First Steps in Oil Painting

Boudin taught Claude the fundamentals of oil painting, but more importantly, he imparted a philosophy that would guide the younger artist throughout his career. "Everything painted directly and on the spot has a strength, a power, a vivacity of touch that can never be attained in the studio," Boudin insisted. This emphasis on direct observation and rapid execution to capture fleeting effects would become a cornerstone of Impressionist technique.

The relationship between Boudin and Monet was more than that of teacher and student; it was a meeting of kindred spirits. Boudin, the son of a harbor pilot, shared Claude's deep connection to the sea and understood the younger man's desire to capture its ever-changing moods. He also provided something Claude desperately needed: validation of his artistic ambitions from someone who had chosen art over commerce and survived.

Under Boudin's influence, Claude's work evolved rapidly. His first oil paintings from this period—views of the Norman countryside, the cliffs at Rouelles, the estuary of the Seine—show a young artist grappling with the challenges of translating visual perception into paint. While these early works lack the revolutionary boldness of his mature style, they already display an unusual sensitivity to atmospheric effects and a willingness to sacrifice detail for overall impression.