What is the primary characteristic of Impressionism?

The primary characteristic of Impressionism is its focus on capturing light and atmosphere in a spontaneous manner. This artistic movement, which began in the late 19th century, emphasized the effects of natural light and the fleeting moments of everyday life. Impressionist artists often painted en plein air, or outdoors, to directly observe and capture the changing qualities of light and its impact on the colors and forms of their subjects. This resulted in works that convey a sense of immediacy and movement, often featuring loose brushwork and vibrant, unmixed colors that create the impression of a scene rather than a detailed, realistic portrayal.

While bold colors and abstract forms are associated with other art movements, such as Abstract Expressionism, Impressionism specifically aims to depict the transitory effects of light rather than focusing solely on color or form. Likewise, the emphasis on precise details and realism relates more closely to earlier movements like Realism or the Academic style, where artists aimed for lifelike representations. Lastly, although social and political themes can be found in many artists' works, Impressionism primarily sought to capture everyday scenes, landscapes, and moments in time, rather than making overt social or political statements.