Claude Monet (14 November 1840 – 5 December 1926) was a French painter and the originator of French Impressionist style. He's among the most celebrated painters in art history and is atop the artists who consistently practiced and supported the impressionism movement. Monet’s impressionist style gives more emphasis on form and light as opposed to realism. It involves the use easily noticeable color and brushstrokes. The name “impression” came to describe his art when, in 1874, an art critic who was looking down on Monet's style derisively called it so. Growing up, Monet didn’t like staying long in class, preferring to spend most of his time outdoors. Monet moved to Paris in 1859 to follow his love of art where his art was heavily influenced by Barbizon's works. While in Paris, he registered at the Academie Suisse to enhance his artistic knowledge and skills. It's in Paris where he interacted and built friendship with Camille Pissarro, also an artist.
Monet liked creating art outdoors. At times he would be accompanied by his artist friends Bazille, Sisley, and Renoir. It's in 1865 when his art was accepted for exhibition in Salon. Generally, however, his artwork didn't give him a lot in financial benefits, something that made his life challenging throughout. The Franco-Prussian War sent him out of France into England, together with his wife and son, Jean. Monet traveled back to Paris after the war and started working on his unique technique. Together with artists such as Renoir, Edouard Manet and Pissarro, they formed an alternative exhibition through which they would display their works. His works grew in fame after his death and they became a great influence on several later artists. Because of his definitive style, Claude Monet framed art still sell in several galleries. His art still continue to influence the works of modern artists.