En plein air
Definition
This term refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape, rather than in a studio, allowing artists to capture the natural light, atmosphere, and changing conditions of the scene, a key practice of the Impressionist movement.
History
En plein air painting became central to the Impressionist movement in the late 19th century, where artists sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in their work, often painting quickly to record the immediate impression of the scene.
Notable Examples
Claude Monet
Impression, Sunrise, 1872
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Claude Monet, a leading Impressionist known for his plein air landscapes, and John Constable, whose work prefigured the movement with his focus on the natural world and direct observation.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve working outdoors with portable easels and paints, often using quick, spontaneous brushstrokes to capture the effects of light and weather, with a focus on color, atmosphere, and the transient qualities of the landscape.
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