Impressionism, one of the most popular and accessible art movements, continues with yet another show at the Phillips Collection — on the heels of American Impressionism, comes Impressionists by the Sea, an exploration of the rise of plein air painting and vacationing on the northern coast of France. Opening tomorrow, the exhibit features the major French Impressionists, along with some of their predecessors, to present a lush visual experience.

The exhibit is a feast for the eyes – the colors are rich and electric, with turquoise seas and amber sunsets dominating canvases. Subjects range from boats to beachgoers, and the exhibit is as much a social history as an artistic one. The 19th century in France saw an increase in tourism, with many well-to-do Parisians flocking to the northern coasts, to beach towns like Trouville, Honfleur and Etretat. And the painters followed – artists like Eugene-Louis Boudin and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot pioneered the move north, with Monet, Manet, Cassett and Renoir going up as well.

While the new seaside environment was quite different from their old painting locations, the artists manipulated it to fit their trademark styles and subjects. Monet and Manet painted modern interpretations of beach scenes, Cassatt continued to paint children and Renoir depicted women.