Renoir, Monet, Manet, and Pissaro, are among the greatest artists of all time. Known as Impressionist painters, their art was and remains one of a kind.

The art of Impressionism immersed during the late 1800s in France. It is the style in which an artist will paint an image from a glimpse or a quick glance. Impressionism can be explained as either a subject matter or the painting technique. Landscapes and scenery were painted in bright, pure colors were typical. Impressionists often painted their paintings outdoors rather indoors in a studio. With obvious rapid brushstrokes often visible, the paintings made an impression, hence the "Impressionism" period.

Some of the greatest Impressionist artists were Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Camille Pissaro, Alfred Sistley, Berthe Morisot and Pierre Auguste Renoir from France where this style evolved.

Claude Monet enjoyed painting landscapes in subtle colors, whereas Edouard Manet fancied common objects, not scenery. Alfred Sisley liked to paint river scenes and the countryside, but Berthe Morisot enjoyed painting common women doing chores. However, a pioneer in the style, Pierre A. Renoir loved to paint the feminine beauty and women in the nude.

Of all the greats, Monet and Renoir were probably the best known. Monet has always been considered the founding father of the impressionist style. He was known as the most prolific in the genre. Renoir's impressionist nudes were his signature images with details that were suggested in brushed color, allowing the subject to blend with the surroundings as opposed to the vibrant crisp modern art of today.

One of Monet's most famous paintings and my personal favorites is the Water Lily Pond from 1899. The blues and purple blend beautifully in the greens making this a picturesque painting.

Renoir's is best known for the Bathers of 1887, of three nude women bathing in beautiful scenery, and the Umbrellas, from 1883, showing the faces of three simple women in a crowded street on a rainy day. Both simple paintings, but each made a bold statement.

To see some examples of Impressionism art, visit us at http://www.fulcrumgallery.com/c7769/impressionism.htm.