Modern Impressionism: A New Look at a Timeless Art Movement

In the realm of fine art, few movements capture the imagination like impressionism. Originating in the late 19th century, this revolutionary style shifted the focus from traditional realism to the fleeting effects of light and color. Today, modern impressionism reawakens this vibrant approach, infusing it with contemporary themes and techniques that modern audiences relate to. In this blog post, we discuss what defines modern impressionism and how it continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

What is Modern Impressionism?

Modern Impressionism is a contemporary interpretation of the original Impressionist movement. While it maintains the core principles of capturing light, movement, and spontaneity, it introduces fresh perspectives, modern subjects, and innovative techniques. Artists in this genre often utilize bold colors, dynamic brush strokes, and experimental materials evoking emotions and conveying the essence of their surroundings.

Key Characteristics of Modern Impressionism

Vibrant Colors

A vibrant color palette dominates modern impressionist artwork. Artists opt for bright, saturated colors breathing life into their compositions. This departure from muted tones distinguishes their work and engages viewers on a sensory level.

Bold Brushwork

The hallmark of impressionism lies in its dynamic brushstrokes. Modern artists take this a step further and experiment with varying techniques that create texture and movement, drawing the viewer’s eye across the canvas.

Contemporary Themes

While impressionists of the past depicted landscapes and idyllic scenes, modern impressionists explore a broader range of subjects. These include urban environments, social issues, and personal narratives reflecting the complexities of modern life.

Mixed Media and Digital Techniques

Many modern impressionist artists incorporate mixed media, blending painting with photography, collage, and digital art. This fusion expands the boundaries of what impressionism can be, inviting innovation and creativity.

Three Artists of Modern Impressionism

Alissa Kim Tjen

Alissa Kim Tjen is a landscape artist working in acrylic. Her artwork plays with light, shadow and color, harmoniously combining visual elements into a vibrant work of art.

Idka 

Idka’s genre is urban life, nightlife, and anything with people. Her art shows just enough detail for us to be comfortable recognizing the subject. On the other hand, her abstraction of secondary visual elements leave room for the imagination.

Salman Toor

Salman Toor is an urban painter, breathing vitality into the places around him. The stark and strong color palette for many of his works echo those of the neo-impressionists. Toor doesn’t constrain his subject. Rather, visual elements spill off the canvas letting us know there’s lots going on that we don’t see.

Modern Impressionism is Alive and Well

With lively color palettes and bold brushwork, modern impressionist art continues to inspire artists and art lovers. While some view impressionism as a compromise between realism and abstract art, it’s a genre in its own right. The impressionists of the 19th century latched on to something profound when they introduced their new art style. Modern impressionist art continues to push the envelop of creativity. Contrary to popular art trends, modern impressionism is alive and well.

All images of artwork are under copyright by the artists.

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