Impressionist painters were a group of artists in the late 19th century who sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and color in their work. They often painted en plein air, or outdoors, to better observe the natural world. Notable figures include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who broke away from traditional techniques to create a new style that emphasized spontaneity and movement. This movement was characterized by loose brushwork and vibrant colors, which aimed to convey the artist's immediate perception of a scene. The Impressionists faced criticism during their time but eventually gained recognition, profoundly influencing modern art and paving the way for subsequent movements like Post-Impressionism and Fauvism.