「Look at the Picture and Talk about the Painting」The First Impression in Light and Shadow

Impressionism
If traditional painting schools aim to reproduce the objective reality, then Impressionism is about capturing the moment.

When painters stepped out of their studios and immersed themselves in nature, they used short and lively pure color strokes to allow light and color to blend naturally, discarding the traditional dark shadows and giving life to the shadows with complementary colors. Monet was obsessed with the play of light and shadow, and recorded the changes of light and color at different times through the “Haystacks” series. Degas captured the dynamic moments of dancers. I once copied this painting when I was in middle school. Within the seemingly rough brushstrokes lies the most vivid dynamic beauty.

To capture the moment just before the sun sets, they gave up meticulous detailing. When you look closely, it’s a jumble of color blocks, but when you take two steps back, your eyes automatically blend these color dots together. This visual color mixing gives the picture a breathing sensation as if the air is quivering and the light is leaping.

Impressionism presents feelings on the canvas. It liberates painting from photographic documentation and returns art to pure visual impulse. It tells us that beauty does not exist in eternal forms, but in the flowing light and wind of that one second, as well as in your first glance at the world.

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.