Impressionism introduced several new approaches that led to a dramatic shift in the nature of painting. Initially the art critics of the age did not understand what the Impressionists were trying to accomplish. In a short time, however, most people came to understand and sympathize with the aims of the Impressionists. In fact, Impressionism is one of the most popular forms of art today. This was an important step in the rise of Modernism, the idea that the art's purpose is to devise something new and surprising. How do you feel about the idea of Modernism? What are its benefits to art? Does it have any limitations? What are they?
