Impressionist More Art
Emerging in 19th-century France, Impressionist art embraced loose brushwork and plein-air painting to respond to the movement of daily life. Although the pioneers of the Impressionist movement — Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir — are now household names, their work was a radical break with an art scene led and shaped by academic traditions for around two centuries. These academies had oversight of a curriculum that emphasized formal drawing, painting and sculpting techniques and historical themes.
The French Impressionists were influenced by a group of artists known as the Barbizon School, who painted what they witnessed in nature. The rejection of pieces by these artists and the later Impressionists from the salons culminated in a watershed 1874 exhibition in Paris that was staged outside of the juried systems. After a work of Monet’s was derided by a critic as an unfinished “impression,” the term was taken as a celebration of their shared interest in capturing fleeting moments as subject matter, whether the shifting weather on rural landscapes or the frenzy of an urban crowd. Rather than the exacting realism of the academic tradition, Impressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings represented how an artist saw a world in motion.
Many Impressionist painters were inspired by the perspectives in imported Japanese prints alongside these shifts in European painting — Édouard Manet drew on ukiyo-e woodblock prints and depicted Japanese design in his Portrait of Émile Zola, for example. American artists such as Mary Cassatt and William Merritt Chase, who studied abroad, were impacted by the work of the French artists, and by the late 19th century American Impressionism had its own distinct aesthetics with painters responding to the rapid modernization of cities through quickly created works that were vivid with color and light.
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Artist Aruna Rao captures the peaceful stillness of a sunlit dune path leading toward the open sea. Warm grasses glow in the gentle light, while a soft sky and ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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People wander along the shoreline in an easy, unhurried rhythm. The wide stretch of sand, blue sky, and fresh salt air evoke the simple pleasure of a beach day....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Decisive brushwork and subtle color shifts bring magic to this winter New Jersey beach scene. Artist Onelio Marrero contrasts the expanse of climbing clouds wit...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Onelio Marrero captures a father and son discussing artwork in a gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He loves visiting museums as much for the pat...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The painting shows a docent in the interior of Fonthill Castle in Pennsylvania. The entire castle features exquisite handmade tiles embedded in the concrete con...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A powerful buffalo strides into view, its massive form radiating strength and dignity. In this oil painting, artist Karen Barton captures not only the animal’...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A stream winds between green fields, with a small patch of white in its blue water reflecting the clouds above. Trees in the distance add vertical contrast, whi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A woman sits outside a Philadelphia bistro, reading her book. The bright morning light shines through the establishment's windows, revealing a glimpse of its i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A golden light sweeps across the lowlands as the sun sets. Warm hues of ochre, red, and green sparkle in the last light of day. A path meanders past the pond an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Onelio Marrero captures a moment inside an antiques shop, where a man browses lamps, pictures, and replicas of Frederic Remington bronzes. The interior i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1910s Impressionist More Art
Etching
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Towering cumulus clouds drift overhead and provide shade to the beach below. The contrast between the monumental sky and the quiet human presence on the shore speaks to humans' small but significant place in the natural world. Painted with oil on canvas, this impressionist seascape evokes tranquility.
About the Artist
Artist Aruna Rao paints impressionistic seascapes that capture the shimmer of light, the movement of water, and the quiet poetry of coastal life. "I am endlessly inspired by how light transforms a scene, softening the atmosphere and turning an ordinary moment into something unforgettable," says Aruna. Growing up in a literary family in India, she was surrounded by stories and art, which sparked her love of narrative and visual expression. After a 20-year career in IT, she returned to painting, earning an MFA with top honors from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Living in Florida offers endless inspiration, from sunrise beaches and glowing horizons to quiet harbors and small human moments that evoke joy and nostalgia. Influenced by French Impressionists and contemporary coastal painters, Aruna creates luminous works that invite the viewer to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment. When she is not painting, she enjoys beach walks, discovering music, watching films with her husband, and spending time with their two cats.
Words that describe this painting: cloudscape, cloud, beach, coast, shore, summer, Marc Hanson...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The moon casts a soft glow over the snowy landscape. A jackrabbit’s sudden flight disrupts the stillness of the winter night. Gentle strokes and muted tones...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Onelio Marrero depicts the bustling energy of Midtown Manhattan traffic, looking south on a rainy afternoon. Dashing yet precise brushstrokes convey move...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The quiet glow of evening light drifts across a peaceful marina. Warm sunlit sails and softened colors shimmer in the still water, while a crescent moon rises g...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Soft light glows across the shoreline in the calm of early evening. A person and their dog share a quiet moment in the surf, their bond gently framed by shimmer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1980s Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
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In a beautiful, sunlit garden, a young woman immerses herself in the world of literature. Surrounded by flowers, she enjoys the company of words. Bathed in a hazy glow, the scene exudes a timeless and romantic aura.
About the Artist
Sherri Aldawood didn't intend to always paint flowers, but over time her love of gardens started to permeate her art. She focuses on the light and color of the flowers on the canvas. Sherri prefers alla prima, working with wet layers of paint instead of letting them dry. She keeps the paint as wet as possible by using walnut and clove oil...
