Even after 150 years, we continue to be inspired by Claude Monet, Camille Pissaro, Renoir, and other founding Impressionist artists! When the Impressionist movement emerged in late 19th-century France, some artists began breaking away from fine finish and detail of the traditional paintings of the time, and instead, capturing momentary glimpses of an everyday scene with thick paint and quick brushstrokes. This major shift moved artists outside of the studio to depict their impressions of the world around them, focusing on the effects of different light and colors on landscapes, buildings, and common subject matters.
19th-century Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro said of Impressionism, “Work at the same time on sky, water, branches, ground, keeping everything going on an equal basis… Don’t be afraid of putting on color… Paint generously and unhesitatingly, for it is best not to lose the first impression.”
This movement has had a profound impact on the art world since it began in the late 1800s and is often regarded as a catalyst of modern art. Its style and technique continues to influence many artists, including some of our artists at Third & Wall. Julie Devine’s work “communicates a spirited appreciation for the outdoors and for the tradition of painting, in particular the impressionist, post-impressionist, and abstract expressionist styles.”
“Blue Majestic” by Julie Devine 
“White Bark” by Julie Devine 
“My Brother Wants Blueberries” by Julie Devine 
“Majesty” by Julie Devine
Today’s artists are interpreting and showcasing Impressionism in new ways, painting in the thick, bold strokes and capturing the moment, light, and color around them as they see it. Third and wall artist Brooke Borcherding “took her easel outdoors for the first time in 2009, observing and learning from both nature and her plein air painting peers.” This direction was fueled by her need “to express what is real and everyday, and embrace the often overlooked beauty that is right in front of us.”
“Belmont Street” by Brooke Borcherding 
“Skagit Creek” by Brooke Borcherding 
“Ode” by Brooke Borcherding 
“Needle From The Hill” by Brooke Borcherding
The Impressionist movement represented a groundbreaking shift in art history, allowing artists the freedom to explore new ideas, technology, and painting techniques. Born in Barcelona, Third and Wall artist Adolf Llovera visited many Barcelona art galleries that formed his earliest art influences, leaving him particularly enamored of the works of the French Impressionist painters. Llovera said,
“To me, observation is inspiration. Details of everyday life, everything that surrounds us provides a motive for inspiration.”
“Cafe Paris II” by Adolf Llovera 
piece by Adolf Llovera 
“San Francisco Streetcar III” by Adolf Llovera 
piece by Adolf Llovera
The subjectivity of artwork shaped by Impressionism evokes a visceral reaction from the viewer and depicts the beauty of everyday moments. As each artist in the late 1800s began to hone their own style with more artistic freedom, the Impressionist movement itself dissipated but paved the way for future art movements. It continues to inspire artists today and their own contemporary interpretations of Impressionism.
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