The impressionists were born in the horse-and- buggy era but lived during the Industrial Revolution, a time -- like today -- of constant technological change. The Impressionist Art Book brings this period to life through dramatic, full-color photos of the art of such masters as Monet, Renoir, and Degas. A lively text explores photography's influence in changing the way impressionists painted and memorable quotes including Monet's statement "I want to paint the way a bird sings".

In this innovative approach to Impressionism and its methods, Jonathan Stephenson's instruction enables amateurs the world over to paint like the Impressionists. Vibrantly illustrated in colour throughout, both with well-known works of art and step-by-step examples, the book shows how the masters achieved their diverse effects and how their ideas and styles can be adapted to today's tastes. Sections on the artists provide fascinating insights into individual techniques: learn how Monet produced his oil colour sketches, or how Sisley created his atmospheric landscapes. With an introduction providing the historical background to Impressionism, and a comprehensive section on artists' materials, this is a highly practical book that will appeal both to beginners and more experienced artists, as well as to the many thousands of of people inspired by the brilliance and beauty of Impressionist painting.

Sixty color-ready illustrations of timeless treasures by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters include works by Cassatt, Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Sargent, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and others.

Examines the use of cafes, opera houses, dance halls, theaters, racetracks, and the seaside in impressionist French paintings