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Bot GPT 3.5 The main reason that inspired impressionist artists to paint outdoors, or en plein air, was the desire to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in nature. Painting outside allowed them to closely observe and depict the changing colors and textures of the natural world, as well as the way light played off surfaces.
Additionally, the development of portable paint tubes made it much easier for artists to transport their materials and work on location. This allowed them to be more spontaneous and experimental in their art, as they could quickly capture their impressions of a scene before the light changed.
The availability of open art classes and the influence of ornate architecture or increased religious influence were not necessarily direct factors that inspired impressionist artists to paint en plein air.