2.3 Plein Air Painting and Light in American Landscapes

American Impressionism brought vibrant colors and loose brushwork to capture fleeting moments and light effects. Artists like Childe Hassam and Mary Cassatt adapted French techniques to depict American landscapes and everyday life.

Plein air painting became crucial, with artists working outdoors to capture natural light and atmosphere. This approach, along with the influence of the Barbizon School and the rise of art colonies, shaped a uniquely American take on Impressionism.

American Impressionism

Key Figures and Techniques

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• American Impressionism emerged in the late 19th century, inspired by French Impressionist movement
• Claude Monet pioneered Impressionism in France, influencing American artists with his emphasis on light and color
• Childe Hassam became a leading American Impressionist, known for his urban scenes and flag paintings
• Mary Cassatt focused on domestic scenes and portraits of women and children, bridging American and French Impressionism
• John Singer Sargent, though primarily a portraitist, incorporated Impressionist techniques in his landscapes and outdoor scenes
• William Merritt Chase founded the Shinnecock Summer School of Art, promoting plein air painting and Impressionist techniques
• Broken color technique involved applying small, distinct brushstrokes of pure color side by side, creating vibrant visual effects

Characteristics and Themes

• American Impressionists adapted the French style to depict American landscapes and urban scenes
• Focus on capturing fleeting moments and effects of light on various subjects
• Emphasis on everyday life and contemporary scenes rather than historical or mythological subjects
• Use of vibrant colors and loose brushwork to convey atmosphere and mood
• Exploration of American identity through depictions of rural and urban landscapes
• Integration of modern life and technology into artworks (steamships, railroads)
• Popularity of garden scenes and domestic interiors as subjects for American Impressionists

Plein Air Painting Techniques

Outdoor Painting Practices

• Plein air painting involves creating artworks outdoors, directly observing and capturing natural light and atmosphere
• En plein air, French term meaning "in the open air," became synonymous with outdoor painting practices
• Artists used portable easels and pre-mixed paints in tubes to facilitate outdoor work
• Emphasis on quick, spontaneous brushwork to capture changing light conditions
• Development of techniques to adapt to varying weather conditions and shifting sunlight
• Incorporation of natural elements (sand, leaves) into paint for added texture and authenticity

Light and Atmosphere in Landscapes

• Luminism, an American landscape painting style, focused on effects of light in natural settings
• Luminist paintings characterized by smooth surfaces, hidden brushstrokes, and dramatic lighting effects
• Atmospheric perspective technique used to create illusion of depth and distance in landscapes
• Depiction of air and light quality to convey time of day, weather conditions, and seasonal changes
• Use of subtle gradations of color and tone to represent atmospheric effects on distant objects
• Exploration of reflections and refractions of light on water surfaces
• Integration of scientific understanding of light and color theory into artistic practices

Influential Movements and Colonies

Barbizon School and European Influences

• Barbizon School influence introduced naturalistic approach to landscape painting in mid-19th century
• French Barbizon painters emphasized direct observation of nature and rural scenes
• American artists traveled to France to study Barbizon techniques, bringing ideas back to the United States
• Incorporation of Barbizon School's earth-toned palette and interest in rural subjects into American landscape painting
• Influence on the development of American Tonalism, emphasizing mood and atmosphere in landscapes
• Bridging of Romantic and Realist traditions in American art through Barbizon-inspired techniques

American Art Colonies and Communities

• Cos Cob Art Colony in Connecticut became a hub for American Impressionist painters
• Artists at Cos Cob explored the interplay of light and color in coastal and rural New England scenes
• Old Lyme Art Colony in Connecticut, known as the "American Giverny," attracted numerous Impressionist painters
• Florence Griswold House served as a central gathering place for Old Lyme artists, fostering creative exchange
• Both colonies promoted plein air painting and the study of natural light effects
• Development of distinctive regional styles within American Impressionism through these art colonies
• Establishment of summer art schools and workshops associated with these colonies, spreading Impressionist techniques