Four Schools Of Impressionism

If there’s one art style that continues to captivate and inspire, it’s Impressionism. Known for its vibrant colors, loose brushwork, and the way it captures the “feeling” of a moment, Impressionism speaks to the heart as much as it delights the eye. It’s a style that encourages freedom, self-expression, and capturing life in all its beauty and movement – which is why so many of us fall in love with it.

For anyone looking to dive into the world of painting, Impressionism offers an approachable, joyful, and endlessly creative path. And did you know Impressionism didn’t just bloom in France? Around the world, artists have embraced and adapted this style to reflect their own landscapes, stories, and unique perspectives. Let’s take a look at four major schools of Impressionism that have made a lasting impact on the art world.

1. French Impressionism

When we think of Impressionism, we often picture French Impressionism, where it all began in the 1860s. Painters like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas led the way, painting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and bustling cityscapes with a focus on capturing light and movement. With their short brushstrokes and bold use of color, they broke away from tradition and set the stage for modern art as we know it.

2. Australian Impressionism

In the late 19th century, Impressionism reached the Australian shores, where artists took inspiration from their French counterparts and created a unique take on the style. Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Frederick McCubbin are just a few key figures of Australian Impressionism, also known as the Heidelberg School. Their works often reflect the Australian bush and vibrant coastlines, capturing the intense light and color of the Australian landscape in ways that feel both familiar and timeless.

3. Russian Impressionism

With its roots in the early 20th century, Russian Impressionism is distinct for its earthy tones and emphasis on rural and everyday life. Artists like Konstantin Korovin and Isaac Levitan brought a romantic touch to scenes of Russian landscapes, peasant life, and the seasons. Russian Impressionism often feels a bit more introspective, with a focus on capturing the soul and spirit of the people and places depicted.

4. American Impressionism

Across the Atlantic, American Impressionists embraced the style with their own fresh perspective, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Artists such as Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and John Singer Sargent created beautiful works that often combined the softness of European Impressionism with a uniquely American feel. They painted everything from bustling cities to quiet gardens, capturing both American life and nature with a light and airy touch.

Whether you’re drawn to the bright landscapes of French Impressionism, the rugged beauty of Australian scenes, the introspective tone of Russian works, or the lively charm of American Impressionism, each school offers something unique to explore. And if you’ve ever wanted to paint like the Impressionists, it’s never been easier!

Our course, “Paint The Impressionists,” dives into these styles, giving you the techniques and guidance you need to paint your own impressionist masterpieces. If you’d like to explore these four schools hands-on and learn how to bring the spirit of Impressionism to your own canvas, we’d love to have you join us.

Happy painting, and here’s to capturing life with every brushstroke!