Impressions of Art – Weekly Photo Challenge
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
Edgar Degas
In the late 1800s, artists like Monet, Degas, Cezanne and Renoir developed an artistic style that became know as impressionism. It focused on depicting the visual “impression of the moment”, especially as related to light and color. They were known to have been influenced by early photography and were among the first to have painted “en plein air”. Although I truly appreciate all forms of art, I have always been partial to impressionism as my favorite style.
“I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?”
Vincent Van Gogh
The opening capture above is my impression of the original shot which follows it. In Provence, there are vineyards at every turn – one more picturesque than the last. For this week’s Art challenge I’ve attempted to creatively present an impressionist view of several scenes using post-processing tools – including the lovely vineyard scene. For me, the scene spoke of simpler days gone by – thereby leading me to present it in a rather nostalgic way.
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
Bansky
Creative courage involves trying new things and pushing boundaries. Although I love nothing more than a wonderful photograph, I also admire those who step outside the box and use imagination to create another view entirely. I am the first to admit that my skills with textures and effects are seriously limited but I do enjoy playing with images now and then to see what might result. My goal with the capture above was to create an ethereal feel similar to my own impression as I made the shot here on Kiawah early one morning.
“Every form of art is another way of seeing the world.”
Claudia Gray
“In art as in love, instinct is enough. ”
Anatole France
I’ve seen many horses in my travels, but it seems white horses are the most elusive and rare. I captured this beautiful creature during a visit to La Camargue in Southeast France. The region is known for its beautiful salt marshes and its white horses. To me they are rather ghostly in appearance, but in an appealing way. My interpretation is an attempt to portray that quality.
“Art is not a thing; it is a way. ”
Elbert Hubbard
“A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.”
Paul Cezanne
The final image captures a truly peaceful moment on one of Kiawah’s smaller lagoons. There our many species of water fowl, in this case bufflehead ducks, find calm waters and a variety of small fish and grasses on which they can feed undisturbed. I wasn’t especially happy with the original capture (below) which I found a bit busy. But after de-saturating it and applying some textures I felt it better delivered the peaceful impression that struck me while shooting the scene.
“Art is literacy of the heart.”
Elliott Eisner
Like the impressionists before us, the best artists bring heart and emotion to their work. They achieve success when the viewer not only sees their work but also feels it. Here’s to the effort as much as the result.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! If you’d like to learn more about impressionism, click here.
Beautiful work, Tina. I love how each image is a mix of fantasy and realism! The picture of the white horse is to me an expression of all good things about peace and freedom.
Thanks very much Uday – loved your interpretation of my white horse capture!
Well you have certainly created beautiful artworks. I like the egret & the ducks the best. Although the original duck pic is busy, it must have looked lovely in real life, with those reflections.
Hi Maamej and thanks for your visit. Yes the ducks were VERY peaceful but the foliage around their little pond was quite a mess!!! I think they like it that way though as it gives them places to hide from predators.
Lovely work, Tina. I share your love of impressionism. I think my favorite is the first–the essence of Provence. You’ve really “nailed” it with the choice of the photo, the textures, and colors.
Hi Patti – and thanks! I enjoyed your interpretive work as well!
Amazing impressionists photos Tina S!
Love them all ! The colors are more subdued yet the feelings express exactly what a Monet masterpiece would project.
Fantastic !
Thanks so much Atureaud for the lovely compliment.
Truly artistic and as you say a labour of love. Every one could be framed and hung alongside the impressionists of yesteryear. But you horse just calls to me. I have always had a dream of visiting the Camargue to see these magnificent horses. I did a post once about horses and ending with a beautiful poem about the horses of the Camargue https://memoriesaremadeofthisblog.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/a-life-long-passion-for-horses/
Thanks so much Pauline. The Camargue is magnificent. we had just a day there and I hope someday to go back. So glad it enchanted you!
So, so cool! I would love to have the skills and time to play around with something like this … maybe someday! And your skills are far from basic; these are spectacular!
Thanks so much Lex – I’m lucky to have the time to play with techniques like these. I’m sure you’d love experimenting with them when things settle down for you. thanks for stopping by!