We all want to choose a statement piece that really has the wow factor. There's something special about guests stopping to admire a really beautiful piece within your home, and seeing the effect it has on each person. A truly great piece causes even those who don't consider themselves art-lovers to stop for a moment, and that's what makes them a great addition to any home decor scheme.
What is impressionism?
Impressionism refers to the impressionist art movement that was started back in the 19th century. The emphasis in impressionist works is not upon a photorealistic representation of a scene, but rather on capturing the light and atmosphere. Impressionist artists work to create pieces that feel like a glimpse of the subject, rather than a detailed study. This is achieved through short brushstrokes in interesting and vibrant colour palettes. Amongst the great impressionist painters are often thought to be Claude Monet (who of course painted the famous waterlilies), Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne and Edouard Manet. If you are interested in incorporating impressionist art into your home, it's a great idea to look up the work of these renowned artists to get your bearings.
Think about placement
Whilst it might be tempting to think first about your home and where a piece might fit in, and the accompanying colour scheme that might be best reflected, with impressionism it is usually better to first find a work of art that stirs you. For example, a calming impressionist landscape will work beautifully hung upon a clean white wall, where the painting feels almost like a window out to the most beautiful land imaginable. Once you've found the impressionist works that you are most drawn to, it's good to visualise the placement of the prints or paintings in your home. This is, of course, dependent on the size and shape of the work. A large wall art piece will work well at the end of a room, as it draws the eye across and somehow has the effect of elongating the room to make it feel larger. Smaller impressionist prints in frames will work better in a smaller space to add interest and create a unique look that reflects your tastes as the homeowner.
Will impressionism work in my home?
The beauty of impressionism is that impressionist artwork can fit easily into any interior design scheme. For a more minimalist home, black and white art might be worked perfectly into decor ideas, and there are plenty of impressionist pieces in monochrome that will fit the bill. For home inspiration in a more traditional setting, bright bursts of impressionist colour in the perfect frame can really finish a more luxurious room. Whatever your taste, impressionist art is sure to freshen up your home renovation or interior design revamp.
