The Impressionist Movement

The work of Impressionist painters is among the most well-known and beloved of all of the artistic movements worldwide. Not only are Impressionist paintings aesthetically pleasing to look at, but they also represent a time and a place that is significant culturally and historically. The end of the nineteenth century in Europe marked the end of what had been an era of leisure. With ever-growing international conflicts, political disagreements and the looming invention of technology, the life captured by the Impressionists is both hopeful and melancholic at the same time.

To help students become familiar with the color palette used by the Impressionists, create a chalk mural either on the chalkboard or on the sidewalk in front of the school to which the entire class will contribute. You may choose to recreate an Impressionist’s painting such as Claude Monet’s "Water Lilies."

Assign students to small groups and have them stage a tableau depicting a famous Impressionist painting complete with costumes and scenery. Students can then create a brief skit giving life to the scene and a voice to the subjects. Students should be sure to include any relevant information about the history of the painting or the scene in their skits.

Have students select an Impressionist painting of their choice to research. They should provide an in-depth analysis of the painting’s subject matter, the artist’s style and the artist’s social, cultural and political background as it relates to the subject matter. Here are some other lesson plans that can help your students explore the world of the Impressionist Movement.

Impressionist Movement Lesson Plans:

Impressionist Artwork

Students create artwork in an Impressionist style. After taking digital photographs, students use Photoshop Elements to  alter their favorite images so that they look like an Impressionist painting. The lesson provides some helpful information on how to use Photoshop Elements.

Painting Like an Impressionist

This lesson helps students understand the basic techniques used by Impressionist painters in the nineteenth century. Students use complementary colors in their paintings as well as pointillist techniques.

Exploring Impressionist Landscapes

Following a virtual field trip, students compare and contrast the work of Monet and Renoir, two significant painters in the Impressionist movement. Students then have a chance to create their own landscapes inspired by the artwork studied in this lesson.

Realistic Impressions: Exploring Movement in the Arts

Students hone their comparative skills in this lesson which allows them to compare and contrast Impressionism with several other art movements. Special attention is paid to the social and political influences on each of the movements.