What inspired impressionist artists to paint in plein air?
Impressionist artists were inspired to paint in plein air by the desire to capture the ever-changing and ephemeral effects of light and color in nature. By working outdoors, they were able to observe and capture the subtle nuances of color, light, and atmosphere that could not be replicated in the controlled environment of a studio. Additionally, the invention of portable paint tubes and easels made it easier for artists to work outdoors, and the increasing popularity of leisure activities like hiking and picnicking encouraged artists to venture out into the landscape. The chance to escape the confines of the studio and engage with nature directly appealed to many impressionist artists, who sought to express their personal response to the natural world through their painting.
Impressionist artists were inspired to paint in plein air (outdoors) primarily due to their desire to capture the fleeting effects of light, color, and atmosphere in their paintings. They believed that painting on location would allow them to record these elements with greater accuracy and immediacy, as opposed to painting within the confines of a studio.
Several factors contributed to this shift in painting practice:
1. The invention of portable easels and paint tubes: Technological advancements in the mid-19th century, such as the invention of portable easels and metal paint tubes, made it easier for artists to carry their supplies and set up outdoors.
2. Influence of the Barbizon School: Impressionist artists were influenced by the work of the Barbizon School, a group of French painters who focused on landscape painting and also painted outdoors to capture the changing effects of light and nature.
3. Shift towards a modern, urban lifestyle: In the mid-19th century, Paris was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Impressionist artists, as part of this new urban culture, wanted to depict their contemporary world in a fresh way that reflected their own experiences, making plein air painting a suitable method for capturing the essence of modern life.
4. Rejection of academic tradition: Impressionist artists sought to break away from the strict rules and established traditions of the academic art, which usually favored historical and mythological subjects painted in studios. Painting in plein air allowed them to explore their own interests, such as the everyday scenes of city life, countryside landscapes, and scenes of leisure activities.
Overall, painting in plein air allowed Impressionist artists to develop their distinctive style, depicting the world around them with a sense of spontaneity, lightness, and vivid color.