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.
Find a collection of authentic Impressionist art on 1stDibs.
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Artist Onelio Marrero loves painting the water and reflections in ponds near his home. In this piece, he captures a brilliant morning at a pond within hiking di...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Bright poppies and daisies bloom across the California coast. Waves crash against the rugged coastline, capturing the raw energy of the ocean. Using bold palett...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A woman peruses a store in search of antiques while brilliant sunlight rakes the window and objects on display. The contrasts of light and shadows match the coo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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One of the artist Onelio Marrero's favorite haunts is a bookstore. He based this painting on an antique store in Lambertville, New Jersey, where two teenagers...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Rich reds, golds, and oranges create a minimalist yet dramatic seascape. The panoramic format evokes a sense of vastness and tranquility. Slightly darker edges ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The sky and clouds can be unpredictable, offering no certain forecast for the weather ahead. A gathering of dark clouds may hint at rain or a refreshing cooln...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Floral arrangements, porcelain jars, and a lamp create a timeless and elegant still life. Delicate roses and lavender contrast with the sturdy table, while a mi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A fountain flows in the center of an elegant garden in artist Sherri Aldawood's impressionist piece. "My dream came true when I visited the home and garden of one of my favorite artists of the past, Joaquin Sorolla, in Madrid," shares Sherri. Channeling her knowledge from studying Sorolla's masterful paintings, Sherri portrays the morning light and colors with soft illumination. The sunlit foliage gleams majestically in the background, sharpening the dimension and bringing the viewer's eye toward the rear of the scene.
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 2000s Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
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Sunlight bathes the facades and rooftops of Florence in warm, golden hues, creating a striking contrast against the cool purples and blues of the distant hills....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A peaceful rural scene unfolds in Pennsylvania Amish country. Artist Judy Mudd captures the calm and tradition of the Amish lifestyle, evident from the clothe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Refined elegance exudes from a bottle of Macallan Terra, a rich amber whisky poured into a tasting glass, and a finely rolled cigar. Warm tones and soft textu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Cedar trees, bluebonnets, and cacti grace a hilltop near Willow City, Texas. A body of water peeks through the edge of the grass-covered ground. The painterly...
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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Artist Onelio Marrero captures a sense of serenity, referencing a gentle river near his home. "Almost indistinguishable is the lone patient heron poised on a ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero shares a tender moment of children swimming by the sea. Part of a series of summer paintings that explo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A man stands in front of a Picasso painting exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The considerable time he spends in front of the artw...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero depicts two carefree children playing in the surf. Part of a series of summer paintings that explores the joyful spirit of youth. His ex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
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Golden mustard flowers blanket the field, illuminated by shimmering light that enhances the energy of the spring landscape. Wisps of clouds drift above, while...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Benjamin Thomas depicts a luminous sky with tonal hues of grey with soft purple accents. Finally, he paints his favorite color in a sky painting. "My d...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A brilliant morning unfolds along the edge of a quiet lake in the Pinelands of New Jersey. Vigorous strokes suggest hanging willows and scattered water lilies. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, 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
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Painted on location along Maui’s windward side, the piece captures a painting spot in the shade of permanently wind-bent trees. Their arching branches create ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The rolling Cotswold hills in England blend with the misty sky. Painted with a brush and palette knife, the rich strokes capture the depth and lushness of the f...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Breathtaking sunset reflects off a cloud-filled sky in Australia, creating a color-filled landscape. Below, a road cuts through a field and leads to a distant...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero often takes trips into Manhattan to visit museums, sketch, photograph, and observe the rhythm of the streets. Based on these observations,...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Wood, Wood Panel
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Artist Comments
The serene waters, colorful trees, and majestic mountains contribute to the enchanting ambiance of Lake Tahoe. The vibrant hues and rich texture capture the s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The first morning light stretches across the lake at Wind River, Wyoming. As the sky brightens, the woods remain shadowed, and the world slowly wakes. A crisp c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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A red fox curls up on the snow, its fiery coat glowing against the icy background. Bold strokes capture the texture of its thick fur. The painting radiates both...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Three children show quiet determination as they dig for sand dollars during low tide. Their curiosity and focus bring wonder to the coastal scene. Energetic str...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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León, Spain, buzzes with energy, especially as a key stop along the Camino de Santiago. By night, the city truly comes alive, with locals, pilgrims, and touris...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Bright sunlight sweeps across the landscape. Lush bushes and palm trees line the roadside, casting soft shadows below. Rolling hills rise on the horizon, hazy i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A golden glow fills the early morning sky overhead a vast desert. Shades of red, green, and orange capture the essence of the landscape. The scene evokes a se...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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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As night approaches, the colors of the sky reflect on the pond, with the silhouette of trees filtering the fiery sunset. Water lilies pick up different hues a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A cluster of cacti bask in the warm afternoon light near Del Rio, Texas. The radiant sun highlights their prickly exteriors and vibrant colors. Contrasting wi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A woman stands in a sun-drenched field that stretches endlessly around her. Her vibrant red skirt contrasts beautifully with the golden grass, drawing the eye t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures a winter night in Manhattan, blending views of 5th and 7th Avenues looking south. The soft, glowing lights and bustling traffic...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Large pink peonies bloom, their bright yellow stamens adding a vibrant contrast. Deep green leaves curl around each blossom, enhancing their lush beauty. Painte...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The sun emerges from behind a veil of clouds as pastel hues fill the sky, reflecting softly on the calm sea below. As demonstrated by this scene, artist Joanie ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Tall trees with lush green foliage create an archway over a narrow waterway. A small boat with a blue hull docks along the water, adding a focal point to the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Remnants of a plantation rest deep in the historic Iao Valley, where a cottage, a banana tree, and a garden grow as native Hawaiians once planted them. Mist flo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Two hummingbirds spread their wings, soaring gracefully against a pastel green backdrop that evokes the vibrancy of a sunlit garden. Inspired by artist Karen ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A narrow trail cuts through a wide, sunlit plain. Trees and bushes cast long shadows on the ground, enhancing the sense of space and warmth. Painted in plein ai...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A serene landscape at dusk captures a tranquil river winding through a lush environment. The vast sky, filled with soft, stormy clouds, enhances the atmosphere....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight illuminates the garden while weathered interior walls bask over the passage of time. It tells the story of a home once alive with the sound of children...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A young couple sails a small boat down Manhattan. Given the crush of concrete and humanity, the open water provides a singular sense of freedom and escape. Th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A scenic view from Route 80 in Ohio displays the dynamics between light and simple architectural elements. Amidst the surrounding trees, the sun-struck walls ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Capturing one of his favorite subjects, artist Onelio Marrero portrays a museumgoer immersed in a masterpiece. A venerable gentleman stands riveted before a p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil