Most, if not all of the works were in oil on canvas. There were many bright, unblended colors in the paintings. The forms depicted were very general; there would usually be a light and a dark side to a shape. This is not very complex but from distance, the objects looked real. There were no Impressionists around for me to interview but according to history that they wanted to capture the effects of light and to generally paint the essence of each object. They wanted to paint realistically with loose brushstrokes. One piece that I studied more deeply was Edgar Degas’s Ballet in the Park (pictured below). This is a beautiful composition that uses the 
rule of thirds format. The vertical placement of the canvas suggests action that is happening on the stage. The focal point in this piece is where the silhouetted head of the woman creates a high contrast with the bright background. The moon perhaps acts a second focal point that gets the eye to move to the upper part of the painting. The positioned figures on the stage give the sense of action. The stark white and the ghostly green colors of the stage and the moonlit nighttime scene suggest the theme of the ballet.
The Impressionism art display was quite different from the modern art we see today. For example, going from Impressionist art to the other exhibits in the MAC, Need/Want and Territory, was like going into another world. However, the event was still a good way to foster community. I found myself talking about the art with other interested artists and even security guards. 
I felt very much connected to this event. Personally, I enjoy this type of artwork; I felt I understood it more than the other two e
xhibits. The Impressionists use colors and brushstrokes in an impressive way that gives atmosphere and space to their art. I think that their early work gave us a better understanding of painting realistically but also inspired us to break some art rules. Do you believe that the Impressionists helped us gain an understanding of atmospheric perspective and ignited what is now known as modern art?
Works Cited
Seeing Impressionsm. 2 Dec. 2011. Paintings by some of the famous Impressionist artists. Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane.
"WebMuseum: Impressionism." Ibiblio - The Public's Library and Digital Archive. Web. 05 Dec. 2011.
2 comments:
I attended this exhibit as well, and also really enjoy impressionism. I think it’s a beautiful style and I really admire the brushstrokes and colors. I love the serene sort of dreamy feel to it. Interestingly, I also found myself talking to others in the exhibit while we were looking at the impressionist artwork, and not while looking at the other exhibits at the MAC during this same time. It’s interesting that we both had that similar experience, I wonder why that it is? While I was in the Need/Want Exhibit I found myself contemplating deep within my own head, while in the impressionist exhibit I was more simply just taking in the beauty of the artwork. I wonder if the community that can be found through impressionism comes out of the similar will from person to person to simply admire beauty in this crazy world we live in.
Wow, what a great find! I also appreciate impressionist work. I have had the opportunity to see Degas' work before and admire his attention to detail. I also like the fact that he paints dancers impressionistically. I have seen many impressionist landscapes but also like to see other subjects too. The first landscape piece you show here looks very dramatic while the other looks somewhat soothing. By the looks of this show it looks like it would be worth checking out if the rest of the show offers as much diversity. Thanks for posting it I look forward to heading down to the MAC.
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