Wheatstacks

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the biggest art museums in the United States and houses many different exhibits, from contemporary sculptures to classic masterpieces. The extensive collections offer a world tour of famous artists from Van Gogh to Rembrandt to El Greco to Picasso and everything around, in between, above and below. One style that is extensively displayed throughout the museum is impressionism. The Art Institute houses one of largest impressionist collections in the world. Inside this style, a particular painting stands out: Wheatstacks-End of Summer, by Claude Monet. This work uses rich colors and textures to create a simple, but memorable picture that resonates with audiences.
Impressionism has always been a popular style amongst audiences for the simple fact that it is often pretty. Bright, warm colors used to depict cheerful scenes fill people with a happy feeling; very little does one come across an impressionist painting focused on sadness or ugliness. Another way that artists create this pleasant atmosphere is by filling their paintings with light. They paint in the light, when the colors are best and show scenes focused on the outdoors, when their subjects are surrounded by the natural glow. These paintings make people feel happy, and happiness is a feeling that people do not want to forget.
Texture also is an important factor when considering Monet’s Wheatstacks. The combination of oil paints on canvas, paired with the impressionists’ style gives the painting a rugged look. What Monet loses in detail through his quick brushstrokes, the canvas makes up for by helping to make the piles of hay more lifelike, the grass more real. The texture gives the appearance of looking out a window into a field rather than at a painting on a wall. In this way, Wheatstacks goes against the popular opinion that impressionist paintings are not lifelike because the stroke style takes away from the fine details. It proves that there are more components to a painting than just the colors and picture.
Monet is one of the most famous impressionist painters, and my favorite artist. I enjoy much of his work and was very excited to see some of the originals at the Art Institute. I had seen Wheatstacks in some of the books I have read about Monet and impressionism, but it never really held my attention. After seeing it in person, however, my opinion changed. I loved the simplicity of the subject yet the beauty of the work. The way the setting sun plays with the light and throws the shadows adds something to the painting that holds my gaze. The shadows themselves are my favorite part of the picture. Even though they are shadows, literally absences of light, Monet adds color and brightness to them in a way that brings out the beauty and joy of a sunset.
Impressionism is not everyone’s favorite style. Some people believe that while it’s pretty, it lacks meaning and depth. I feel the opposite. I see the effort and love each artist puts into his or her work. This is why I feel such a strong connection to this specific style. The ability to use simple elements such as color and texture to create beautiful masterpieces is a skill I wish I possessed. For now, however, I must be content with enjoying the work of those who have truly mastered the technique.