Monet's Garden at Giverny
What is it about Impressionist paintings that makes them so appealing? Here is a list of what are interpreted as qualities today but were in fact outrages when they first appeared in the 1870’s:
· Singular bright tonal range
· Blond light pervades with an atmosphere of gaiety, spring and golden evenings
· Outdoor life that is panoramic and charming
· Color is not pinned down in a rigid format
· The viewer escapes into the painting, it gives a feeling of place
· An interpretation of atmosphere in which trees can be violet and skies may be buttery
· Loose, rapid brushwork
These days an Impressionist painting by Monet can cost $28 million. This popularity of Impressionist works has resulted in an abundance of contemporary artists who produce the style. Buyers feel confident in buying such works. They are charmed by the play of shadow and light, lush colors and shimmering atmosphere.
This explains the popularity of (love him or hate him) Thomas Kinkade. The list of Impressionism features certainly applies to his work, too. He has received criticism for how he has commercialized his art. It’s described as pretentious and industrially-produced, corny and tasteless. He has a huge operation with hundreds of employees at assembly lines dabbing paint onto canvases that will sell for $1000 - $50,000. Take a look.
What is it about Impressionist paintings that makes them so appealing? Here is a list of what are interpreted as qualities today but were in fact outrages when they first appeared in the 1870’s:
· Singular bright tonal range
· Blond light pervades with an atmosphere of gaiety, spring and golden evenings
· Outdoor life that is panoramic and charming
· Color is not pinned down in a rigid format
· The viewer escapes into the painting, it gives a feeling of place
· An interpretation of atmosphere in which trees can be violet and skies may be buttery
· Loose, rapid brushwork
These days an Impressionist painting by Monet can cost $28 million. This popularity of Impressionist works has resulted in an abundance of contemporary artists who produce the style. Buyers feel confident in buying such works. They are charmed by the play of shadow and light, lush colors and shimmering atmosphere.
This explains the popularity of (love him or hate him) Thomas Kinkade. The list of Impressionism features certainly applies to his work, too. He has received criticism for how he has commercialized his art. It’s described as pretentious and industrially-produced, corny and tasteless. He has a huge operation with hundreds of employees at assembly lines dabbing paint onto canvases that will sell for $1000 - $50,000. Take a look.
Thomas Kinkade
(one of many cottage paintings with glowing lights)
A description by his one of his followers (I think) but borders on the sarcastic:
“The Painter of Light,” Thomas Kinkade is famous for idealistic, light-infused images. One of America’s most collected living artists, Kinkade communicates his strong faith and values through a glowing, romantic style of soft lines, warm colors and inner glow. When Kinkade creates a painting, it is often reproduced in countless forms, including books, posters, figurines and gift items.
This stuff is so over the top in my opinion but it kind of brings to mind Fragonard's eyecatching, pretty colors in "The Swing". Another description I read is "chocolate box art" (cheap decoration)
I've always loved Monet's work, but for some reason, never had a penchant towards Thomas Kinkade, like a lot of people. The houses he painted, to me apperared to "quaint" and yes, a bit, corny compared to say Monet's "landscape/nature" inspired subject matter. I like how you compared the two--similar in say, brushstrokes, outdoors scenes, and play of light, but each have dramatic differences. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed communicating with you over this semester through our blogs! You have great insight into art and it is always fun to read your take on this weeks assignment. I hope we get a chance to be in class again next fall. Take care,
Kimberlie
I really enjoyed your posting this week. What I love about Impressionist painting is the idea that the world can be beautiful through someone else's eyes. Obviously, Impressionist paintings are far from realistic, but still maintain some sort of realism. A very odd combination if you ask me. Thomas Kinkades paintings seem like scenes right out of a fairy tale which is perhaps why they may have been so misunderstood. I prefer Impressionist art to anything else and thought your blog gave some good information and facts about this kind of art.
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