The Impressionists were a group of painters in the late 19th century who shared a similar approach to painting. They were united by their rejection of the formal, academic rules of painting that had been taught in art schools.
The Impressionists instead favored a more naturalistic approach, one that was based on their observations of the world around them. This approach led them to experiment with new techniques, like using looser brushstrokes and lighter colors.
The Impressionists were some of the most influential painters of their time, and their work continues to be popular today. The most popular impressionists include: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and Alfred Sisley.