Painting Light: An Impressionist Journey

Camp Description:
This camp invites young artists to step into the world of Impressionism, exploring the vibrant techniques and styles of artists like Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, and Edgar Degas. Participants will learn how to capture light, color, and movement in their paintings, focusing on the use of loose brushstrokes and playful color mixing to create their own Impressionist-inspired masterpieces.

Session Structure:

• Introduction to Impressionism: Learn about the history and key characteristics of the Impressionist movement, focusing on how artists captured everyday moments with light, color, and texture.
• Light and Color in Impressionism: Experiment with capturing light and shadow through color, focusing on how Impressionists used color to depict different times of day, weather, and mood.
• Brushstroke Techniques: Practice the loose, expressive brushstrokes typical of Impressionist artists, learning how to create a sense of movement and spontaneity in each painting.
• Outdoor Painting (En Plein Air): Experience the Impressionist technique of painting outdoors by creating landscapes and scenes from nature, just as the original Impressionists did, weather permitting.
• Portraits and Everyday Life: Explore how Impressionists captured people and everyday moments, creating portraits or scenes of daily life with a focus on color and light.
• Personal Impressionist Masterpiece: Over the course of the camp, students will work on creating their own Impressionist-style painting, using the techniques they’ve learned to bring their ideas to life.

Educational Objectives:

• Understanding of Impressionist Art: Gain an appreciation for the Impressionist movement, its artists, and their innovative approach to painting.
• Development of Painting Skills: Learn and practice painting techniques such as color mixing, loose brushstrokes, and layering, with a focus on capturing light and movement.
• Creative Expression: Encourage students to express their personal creativity through the use of color, light, and brushwork, developing their unique artistic style.
• Connection to Nature and Everyday Life: Help students understand how to observe the world around them and translate their observations into their artwork, inspired by the Impressionist approach.

Materials Provided:
All necessary materials, including canvases, brushes, paints, and sketchpads, will be provided. Outdoor easels and supplies will be available for any plein air painting activities.