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An excellent handout for Leaving Certificate Art students preparing for their Pre exams and Leaving cert exam. This handout on Impressionism provides a structured overview of the Impressionist movement in France, focusing on three key artists: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. It begins with a brief introduction to Impressionism as a revolutionary movement that broke away from the rigid conventions of Academic art, emphasising the capture of fleeting moments, the effects of light, and vibrant depictions of everyday life. Each artist is then presented with the following:

Context of their work: A detailed exploration of the social, cultural, and technological influences that shaped their art, such as the impact of industrialisation, the advent of photography, and the influence of Japanese woodblock prints.

Art and design principles: Key features of their artistic styles, including brushwork, use of colour and light, composition, and their unique approaches to capturing movement and atmosphere.

Influences: Insights into the factors that inspired each artist, such as technological advancements, modern entertainment, and innovations in artistic techniques.\n\nThis handout also includes key takeaways about the Impressionist movement, highlighting its focus on light, atmosphere, and spontaneity, as well as its rejection of traditional artistic methods. The handout concludes with a section of recommended paintings by each artist, encouraging students to study works like Monet’s Impression, Sunrise, Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, and Degas’ The Ballet Class to gain a deeper understanding of Impressionism. The overall structure is clear and comprehensive, designed to give students a nuanced understanding of the Impressionist movement, its pioneering artists, and its transformative impact on modern art.