Selection from the How to be an Impressionist Master Class Workbook - Introduction Section

THE LUMINOUS WAY: AN IMPRESSIONIST LENS
The masters of Impressionism developed a new way of looking at their world. Their lens was more than through the innovations and changes brought about by the industrial revolution. As the camera opened up new windows, new ideas on optics and color challenged the lens of some artists. The lens for us today is different - a digital revolution – with virtual bits and pieces displayed across the globe.

As the Impressionist masters did, Impressionists today can choose to see something new, fresh, and life-giving. There are three interconnected lenses to look through at our world – the lens of the Physical, Existential, and Spiritual.

Seeking the transcendent as an artist is by turning up the volume on reflected light ... to see heaven above reflected in the earth below ... find that 8th element of light – the transcendent, the harmonic rhythm. From above and here below, have the work reflect your inner experience of the reality you perceive that is set before you.

Are we artistic beings having a spiritual experience or spiritual beings having an artistic experience?

To seek the transcendent as an artist, one must pursue the good, beauty. For the artist is a prophet of what is certain and incredible – sharing that of love.
• Painting from the eye, simply makes one a camera
• Painting with the intellect, merely makes one a philosopher
• Painting from the heart solitary, makes one a poet
• Painting with the Spirit, makes one, one with all

Your Perspective: The lens through which you look at the world will determine what you create.

Transform those stumbling blocks into stepping-stones.
 

THE PHYSICAL LENS
We look at the structure or natural appearance of things to perceive to be more aware of their material makeup. A deeper insight into this view reveals two (2) different ways an artist can channel this lens.

The first is poetic. From this, an Impressionist painter would reveal the feel of things through the lens of the heart.

The second is scientific. From this lens of the mind, an Impressionist painter would focus more intently on reproducing the subject in a representational way.

Artists may have their preference for more of poetry or science, but in reality, Impressionists need to blend the two with different ratios depending upon the subject in order to paint their moment.

THE EXISTENTIAL LENS
We look beyond the physical to establish fresh ideas about the nature of things (i.e., what is true, what is its causality, the why of its existence). Put your intellect to work, to reflect beyond physical matter. Ask yourself such questions as what is here? And who am I within this place?

Such deeper considerations reorient your way of perceiving. Such questions of existence form one’s theory and philosophy of knowledge that becomes one’s inner driver for the work.

THE SPIRITUAL LENS
When we look from this view, the artist as a spiritual having a physical experience, it reaches beyond the existential questions. Creating with one’s endowed gifts leads to something incredible. There is only one you, an unrepeatable, unique creature, destined to share those gifts.

From this lens, one experiences creation and creativity as a gift. This lens is the compass that drives one’s aesthetical values. At the core is an experience where one comes to awe within this divine milieu. The Impressionist who works through this lens becomes a transcendent painter who can visualize their dancing brush as if dancing with the angels.