Painting the Impressionist Landscape

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Impressionism, with its captivating techniques and artists, continues to inspire both creators and art lovers. From the plein-air landscapes near Barbizon to Monet's Giverny, the movement has significantly influenced American art, including figures like John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase. Charles Hawthorne, an influential American impressionist and educator, played a crucial role in passing down this legacy through The Cape Cod School of Art. In this insightful exploration, Lois Griffel, the current director of the school, delves into Hawthorne’s philosophies on color and light, making them accessible for artists of all skill levels. The first section, “Fundamentals of Color and Light,” examines the historical context of impressionism and details the evolution of color study, from basic block studies to complex forms in still lifes and landscapes. Griffel covers essential color concepts, the impressionist palette, and color mixing, linking established theories to the impressionist approach. The second part, “Impressionism in Practice,” guides readers toward mastering the impressionist landscape. It includes practical advice on materials for outdoor painting and how light affects color in compositions. Through structured chapters on various studies, from sunny to cloudy days, readers learn to evaluate and apply Hawthorne’s insights about capturing nature's light in their artwork. Richly illustrated with works from