The French Impressionists were a group of artists in the late 19th century who sought to capture the effects of light and color in their paintings. They often painted outdoors, using quick brush strokes to depict scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and urban settings. This movement marked a departure from traditional techniques and focused on the artist's perception of a moment. Key figures in this movement included Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Their work emphasized spontaneity and the beauty of the natural world, leading to a new way of seeing art. The term "Impressionism" originated from Monet's painting titled "Impression, Sunrise," which exemplified the style's focus on light and atmosphere.