Impressionism is primarily focused on capturing which element of a scene?

Impressionism is predominantly concerned with capturing visual impressions, particularly the effects of light, color, and atmosphere as perceived in a moment. Artists within this movement aimed to depict fleeting moments and the transient qualities of nature. Instead of detailing every aspect of a scene with meticulous accuracy, Impressionists portrayed their immediate sensory experience, often painting en plein air (outdoors) to directly capture the moment's essence.

This focus on the immediacy of visual experience allowed for spontaneous brushwork and vibrant colors, which emphasized the overall impression of a scene rather than exact replicative detail. Such a technique diverges significantly from approaches that prioritize historical accuracy, abstract forms, or geometric shapes, which are not central to Impressionism's objectives. In essence, the movement sought to evoke the atmosphere and emotional response rather than a precise representation, which is encapsulated in the chosen correct answer about visual impressions.