When I was learning drawing and painting in my late teens, my art teacher encouraged us to spend time observing the details, angles, and light surrounding objects. The practice pieces we created outdoors were the most enjoyable for me, as I reveled in the natural light and fresh air around me. Later, I visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and learned more about the Impressionism movement, falling in love with its vibrant and spontaneous style.
Impressionism: A Break from Tradition
The art movement known as Impressionism emerged in France during the 1860s, distinguished by its emphasis on depicting light, color, and the transitory nature of a scene. This style often utilized loose brushstrokes and highlighted the impact of light. It represented a daring departure from conventional artistic norms and was initially met with disapproval.
Impressionism marks a significant turning point in the history of art, as artists started to liberate themselves from conventional limitations by exploring innovative techniques and viewpoints. The movement's emphasis on light, color, and ordinary themes has had a enduring impact, shaping the work of numerous artists and movements that followed in the years after its emergence.
Impressionism in Canada
Impressionism gained popularity in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Canadian artists drawing inspiration from European trends, notably from France. In Canada, this artistic movement was characterized by the incorporation of Impressionist methods and feelings, tailored to suit the distinctive landscapes and lighting found in the Canadian surroundings.
Canadian artists embraced Impressionism and often depicted the unique Canadian winter landscape and activities.
Here are some specific elements and themes they used:
Snow: Artists such as Maurice Cullen depicted the diverse hues of light on snow by employing a palette that extended beyond just white, incorporating shades of blues, purples, greys, and even black to accurately represent the colors of the snowy scenery.
Ice Harvesting: In pieces like Maurice Cullen's "The Ice Harvest," the strenuous process of ice harvesting is portrayed through the use of Impressionist painting techniques. The artwork features individuals cutting and moving ice blocks, a typical winter task of that time period.
Winter Light: The bright winter light of Canada was a subject of fascination, with artists exploring how it interacted with the snow and ice to create a luminous effect.
Rural and Urban Scenes: Canadian Impressionists painted both rural and urban winter scenes, capturing the everyday life and vernacular activities of the time.
The Impressionist movement's profound impact on Canadian art is evident in the unique ways artists adapted its techniques to the diverse and stunning Canadian landscape. This blending of European influence with Canadian sensibilities created a rich, vibrant body of work that continues to captivate and inspire.
