Key Techniques:
* Direct Painting: Unlike traditional academic painters who used multiple glazes and layers, Manet applied paint directly onto the canvas, creating a more spontaneous and immediate effect. This "alla prima" technique allowed for greater immediacy and vibrancy in his works.
* Flattened Perspective: Manet often eschewed traditional linear perspective, instead employing a flattened perspective that pushed objects toward the picture plane, giving his paintings a more contemporary and modern feel.
* Bold Brushstrokes: Manet embraced visible brushstrokes, often using a loose and energetic technique that contrasted with the smooth, idealized surfaces of academic paintings. This emphasized the physicality of the painting process and contributed to the sense of immediacy and realism in his work.
* Realistic Light and Shadow: While not a photorealistic painter, Manet employed natural light and shadow to model form and create a sense of depth, but without the academic precision of his contemporaries.
* Modern Subjects: Manet's choice of subjects was another departure from traditional art. He painted everyday life, contemporary scenes, and modern figures, often depicting working-class people and urban landscapes. This focus on contemporary life further challenged academic conventions.
Materials:
* Oil Paint: Manet primarily used oil paint on canvas. He preferred a limited palette of colors, often focusing on earth tones and vibrant hues like blue and green.
* Canvas: He utilized canvas as his primary painting surface, often preparing it with a thin layer of gesso to create a smooth and absorbent surface.
Influence:
Manet's techniques greatly influenced the development of Impressionism. Artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas adopted his direct painting style, loose brushwork, and focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere.
Beyond Technique:
While Manet's techniques were significant, it's essential to remember that his art was driven by a desire to capture the modern world and challenge traditional artistic conventions. His paintings were not merely about technique but about expressing a new way of seeing and understanding the world around him.