I have a varied opinion on the Impressionist style of art. Some I enjoy and some I enjoy less, but do not entirely dislike. I enjoy impressionist paintings that are done in warm tones and depict leisurely and comforting scenes. For example, as I was reading through the course material on Impressionism and completing the written assignment, I was caught by the painting Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by John Singer Sargent.
He was awakened to the idea for the painting watching the children water lilies at the Lavington Rectory in Sussex in 1884. The painting was completed in the autumns of 1885 and 1886 at the Farnham House and Russell House the Broadway homes of Frank Millet according to wetcanvas.com.
The element of the painting that held my attention was the reflection of light onto the faces of the young girls from the lanterns which they hold. The scene feels real. I can picture these girls hanging the lanterns in preparation for a party on a warm summer’s night. This I enjoy, the warm feeling from the lanterns and the story it tells from a single snapshot.
I enjoy how the artist is able to alter the image in impressionism to depict his or her “impressions”. Washing some details and cold cut lines for soft, blended tones and edges. Although, I do also enjoy the more realistic elements of former arts. The Renaissance style of proportion, and detailed body lines. However, those elaborate paintings are not exactly suitable for normal everyday decor in the home. Perhaps this is the charm of Impressionism, it is suitable for everyday situations. Although, not all Impressionistic art appeals to me. For example, I do not enjoy James McNeill Whistler’s Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter’s Mother.
Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter's Mother
Anna McNeill Whistler was with her son in London when she posed for him to complete this painting. I like art to evoke joyous feelings or awe when I look at them, to me his painting is just dull and depressing. Yes, I understand that not all art can be happy. Impressionism has such a range of feelings, I simply enjoy the warm end of the spectrum.
I agree with you about John Singer Sargent. His paintings were the only ones I truly liked. I also liked Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose. But the painting I liked most by him was titled “El Jaleo”. It was a painting of a Flaminco dancer at the apex of her performance. If you have a chance you should take a look at it. What I liked about Sargent was his technique. He seemed to have cleaner lines and not distort the pictures like some of the other painters. What I enjoyed about Impressionism was the subject matter not the technique. Great job on the blog!
I did get a chance to look at the painting “El Jaleo” It is very beautiful, and Sargent’s use of light is amazing. This is why I enjoy his work so much, his use of light is so very realistic. I still love the Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose painting the most! Thank you for suggesting the other painting!
I had not come across the painting Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by John Singer Sargen before your post. I agree that this painting is really beautiful. I really like paintings of children so I especially enjoyed this one. For some reason it reminds me of my sister and I playing when we were younger. I also liked the pink flowers in the background. They blend in well, but are also a good contrast to the dark background and white nightgowns. Impressionism is not my first pick for favorite eras for painting, but I do think some good work came out of this time. Where would art be without Monet’s waterlilies or Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night?
I would like to start by saying that I loved how you added everything you needed into this opinion essay! You did a wonderful job. I would also like to say that the painting you chose, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by John Singer Sargent really caught my eye, as I was going through the class roster. I absolutely fell in love with it. I agree with you, even though I love the paintings in this era that there are some that are less interesting than others. But, honestly what era does’t? I did however, love the paintings you selected. Sargent’s reminds me when I was living in Texas, and my siblings and I were out catching lighting bugs and June bugs in the back yard near my Great Grandparents lawn. The lighting in the painting reminds me of both the lighting present at the time and the “light” that they expressed on their little faces. They were so excited to be up late with the big kids. Also, I agree with you how the painting is given soft tones to give it a peaceful look. This is my favorite part of the era! Have you ever checked out the painting, Poppy Fields by Monet? It gives me the same vibe your chose piece gives me. Check it out. Maybe you’ll like it just as much as I did.
I really enjoyed your blog! You did a great job with comparing and contrasting both Impressionism pieces. I also have mixed feelings about the period, liking only certain pieces. Definitely ones such as John Singer Sargent’s Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose are ones that I prefer. The beautiful colors, the uplifting mood and happiness the portrait conveys are what I enjoy about Impressionist paintings. Whistler’s painting seems rather droll and dark, not how I would picture a painting of my mother at all. Great job!
I really liked your blog on your Impressionistic selected painting. The selection you picked Warmth on a Child’s Face was perfect and beautiful. You cited your painter and paintings information well. I agree that some Impressionistic painting are not my taste either as James McNeill Whistler’s Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter’s Mother. Not to say that it isn’t artistic just that it’s not my personal style. Enjoyed your post!