Cafés in Paris, France in the 19th century served as a place where individuals gathered to talk about painting, literature, and politics. In the corner of a Café, a group of young artists (who later became known as Impressionists) shared their dreams and aspirations in the art world. Their dreams included becoming professional artists, with their art works being accepted and displayed in the Salon, however they faced rejection from the art community. Many Impressionist artists, like Renoir and Monet, didn't go to traditional schools of painting - they went to studios that artists opened for young artist to use. Despite their rejections at the Salon, they didn't give up - and now their artwork is displayed in famous museums in Paris and around the world. Their ambition and grit helped them achieve success. The Musee d'Orsay is one of the museums that displays Impressionist works.

When I took my first communications and graphic design class, I learned how to combine my ideas in an image. I was able to enter the art galleria at school called The Best of Sac High, and my artwork was sold for fifty dollars. I got a warm feeling inside when someone wanted to purchase my artwork. Although my artwork might not be as detailed and amazing like the Impressionists, I believe the act of rebelliousness makes an image - artwork has to have a story, and in my opinion, gives it more value. Like Impressionists (and street artists today) rebel against perfection, form makes their artwork bodacious. I am excited to go to the Musee d'Orsay - I want to see these remarkable Impressionist paintings in person and see the imperfect brush strokes which make their paintings unique.

Auguste Renoir - Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, 1876, oil on canvas, 131x175cm - Musée d'Orsay RF 2739 (derivative work - AutoContrast edit in LCH space). Wikimedia Commons

The story of these Impressionists remind me of a recent documentary I watched about street art. These artists, like the Impressionists, created artwork that are not seen as art but vandalism. However, street artists have their own style, which is unique and mindblowing. Street artists like Banksy and Shepard have different styles and the level of rebellion is high. They took a big step and created art on public buildings, not on canvas paper.

photograph of a Banksy graffiti at the Israeli West Bank barrier in Bethlehem. Wikimedia Commons: Markus Ortner

Banksy is a street artist and political activist who conveys his messages through his art. The image above shows how Banksy used the Apartheid Wall to paint a better future for Palestine. It symbolizes hope and peace for this country.

Street art by Shepard Fairey and other works in Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Australia. Wikimedia Commons: TigTab

Shepard is well known for his poster work during the 2008 United States presidential election for his Barack Obama "Hope" Poster. However, he's also a political activist that uses his artistic talents to promote positive messages.

Poppies, 1873, oil on canvas, 50x65cm, Claude Monet. Wikimedia Commons

Just like Impressionist artists, they kept going with their dreams. Their art work is well known around the world and is worth millions of dollars. Besides the beauty of their artwork, they share important messages with the world. I am not a painter or artist, but I have a feeling I'd like to become an art collector. I'll make my home into a mini-museum and share the stories of the Impressionists and modern Impressionists. Who knew that the rebellious Impressionists would implicitly influence future artists to display their artistic perspectives to the public?