Claude monet and the beauty of french impressionist painting

MONET

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IMPRESSIONISTS For over 100 years, people around the world have been struck by the beauty of the paintings of Claude Monet, French Impressionist and master artist. The influence of his work can still be felt today, from the many exhibits of his work to

today’s artists who replicate his style.

HUMBLE ORIGINS Oscar-Claude Monet was born in Paris on November 14, 1840.

From an early age, he displayed a talent for painting and would frequently create portraits and caricatures of local residents. He filled

his school notebooks with many drawings.

THE LIFE In 1854, Monet’s family moved to Le Havre, where his father worked and hoped young Claude would follow in his footsteps. But the life of a businessman was not for Monet. In 1859, he moved back

to Paris to pursue a career in art.

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SUISSE Upon arriving in Paris, Monet enrolled in the prestigious AcadĂŠmie Suisse. While attending school, he met fellow artist Camille Pissarro; the two became close friends and would go on to become the forerunners of a new school of art: Impressionism.

MONET

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IMPRESSIONISM

Rejecting the strict realism that was in vogue at the time, Monet and his fellow Impressionists favored personal perspective and mood, capturing the essence of subjects rather than the strict formalism and technique.

THE IMPRESSIONIST REVOLUTION At a 1874 art show, Monet

and his likeminded artist friends put on an exhibition of their work. In his review, a critic derisively dubbed

the new style “impression,” though it was meant to be an insult, the name stuck, and Monet’s paintings were

put at the forefront of an artistic revolution.

MONET’S LEGACY Though he died in 1926, Monet’s legacy continues to this day. AmaWaterways

celebrates the great artist’s work with the Paris & Normandy cruise, which visits the regions that inspired artists like Monet, Gauguin, and Renoir. The special Art Cruises

on the Seine give guests the chance to create their own masterpieces.

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CRUISE

Features of the AmaWaterways Art Cruise on the Seine includes: •

Creating your own masterpieces during onboard painting sessions.

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Expert onboard art teachers to

help make painting easy.

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Take home your paintings as oneof-a-kind souvenirs of your trip.

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All painting materials provided!

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C O N TA C T U S

AmaWaterways takes travelers from around the world on one-of-a-kind river cruises to Europe, Asia, and Africa. For a full list of our destinations and more information on our tours, visit www.amawaterways.com.

SOURCES All painting images are in the public domain.

S U M M A RY Claude Monet was a leading member of the Impressionist art movement, which focused on emotional and personal perspective over strict realism. Learn about the man behind the famous paintings.