Impressionism originated in France in the 1860’s. Impressionists enjoyed the splendor of natural light in nature and were fascinated by the relationship between colour and light.

Impressionists would paint using pure colour pigments and free brushstrokes. Their subject choice was radical, selecting landscapes and every day scenes over the more traditional historic, religious or romantic themes. The name Impressionism came from a journalist after one of Monet’s works called Impression – Sunrise.

Some Impressionist artists include Caillebotte, Cassatt, Degas, Manet, Monet, Morisot, Pissarro, Renoir and Sisley.