April 24, 2013
Comparative Analysis
The Path on the Island of Saint Martin, Vetheuil, is a medium scale oil painting that was created by Claude Monet in 1881. Claude Monet uses the technique known as en plein air by painting the natural landscape that surrounded him. Monet, like most Impressionist painters, had desires to capture and paint his initial impression of several different outdoor scenes. Impressionist artist escaped the classical ways of painting by creating pieces that had a sketch-like, or unfinished quality to them. This was not due to a lack in technique or training; this is a style that Monet acquired by using very dappled brushstrokes in his work. The individual brushstrokes portray the different shapes of each object, which enhances the composition of this piece. The overlapping of distinct brush strokes gives the piece depth and a lively quality. For example, the high grass is well depicted as blowing in the wind but this movement would not be as beautifully rendered if Monet didn’t use dappled brushstrokes.
The Path on the Island of Saint Martin, Vetheuil has a very rich use of color and brightness that bring a sense of clarity to the piece. Monet uses a variety of color in this piece but sticks to mostly earthy tones which gives the piece a harmonious feeling. Monet did not try to smooth away or diminish the appearance of their brush strokes, which was a popular technique during Impressionism. Another Impressionist “technique” that Monet used was capturing a fleeting moment. In Path on the Island of Saint Martin, Vetheuil Monet captures the fleeting effects of sunlight that happen throughout that day. Capturing these moments enhances the feeling of a certain impression of the scene.
Rain by Vincent Van Gogh is oil painting that was created in 1889. Van Gogh was a famous artist during the Post-Impressionism time period and created artworks that had a strong emotional impact on viewers. Rain has several realistic depictions