to spend some time by their side, in the fields, along the streams, in the narrow streets of the towns and cities, and yes, even the boudoir. We need this time today more than ever to educate us in the art of viewing seeing nature as it truly is. This initial small band of "rebels" had the spirit, the drive and the nerve to stand against the established salons of the time in a way that would forever be held in the utmost respect and awe. A fiercely determined group were these "Impressionists". They mounted such a display of color, light and feeling that they and their art have persisted to the present and likely will far into the future.

About the Author: Pat Matriscino is a member of The Ontario County Arts Council and The American Society of Marine Artists, and has been the recipient of several awards for his efforts in various media from the beginning of his career to the present. His work is currently represented by the Snapdragon Gallery, West Ocean City, MD, Woobury Winery, Dundee,NY., and Crafters By The Sea, West Ocean City, Md. http://www.shorebirdstudios.com/