Impressionism

Description

It is often forgotten just how provocative Impressionist canvases seemed when they were first exhibited in 1874. The advocates of the new style rejected the established principles of art prevalent at that time in France. This book traces Impressionism's origins to its spread to America and Australia. Ralph Skea shows how Impressionist artists transformed everyday subject matter. Daringly using colour and rapid brushstrokes, the Impressionists worked out of doors, creating paintings that captured the transient effects of light and feeling. Impressionism's initial shock factor gradually gave way to widespread acceptance, but only now can we appreciate how profound its influence has been on modern art.

Ralph Skea was for many years Senior Lecturer in European Urban Conservation at the University of Dundee, Scotland. He is the author of Vincent's Gardens, Vincent's Trees, Monet's Trees and Vincent's Portraits, all published by Thames & Hudson. His own paintings have been exhibited widely in Scotland since 1973.