Why Artists Choose the Loosely Painted Style

Art, throughout its long and evolving history, has been a medium for expressing the deeply nuanced emotions that artists feel. From the moments of intense mindfulness where an artist captures a fleeting impression to the fervent, layered works that explore deeper themes, the methods of painting have themselves evolved. One such technique that has gained significant recognition and popularity is the loosely painted style. This technique, exemplified by the works of renowned artists like Claude Monet, has become a powerful tool for expressing emotions in a unique and authentic manner.

The Role of Speed and Expressivity

When discussing the origins of loosely painted artwork, it's important to delve into the history of some of its forefathers. For instance, Monet, one of the prominent artists to utilize this technique, first began using it for a purpose—speed. During his famous series of paintings of the Rouen Cathedral, Monet sought to capture the ever-changing effects of light and color, which required him to work quickly and efficiently. This is precisely what prompts the question: why would an artist "loosely" paint something as a method of expression?

Speed promotes authenticity in the loosely painted style. Imogene Cunningham aptly pointed out in her writings that Monet 's desire to capture the transient effects of light prompted him to abandon the meticulous weave of details that marked earlier academic traditions. Instead, Monet and others like him, such as Claude-Oscar Monet, Aimé Morot, and Jean Beraud, embraced a more spontaneous and daring approach. By prioritizing speed, they could channel the immediate effects of their environment onto their canvases. Monet's Rouen series is a testament to this, where the same subject is depicted under different lighting conditions, each painting a unique moment that would have been lost if he had taken his time.

Emotional Expression through Loosely Painted Art

The loosely painted style is more expressive and often playful. The artist is using large arm movements and bold strokes rather than small hand or wrist movements and careful small strokes. This larger and more expressive manipulation of the brush allows for a broader range of emotions and energy to be conveyed. In the hands of an artist like Vincent van Gogh, for example, the conscious abandonment of detail and reliance on loose, unhindered brushwork translated into an emotional intensity that is palpable and moving.

The result is a painting that embodies a certain chaos and authenticity, captivating the viewer with its genuine emotion. This is especially true when transitioning from impressionism to post-impressionism, where the focus became more on the artist's inner emotional experience. While Monet's works in the impressionist style were a marvel of light and color, they began to transition towards a more expressive and emotive style under the influence of other post-impressionist artists, such as Paul Cézanne and Gauguin.

Modern Applications of Loose Painting

Today, this technique is even more widely embraced, as artists continue to find new ways to express the wide range of emotions they feel through loosely painted work. Loose painting is less focused on detail and realism, allowing artists to convey a sense of spontaneity and vitality. This style can be seen in a variety of art forms, from oil paintings to watercolors, and even in digital art, where quick, bold brushstrokes can be replicated with rendering tools.

It is this playful and expressive nature that makes the loosely painted style so appealing. Whether it is the quick jottings of a plein air sketch or the layered, energetic strokes of a painting, this technique allows the artist to fully indulge in the expression of their emotions. Artists like Freda Springer and Willem de Kooning have long championed this approach, and it continues to be a favorite among contemporary artists. The result is a style that is both personal and universal, carrying the viewer into the artist's inner world and allowing them to experience emotions in a raw and authentic manner.

Conclusion

The loosely painted style, as exemplified by the works of Claude Monet, is a powerful method of artistic expression. By prioritizing spontaneity and emotional release over meticulous detail, artists are able to create works that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through the history of art, from the impressionists to the post-impressionists and beyond, we see the enduring appeal of this style and its ability to connect with the viewer on a profound emotional level.