What the Impressionists can teach the church

This summer, Cara and I were privileged to vacation in France, where we learned quite a bit about the Impressionists. I think the church has something to learn from these once-outcast artists.

The Impressionists were not loved by the French art community. They didn’t follow the rules of old tradition; instead, they painted ordinary people and everyday things. They found beauty and light all around them, so they painted it. Being outcasts from their own art community opened them up to exploring the artwork of other traditions and disciplines. Monet, Van Gogh, and others connected with Japanese artists who greatly influenced their work, opening them up to new possibilities and wonderful creations. Monet’s Lily Pond is part of his Japanese garden, and Van Gogh’s many sunflower paintings came from seeing Japanese artists do similar things. The French would never dare put such a flower in a vase and paint it! But oh là là, the Japanese opened Van Gogh’s eyes to a new and incredible beauty.

Cara and I attended a lecture on French Impressionists on our way to Monet’s Gardens. We learned that the Impressionists were not as concerned with depicting the perfect details of their subjects, but rather with capturing the light that bursts forth from each object. Then, French art historian Patricia Rynski d’Argence shared something that caught my imagination: she said that the Impressionists were seekers of light. They look for the light and share it. Look at their paintings, and you can see the light bursting forth from the canvas.

Seekers of light! Indeed, Impressionists have a lot to teach the church. Sometimes breaking away from old traditions is the only way to discover the vastness of God's glory. Connecting with outside influences can greatly enhance our own work. And of course, if we become seekers of the light, we might just find beauty pouring out all around us.

 Art and Photos

1. Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, Acrylic on Canvas 18×24 inch Published on September 8, 2018 by Anurag Jain

2. Cara and I on the bridge in Monet's Garden - Giverny, France

3. Cell phone picture of Van Gogh's The Church in Auvers-sur-Osie, View of the Chevet - Hanging in the Musee' D'Orsay - Paris, France