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During the Impressionism art period, en plein air painting gained popularity and exerted a significant influence on the art world.
En plein air painting became increasingly popular among artists during the Impressionism era, particularly in France. Artists were drawn to the practice for its ability to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere with immediacy and authenticity. The accessibility of portable art supplies, such as portable easels and collapsible paint tubes, made it easier for artists to work outdoors, contributing to the widespread adoption of en plein air painting.
En plein air painting represented a departure from the traditional studio-based approach to painting. By working directly from nature, artists embraced a more spontaneous and experimental mode of artistic expression. This shift in artistic practice challenged academic conventions and paved the way for new approaches to painting, characterized by bold brushwork, vibrant color, and a focus on capturing the sensory experience of the natural world.
En plein air painting expanded the range of subject matter available to artists, allowing them to explore a wider variety of landscapes, seascapes, and urban scenes. Artists ventured beyond the confines of the studio to paint en plein air in parks, gardens, countryside settings, and bustling city streets. This shift in subject matter reflected a growing interest in depicting everyday life and the natural world with greater immediacy and authenticity.
En plein air painting played a crucial role in the development of the Impressionist movement and its successors. Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro were avid practitioners of en plein air painting, using the technique to explore new modes of artistic expression. The spontaneity, fluidity, and emphasis on capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere associated with en plein air painting became defining characteristics of Impressionist art and influenced subsequent movements such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Expressionism.
En plein air painting helped popularize the practice of painting outdoors among artists and art enthusiasts alike. Art societies and organizations dedicated to plein air painting were established, providing opportunities for artists to gather, paint together, and share their experiences. En plein air painting also inspired the development of plein air painting competitions, workshops, and festivals, further contributing to its popularity and influence within the art community.
Overall, en plein air painting experienced a surge in popularity during the Impressionism art period and left a lasting impact on the art world, influencing artistic practice, subject matter, and the development of subsequent art movements.