8/19/2012

Why Modern Impressionist Artists Are Gaining Appeal

By Agnes Franco


Impressionist masterpieces enjoy universal popularity. Even those with little interest in art recognize them instantly. Contemporary art, on the other hand, often leaves people feeling bemused. They cannot see the merit in such works, nor can they understand why they command such high prices. Preferring to avoid the hype, many modern impressionist artists are quietly producing attractive original art with instant appeal.

The original movement dates back to around 1870. At this time in Paris a number of young and aspiring painters gathered together. Among these young men were names that would one day become famous. They included Renoir, Degas, Cezanne and Monet. They were to transform the way we view the world.

They had no time for the accurate portraits and landscapes commonly displayed at the Academy of Fine Arts. Their work was about change, spontaneity and seizing the moment. The aim was to portray what the eye actually saw before the brain started filling in the missing information. They captured the changing light and made surprising use of color.

Whilst the established art world at first refused to exhibit such paintings, it soon become clear that the work was very popular amongst the ordinary people of France. Exhibitions of these new works soon enjoyed far greater exposure than conventional paintings by the old establishment.

The movement slowly petered out, but not before it had influenced painters all over the world. The masters may be long gone but their artistic legacy continues to inspire each new generation. The masterpieces have become ubiquitous. They can be found printed onto mugs, place mats, tee-shirts and fridge magnets.

modern impressionist artists continue with the traditions of that earlier age. Inevitably they explore new subject matter, experiment with new techniques and discover their own style. Nevertheless, they produce paintings that share the popular appeal of the masters, but which are accessible and affordable to the buying public.




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