Art Movement Research Paper

Leanne Mynes Art Movement Essay Craft Level 6

“ Take three art movements in history. Compare and discuss the features of each movement and give examples of artists and specific artworks , including visuals to support your choices . Give a personal evaluation of each one and how it may influence your own work “

Renaissance (14th to the 17th century)

The Renaissance was a period of time from the 14th to the 17th century in Europe. This era bridged the time between the Middle Ages and modern times. A big part of the Renaissance was a cultural movement called humanism. It looked for realism and human emotion in art. There were some very important artist innovations

They were rendered quickly with loose brush stroke because the artists felt like this method best captured the life , character and play of light on the subject. Many of the techniques used by the Impressionists had been used by painters throughout history , but they were the first to use all of them together and with such boldness.

The main characteristics of impressionism included:

Using colour in place of black or grey- Artist became aware that shadows are not black or grey , but coloured. They avoided using black and instead mixed complementary colours to achieve grey and dark tones.

Working with loose brushstrokes - Artists worked quickly , using short , thick brushstrokes of paint to capture the essence of the subject rather than its details. This compared to the time of the Renaissance when artist focused more on capturing small details. They would also use a more controlled brushstrokes .

Applying thick , wet paint on the surface- Impressionist paintings were typically opaque with wet paint often placed onto wet paint to produce a unique , soft-edged effect and an intermingling of colour. Earlier painters had built up the surface slowly in thin layers or transparent

In Monet’s Bathers at La Grenouillere the whole painting is constructed with detached brushstrokes. Long brushstroke represent the tree trunks , bathing sheds , distant boats , oars and seats of the rowing boats and emphasise the sun-light filled water .

Brushstrokes applied as flat patches with dabs and curls of paint indicate pattns of light on water . This came about as a result of “en plein air “ painting but could also be inspired by japanese print.

Abstract art

Abstract art does not represent images of everyday life. Abstract art uses a “ visual language” that uses colour, lines and shapes , but they are not intended to represent objects or living things. Often the artists were influenced by ideas and philosophies. Before art had been , from the Renaissance up to the 19th century , underpinned by the logic of perspective and an attempt to reproduce an illusion of visible