Pierre-Auguste Renoir

During the Impressionist style in the art world, considered a main influence, French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir was recognized for his audible observations projected through his work on feminine sensuality and beauty. Born in Limogens, Haute-Vienne, France on February 25, 1841, he obtained work as a child in a porcelain factory.

Before enrolling in an art school he did paintings on fine china, designs on fans, and hangings for missionaries overseas. While in Paris studying under Charles Gleyre in 1862, he came in contact with Alfred Sisley, Claude Monet, and Frederic Bazille.

A few years later in 1874, Renoir had a change of subjects after leaving the scenic property of Jules Le Coeur near Fontainebleau. During the same year, in the first Impressionist display, six pieces of his were shown that gave his work popularity, and later collaborating with Durand-Ruel had two more pieces shown in London. In the late 1880s while traveling across Europe and gaining inspiration from European landscapes, he produced over twenty paintings.

During this same time frame he had made an effort to veer away from his real life impressionist style of painting in order to experiment with a more formal technique. While making this venture during his career, the ideal subjects projected in his work became mostly women.

He proceeded to paint in this manner until traveling to Italy in 1881 and seeing the Renaissance art. He was convinced that his work was headed in the wrong direction. After this personal realization he spent the next couple of years trying to revert back to classicism.

Renoir later married Aline Victorine Charigot in 1890, who he already had a son by in 1885 named Pierre. Once married, he began to create portraits of his every day family life.

Due to his dedication and passion, he never ceased to paint, even after developing rheumatoid arthritis in 1892 that limited his movement so severely that he spent his remaining life in a wheelchair. The progression of his disability eventually lead to his fingers being paralyzed, but even this did not stop him from expressing himself. By having a utensil strapped to his hand, he continued his work until dying on December 3, 1919.

The impact that Renoir had with his painting style can be seen through other artists work in later generations. The use of saturated color and extravagant lighting value would direct more focus upon subjects placed in candid and intimate compositions.

In the 1860s when he collaborated with fellow artist and friend Claude Monet, the method of diffusion reflection was discovered. By figuring out that a shadow was not simply brown or black shading, but it actually was the result of light reverberating color off of the surrounding subjects.

Renoir being able to portray the sensual emotion of his subjects established him with popularity within the feminist style of design. Due to this technique of illustrating, his legacy will pass through the art generations. His beautiful use of shading, hues, and value in his final pieces provides an oasis for imaginative recreation among the impressionist culture.