Impressionism
...or mythical character, were usually the subject of a painting. Colors used for paintings were local, or believable and similar to those seen in real life. They were used to create lines that blended together to give a chiaroscuro effect and give depth (shadow) to two-dimensional objects. Titian’s “Venus of Urbino”, painted in 1538, is an example of a classical piece. The subject is a goddess-like figure whose round and voluptuous figure is bathed in a golden light, showing importance on the subject. Her expression is seductive, almost inviting to the men, fitting perfectly to the gender role of women at that time. Art of the Impressionists, however, showcased a very different style. These paintings were made using expressive colors and short, choppy brushstrokes that gave little detail to the objects being painted. Impressionist painters liked to use candid events or people as their subjects and often created a painting with multiple focal points. Unlike classical artists that painted in studios indoors, those following the impressionist movement typically painted scenes set outdoors. Photography and the Japanese art style of painting from a birds- eye view also influenced many of their works. Great attention was paid to color, such as juxtapositioning complementary colors to create the illusion of shadow, and the way light hit a specific shade to create different hues and tints. In Caillebotte’s “Paris Street: Rainy Day”, painted in 1877, for example, an unconscious, candid everyday scene makes up the setting of the painting. The general color is bright, or expressive, showing many shades of one color. Although is subjects are painted using crisp lines, the apparent chance arrangement of his figures and the idea that their motions are suspended in a moment already passed, are extreme...