This is a 10-week seminar, starting February 21, 2017
Moderator: Saul Kent
Co-moderator: Helene Lambert
Day and Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 AM
Format: Seminar
Location: Loomis Village, So. Hadley
(free parking on site)
This seminar will explore the roots of the rebellion and development of the American response to European impressionism.
Painters like Childe Hassam, John Twachtman, Merritt Chase, Edward Simmons, John Whistler and many others became icons of the new American idiom. Using their own geography, traditions and spirit, they created a new genre of American painting in answer to the predominantly French impressionist style.
Role of participants:
We will resurrect the lives, influences and careers of painters within this American context. Each member will choose one painter from a list to be provided (or you may choose one of your own). Each will present examples of her or his work and the story of her or his or life, aesthetic development and achievements during the evolution of this movement.
Resources:
No purchases necessary. However, there are a number of good general texts on American Impressionism, such as Ulrich W. Hiesinger’s Impressionism in America: The Ten American Painters, Prestel, 1991, as well as books about individual painters available from the library. Images and texts also are available on-line.
About the Moderators:
Saul Kent was a teacher and school principal in New York City. He is a three-year LIR enthusiast who follows the arts and history. Helene Lambert was a medical and academic librarian who has interests from art and genetics to biography and 20th century literature.