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Oil
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An assortment of flowers bursts from a vase in this predominantly cool composition of blues and greens. The swirling botanical pattern on the tablecloth echoe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A street in Chicago comes alive on a rainy afternoon. The wet pavement reflects the city lights, creating a shimmering effect as cars and pedestrians move thr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A narrow road cuts forward through rolling green fields. Dark hedges and tree lines break the land, while the yellow patches suggest cultivated soil. Painted wi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Fernando Garcia presents a sweeping landscape of vibrant yellow fields with farmhouses dotting the distance. He uses the rain on the plains as the main...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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This painting portrays one of the paths at the Glendalough Monastery in Ireland. The concealed monastery hosts numerous ruins of chapels and burial sites, wit...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Lisa Elley depicts a glade of autumnal aspens in a rustic woodland. Once a year, she takes her fall sojourn to the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains to s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The interior of an eatery on the east side of Manhattan exudes an eclectic charm. Several Tiffany-style lamps hang overhead, casting a warm glow over the space....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Capturing the vast beauty of nature, this painting showcases endless fields gently rising and falling beneath an expansive sky. Lush, undulating meadows, golden...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1910s Impressionist More Art
Watercolor, Archival Paper
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On a recent painting trip to Europe, artist Faye Vander Veer visited the Rodin Museum in Paris, where a sense of calm contrasted with the city's bustling ener...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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In her pared-down impressionist approach, artist Carey Parks illustrates three men walking on a sidewalk. Inspired by a photo refer...
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Acrylic
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Palm and oak trees create a vibrant forest scene. The sun filters through the foliage and casts dappled light on the ground. Bright reds and yellows highlight...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Autumn foliage surrounds a peaceful mountain landscape. Tall birch trees line the scene, their white trunks contras...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Sherri Aldawood captures a peaceful moment from her trip to Marbella, Spain. Sunlight fills a narrow alleyway, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush pl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Wood, Wood Panel
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A jewel-toned still life captures the warmth of seasonal celebrations. Ruby-colored candles glow amid fallen blossoms, while rich impressionistic brushstrokes e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Onelio Marrero portrays his niece examining Jules Bastien-Lepage’s 1879 painting of Joan of Arc receiving her life-changing vision. Set within a room...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
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Artist Joanie Ford invites the viewer to experience the soothing embrace of nature in this impressionist painting. Gentle water mirrors the vibrant sky and soft...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
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People gather at small tables outside a café in Porto, Portugal, sharing stories over a late lunch beneath two patio umbrellas. Tall buildings rise behind them...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Soft evening colors highlight the beauty of the American desert. A gentle and warm palette creates an airy feeling that suggests an open space. The quiet energy...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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In this interior study, artist David Thelen explores the interplay of shadow and structure. A restrained palette of grays and soft blues emphasizes line and tex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Ivory flowers rise softly from a moody backdrop, while a burst of vibrant orange commands attention. This piece balances boldness and grace, proving that even i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Evening descends on a desert canyon, lighting the formations, peaks, and desert plants with a golden glow. Cool blue, purple, and green shadows fall across the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Lisa Elley's signature impasto trees stand tall with thick texture and gentle movement in the foliage. The colorful changing leaves contrast against th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
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Artist Maurice Dionne illustrates crowds of people walking along the street in an impressionistic representation. "Nimbus describes the luminous cloud or atmo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Two monarch butterflies flutter gracefully against a soft, green background. A subtle glow around them brings the idea of movement. Delicate patterns and detail...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Inspired by the scenery of Monterey Bay in California, artist Lisa Elley captures a picturesque ocean view dotted with flowers in the foreground. California p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Reflections in the water capture the feel of morning light at a pond in Northern New Jersey. Water lilies in the shadowed foreground lead the eye to the edge of...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Light shimmers across the water as the sun goes down. A sailboat fades in the distance, while the rocks in the foreground frame the scene. The soft breeze, glow...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Almond, cherry, and apple trees bloom across a French field in spring. Expressive strokes from a palette knife and brush bring the landscape to life with textur...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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An aerial view reveals a patchwork of farmland in the Midwest. A blue lake nestles among the green fields, mirroring the soft hues of the horizon. The compositi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Early evening colors reflect on a peaceful lake, painting its surface with soft purple hues. Aquatic plants pick up different tones as they recede into the sh...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Flowers bloom vibrantly beneath the windows as the Mediterranean sun highlights the character of the quaint stone walls and shutters. The composition captures...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
I was on a rooftop parking garage looking for the last space to park, in a hurry for a meeting with friends, when I saw this sky. Yes, I was late getting together with my friends, and my wife was patient while I recorded all the colors and shapes. After I painted this she was happy with the painting, and so was I, for it worked out as a balanced canvas of real and abstract. My friends were ok too after I bought a round. Enjoy!
About the Artist
Benjamin Thomas has been painting since the late seventies, however for most of this time he was not exhibiting his work. About twelve years ago, Benjamin and his wife were at a gallery show for a friend and as they were leaving Ben’s wife, aka “The Muse,” told him to go back in. “Your work is as good as that--maybe even better,” she said. That night, Benjamin obeyed The Muse (lucky for us!). The impressionistic sweeps of sky and cloud in Benjamin’s paintings capture more than just an atmospheric quality, but also a heavenly interpretation of the landscape. There is a classical, mature style to the paintings, reminiscent of J.M.W. Turner. Benjamin is often inspired while bicycling, walking or motorcycling, taking in the scenery of Pittsburgh, PA. He takes photos of the scene and then works out the concept back in his studio. The large scale of the work matches the impression and mood that each scene conveys, and the light and shadow are carefully balanced to capture something mercurial and nostalgic. The work feels very measured and contemplated, but also full of passion, as if each piece is in pursuit of the joy of painting and the representation of natural beauty.
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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This painting combines two of artist Onelio Marrero's interests: his love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and his fascination with observi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 1900s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Growing up in Minnesota, artist Joanie Ford loved the winter days, ice fishing, and when snow blanketed the trees. This oil painting reflects her fond memorie...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1930s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Canvas
