What is the primary focus of Impressionism in painting?

Impressionism is primarily characterized by its focus on capturing the effects of light and color in a way that reflects a fleeting moment or visual impression. This movement originated in the late 19th century and emphasized the artist's perception of the scene before them, rather than striving for a detailed, realistic representation.

In Impressionist works, the application of paint is often quick and spontaneous, allowing for an emphasis on the changing qualities of light and atmosphere. Artists would use vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes to convey the transient effects of sunlight, movement, and color interplay. This approach often results in scenes that appear soft and blurry, mirroring how our eyes experience fleeting moments.

The other options relate to different movements or concepts in art. Geometric representations align more with styles like Cubism, where forms are broken down into geometric shapes. Strong emotional expressions are more characteristic of movements like Expressionism, which prioritize emotional response over the visual impression. Finally, the rejection of traditional forms is a trait of various avant-garde movements, including Dada and Abstract art, which focused on breaking away from previous artistic conventions. In contrast, Impressionism, while innovative, still worked within recognizable subject matter, prioritizing the impression itself over traditional form.