Impressionism Essay Example

he differed from other impressionists by working in a studio. This was because he believed that a painting should be developed in an artist's mind.

Despite the choppy and thick style of other artists in this movement, Pierre Auguste Renoir's work is calm, lacking rush and boldness, yet remains intriguing. "The Umbrellas" is a canvas oil impressionist painting portraying bright shadings of a busy city, with people hurrying and navigating through the crowds.

The scene depicts a woman in the foreground clutching a basket while adorned in a somber charcoal dress. Despite her bleak attire, her countenance illuminates the image, while her crimson locks serve as a striking contrast to her fair skin. Moving into the middle ground, an elderly woman accompanies two young children, possibly a mother and her offspring. The younger child is bedecked in a tasteful ensemble, featuring various hues of blue and a delicate light-blue hat. The vivid cyan tones symbolize their affluence, distinguishing them from the woman in drab attire.

In the middle of the picture, there is one man who stands out due to his bright brown clothing that clashes against the colors of the umbrellas. He is also the only face visible in detail. In the background, a cluster of charcoal grey umbrellas creates a gloomy and wet atmosphere. The large size of the umbrellas takes up much of the picture but behind them, a few trees are visible, adding a nice touch. Delicacy can be seen in the lines and shape of the figures in this painting, with noticeable color patterns ranging from black and charcoal to light and navy blue.

The painting is characterized by dark, wet, and

gloomy colours, which effectively capture the scene, but there are also contrasting light brown, yellow, and dark red tones. The woman in the foreground is the brightest element of the picture due to her white skin that contrasts with the dark colours. The brush strokes are defined yet appear rushed, with thickly applied paint that protrudes from the canvas, giving the painting a realistic look. The texture of the clothing is particularly realistic, almost tangible. This technique is most notably applied to the woman in the foreground as she stands out from the rest of the figures portrayed.

The utilization of tight and detailed style by Renoir is evident from the cramped space where every character is present in the painting along with the intricate details of the umbrellas. The painting carries a dull and gloomy atmosphere, primarily due to the colours. Moreover, the woman in the foreground has a sad and unhappy expression that affects the viewer's emotions and may make them feel cold due to the numerous umbrellas, hinting at possible rain. Overall, this painting is highly emotive as it enables the observer to feel what the woman in the picture is experiencing. Despite numerous details, the woman's face remains the standout feature, conveying much about the painting's essence.

The painting I particularly enjoyed was Renoir's, which stood out due to the contrast between the woman's hair and complexion, adding to the brightness of the artwork. The picture was full of detailed elements and shades, creating a lively effect. Similarly, "ballet school" by Edgar Degas, an oil painting on canvas, presented a bright and vibrant scene of girls practicing ballet in front of a

mirror. The composition features lots of yellows, oranges, and whites, with a woman sitting on a bench in the foreground putting on ballet shoes while drawing attention with her red coat.

The dark bench on which the woman is seated creates a contrast with the light and delicate colours that dominate the painting. In the foreground, there is another woman who is not as distracting as the one wearing the red coat. Meanwhile, the girls in the middle ground are busy performing pirouettes and tying their ballet shoes. Their white skirts are in harmony with the bright yellow floor. Notably, there is a mirror located opposite these girls that eventually draws your attention as you gaze through the painting. In the background, there is a group of girls busy practicing their dance skills against a large mirror. Their white skirts also create a contrasting effect against the dark wall in the painting.

The combination of colors used in the artwork create a seamless blend with each other, with only the dark furniture and walls providing contrast. This contrast, however, makes the artwork stand out even more. A dark spiral staircase dominates the height of the picture and helps to connect various elements within the scene. The use of bright colors contributes to the realism of the painting, while the sandy orange floor and white skirts provide a touch of elegance to the overall composition.

The utilization of shading in the painting contributes to its vitality. Like Renoir, Degas applies jagged strokes to the skirts, bringing the clothing's texture to prominence. The dancers' faces are not visible, only their skin tone which appears blurred. Nonetheless, Degas effectively renders

the texture, making the painting exceedingly lifelike.

Despite the number of girls present, the ballet room exudes a liberating and expansive atmosphere that allows for free movement and dance. Upon first glance, one feels as though they are transported into the room, and the brightness emanating from the painting instills a sense of vitality. Degas' attention to details in the painting is impressive, making it a truly beautiful work of art. Notably, the white skirts worn by the girls symbolize elegance and beauty reminiscent of swans. Overall, Degas has demonstrated skillful artistry in creating this masterpiece which offers both beauty and intricate details to behold.

The essay discusses Impressionism and highlights two distinct artists, Degas and Renoir. It provides insight into their lives, their artistic styles, and describes some of their notable pieces. The comparison between the two artists demonstrates how individuals working within the same movement can create vastly different works. Ultimately, the lasting fame and impact of these impressionists are a testament to the quality of their artwork.