Impressionism was an art movement of the 19th century. Its characterizing features are small and thin brush strokes, open composition and an ordinary subject matter. It originated in France, where during the latter half of the 19th century, a group of Paris artists were holding their own independent art exhibitions. The Impressionists faced harsh opposition from the conventional art community in France. And as a result, the term itself came from a satirical review of Claude Monet's work - "Impression, Sunrise".