Many art critics like to classify the works of various artists into categories.
Listed as an impressionist, Degas' paintings seem an alternative to the classic impressionist style, thus marking him as a individualist in his craft. While there, he developed the great drawing ability essential to his style. Originally painting classic academic subjects, Degas switched after 1865 to more of his age's contemporary themes. Although linked with the impressionists, Degas was not fascinated as were others by the influence of natural light and did most of his work within his studio. His work seemed to stem from the humanistic experience as his paintings depicted horse racing, circuses, the theater, and ballet.