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.
Artist Comments
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
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
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
Artist Comments
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
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
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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
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
Artist Comments
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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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
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 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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"Every fall season, I embark on a sojourn to the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains to soak in the changing fall colors of the birch and quaking aspens," says ar...
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
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
Artist Comments
While walking through the gardens of the Royal Alcázar in Seville, Spain, artist Sherri Aldawood encountered a woman sitting on the edge of a fountain. She cap...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
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
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
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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 eucalyptus tree stands sentinel along the edge of the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, a beloved landmark on California’s central coast. Rendered in oil on a cradled wood panel, the composition invites viewers into a sunlit landscape where clouds drift above the calm Pacific Ocean. The brushwork conveys both the tranquility and vitality of this coastal haven, evoking the gentle warmth of a clear day and the timeless beauty of nature.
About the Artist
Artist Elizabeth Garat paints impressionist landscapes, seascapes, and scenes from her travels that reflect her deep connection to the natural world. “Exposure to nature early on planted the seed of landscape painting in me,†says Elizabeth. Raised between California and Colorado, she spent her formative years outdoors—exploring her grandfather’s sheep ranch, walking beaches with her grandmother, and discovering California Impressionism in the galleries of Laguna Beach. She later studied with noted photographer MacDuff Everton at UC Santa Barbara and trained in plein air painting with Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson in Italy. Elizabeth works from a bright studio converted from her home’s detached garage, complete with barn wood walls, a skylight, and a Dutch door...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
Sunlight filters through the arches of a hidden courtyard in Seville, casting dappled shadows on the foliage and potted plants. The warm tones of the building...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
A majestic pronghorn antelope buck sits at the heart of a darkening prairie. The rich, warm tones and subtle background details emphasize the animal’s disti...
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
Artist Yangzi Xu depicts a breathtaking evening scene at dusk on Wacker Drive, Chicago. "The lights of the city are on, creating a mesmerizing effervescence t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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
Artist Warren Keating captures two figures in motion as they navigate the vibrant setting of Art Basel. Broad, expressive brushstrokes convey movement and flu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
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
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, 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
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
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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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 Lisa Elley draws inspiration from the vibrant blooms and wildflowers that come to life in the spring. The light enhances the bouquet of white poppies, cr...
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
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
Artist Comments
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
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
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 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
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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
Birch trees stand tall with thick texture, their trunks marked by expressive strokes. Flowers bloom densely in the foreground while a reflective pond winds in...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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
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
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
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
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
This painting is inspired by the architecture of quintessential Italian villages. The sunlight accentuates the charming stone walls and shutters, while the fl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
