Impressionism Artist Research

Impressionism Artist Analysis

Claude Monet

Colour:

I would describe this piece by Claude Monet as abstract, colourful and romantic. Monet’s piece is from the ‘Water Lilies’ series 1916 and is based around a scene of waterlilies. I think Monet has tried to create a more abstract perspective by using cool colours and warm tones to add specific detail. Giving people the chance to appreciate their surroundings more. Aspects of this piece are abstracted and some are distorted as such, because the details are quite blurred and not completely accurate like it would’ve been before the movement.

“Try to forget what objects you have before you - a tree, a house, a field, or whatever. Merely think, 'Here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow,' and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact colour and shape, until it gives you your own impression of the scene before you.” – Claude Monet

Formal Elements:

Monet has used cold colours to show reflection of the water and shadows in the piece, however, he also used warm colours to differentiate between shadows and highlights. The piece looks quite textured as it would have been done quickly and roughly as he would be working outside and would have to paint quickly before the light changed. This means Monet would have to work with quick, rapid brushstrokes and dabs, which would leave the piece quite unsmooth and textured from the oil paint. The colour scheme consists of primary and secondary colours, as Monet wouldn’t have mixed the colours he would have used the oil paint straight from the tubes. The piece is harmonious as the colours all work well together and none of them stick out more than the others. The colours that mostly dominate are blue and green. In Monet’s piece the same techniques of dabbing and rough brushstrokes are continued throughout.

Process:

Monet’s piece was made using oil paints in fast brushstrokes and dabs with paint brushes. Monet creates areas of colour. Greens define the leaves, purples and blues the water reflecting the natural light, dark blues create shadows from the trees above, and pinks, oranges, and reds show flowers shining in sunlight. Monet’s work was made quickly as shown with the brush strokes, however, it could have also been over a period of time as he could go back to the same place when the light was similar. From the piece I can see that Monet is a skilled artist, as even though it is quite abstracted it is still very accurate and it takes skill to work straight from in front of you when the light never stays the same for long.

Mood/Meaning:

Monet’s water lilies, creates a romantic and calming feeling, as the colours used are mostly cool, however, the warm colours with the cool make the painting calm instead of sad as it adds the right about on highlight and warmth. The specific subject makes the piece romantic as it is a very beautiful natural scene. This piece has a lasting impression as it is part of Monet’s series ‘Water Lilies’ which is a culmination of his life’s work. Everything he had painted built up to his series of water lilies. Monet conveys this by making the series some of his best works.

Influences:

This relates to the theme and brief as Monet is a very famous artist for the Impressionist Movement. By researching this, I have learned that impressionism was all about braking away from traditional art. As a result of this, in the future I will try painting a scene whilst in direct view if it, instead of from images or secondary sources.