ARTS 10 – Lesson 1: Modern Art & Impressionism

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms, artists, artworks, and key characteristics discussed in the lecture on Modern Art – Impressionism.

Modern Art

Broad artistic period (late 19th–20th c.) marked by experimentation and a break from traditional techniques; initially centered in Europe, later led by American artists.

Artistic Style

A distinctive manner of expression developed by artists within a particular time and place, often shared by like-minded creators.

Impressionism

19th-century art movement focused on capturing the fleeting impression of a scene—especially light, color, and atmosphere—rather than detailed realism.

Plein-air Painting

Practice of painting outdoors to observe natural light and color directly, favored by Impressionists.

Broken Color Technique

Use of tiny dabs or dashes of pure, often complementary hues that visually blend at a distance, typical of Impressionist works.

Claude Monet

French painter (1840–1926), founder of Impressionism, renowned for series like Water Lilies and for studying light at different times of day.

Impression, Sunrise

Monet’s 1874 painting whose title gave the Impressionist movement its name after critics noted the term “impression.”

Grainstack Near Giverny Series

Monet’s 1891 studies of haystacks under varied light and seasons, exemplifying his focus on changing atmosphere.

Gare Saint-Lazare

Monet series depicting a Paris train station, illustrating light filtering through steam and glass—an Impressionist concern with modern life and motion.

Water Lilies Series

Approximately 250 paintings (1897–1926) of Monet’s Giverny pond, iconic for exploring reflections, color, and light.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

French Impressionist (1841–1919) noted for vibrant colors, lively social scenes, and affection for the female form; produced over 6,000 paintings.

Two Sisters (On the Terrace)

Renoir’s 1881 portrait highlighting his bright palette and interest in everyday moments.

Luncheon of the Boating Party

Renoir’s 1881 scene of leisure along the Seine, celebrated for its composition and sparkling light.

Dance at the Moulin de la Galette

Renoir’s 1876 depiction of Parisian social life under dappled sunlight, emblematic of Impressionist energy.

Juan Luna

Filipino painter (1857–1899), sculptor, and revolutionary; earned gold at the 1884 Madrid Exposition and became a leading Philippine artist.

Spoliarium

Luna’s award-winning historical painting (1884) depicting fallen gladiators, showcasing academic realism.

The Parisian Life

Luna’s 1892–93 painting symbolizing the Philippines under Spanish rule; features Luna, José Rizal, and Ariston Bautista Lin plotting revolution.

Fernando Amorsolo

Filipino artist (1892–1972) dubbed the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art,” famous for sunlit rural landscapes and cultural scenes.

Backlighting (Amorsolo Technique)

Use of strong light from behind subjects to create a luminous, glowing effect in Amorsolo’s paintings.

Planting Rice

Amorsolo’s 1956 painting portraying Filipino farmers in radiant countryside light, exemplifying his idyllic rural focus.

Academic Realism

Art style emphasizing meticulous detail, traditional subjects, and historical themes, practiced by Juan Luna.

Fleeting Moment

Core Impressionist aim to capture transient effects of light, atmosphere, and motion in a single instant.

Mood & Atmosphere

Priority of Impressionists to evoke feeling rather than precise likeness, using color and light to suggest ambiance.

‘Founder of Impressionist Painting’

Title widely attributed to Claude Monet for spearheading and embodying Impressionist principles.