Eugene Boudin

Eugene Boudin (1824-1898) was a French painter who is considered a precursor to the Impressionist movement. He was born in Honfleur, a port town in Normandy, and began his career as a commercial artist, painting and drawing landscapes and seascapes. Boudin was particularly interested in capturing the light and atmosphere of the Normandy coast, and he became known for his beach scenes and marine paintings. He also influenced other artists, including Claude Monet, who considered Boudin his mentor. Boudin's loose brushwork and emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color on the water and sky made him an important figure in the development of Impressionism. In addition to his paintings, Boudin also created numerous drawings and watercolors, many of which were studies for his larger works.