Monet Paintings

Claude Monet was an unswerving advocate of the Impressionist style of painting. Monet Paintings are, in fact, the most important specimens of the Impressionist style.

Oscar-Claude Monet was born in Paris, France on November 14, 1840 to Claude Adolphe and Louise-Justine Monet. When Claude was about five, the family moved from Paris to the small town of La Havre. Claude Monet spent his childhood in La Havre and he began to show a keen interest in painting from a very young age. His caricatures were exhibited locally and were much appreciated. During this time, he befriended fellow artist Eugene Boudin who encouraged him to try landscape painting. He also initiated Monet into Oil Paintings.

In 1862, Monet entered the studio of Gleyre in Paris and there he met Renoir, Sisley, and Bazille with whom he was to form the nucleus of the Impressionist group.

Impressionism

Impressionism can be defined as a 19th century art movement that began as a loose association of Paris-based painters who began publicly exhibiting their art in the 1860s.

Impressionist Paintings were charcterized by visible brushstrokes, light colors, open composition, emphasis on light in its changing qualities (giving the impression of the passage of time), subject matters which werent out of the ordinary and innovative angles.This style of painting influenced a galaxy of painters, most famous of whom was Vincent Van Gogh.