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
An abandoned warehouse stands quietly on the side roads of Camarillo, California. Despite the gray, overcast day, the building still displays intriguing colors....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A dry dock pier in Avila, California brims with history and activity. In this instance, a small boat is on its way to a well-deserved overhaul. It passes by lar...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
In the San Francisco Bay, just beyond Sausalito, weathered shacks stand abandoned along the water's edge. The sun peeks through the overcast sky, casting enchan...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
The fishing boats in San Pedro are rich in historical color. They are passed down from generation to generation. The painting draws attention to the foreground ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A solitary rider journeys through a secluded section of a town, arousing curiosity about his destination. The interplay of colors and shapes within the composit...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
While traveling in the Pacific Northwest, artist Thomas Hoerber photographed this scene during a small break in the overcast sky. The sun slowly broke through, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A cluster of shacks perches on the shallow side of the water. During a trip to Sausalito, California, artist Thomas Hoerber detours to the back of San Francisco...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
While visiting a friend in Brandon, Vermont, artist Thomas Hoerber spots an old, abandoned barber shop. The town brims with quaint history. One cannot help but ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
White blossoming trees grace an orchard in Provence, France. Painted with a brush and palette knife, the composition conveys their fleeting beauty. Their flower...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
The fiery hues of the autumn trees contrast beautifully with the cool tones of the stream. The swift course of the water distorts the reflection of the gently r...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
With a contrasting cool-hued trunk and sun-kissed branches and leaves, an oak tree boasts a stylized image. Under the brilliant sky, the surrounding woodland gl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Early fall brings forth golden grasses, with distant mountains providing a cool backdrop. The rushing stream curves through the sunlight and shade, creating a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A bustling crowd walks purposefully to and from their destinations. Set against a mostly black and white backdrop, Connie employs selective coloring, highlighting specific elements in vivid red hues. The figures' hazy edges infuse the scene with a dynamic motion blur...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by memory and photos taken on a hiking trip, artist David Thelen captures the woodland's moody atmosphere. Barren trees loom along the rocky trail, whi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"I came across an old tractor parked in someone's yard and wanted to capture its current state with all of its dignity," shares artist David Thelen. The vehicle...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In this painting, artist David Thelen portrays an abandoned equipment he came across in the woods. "I was captivated by the colors and silhouette of the machine...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist David Thelen often comes across old tractors sitting in fields, waiting to come alive and return to work. In this painting, he depicts the vehicle nestled beneath the shade of a tree, whose red exterior complements the surrounding green leaves. The muted palette adds character to the scene and captures the essence of autumn's nippy atmosphere.
About the Artist
Artist David Thelen was born in Western New York and has been living and working in the Finger Lakes region of the area. His strong family ties to the Catskill area give him a broader perspective on his home. It comes as no surprise that his artwork reflects the daily life and landscapes he sees at home and through his travels across the state. David’s signature approach to the artwork is to paint the canvas solid black, and he paints in the negative space around the darkened areas. He creates his main subject by painting the space around it rather than painting the subject itself. David lives in an old farmhouse that he is slowly renovating one room at a time, so most of his time is shared between painting, renovating, and maintaining.
Words that describe this painting: tractor, fall, vehicle, oilpaint, autumn, season, abandoned, impressionism, wheel, impressionism, oil painting, grey
Out to...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by the pictures sent by his wife, artist David Thelen depicts the captivating allure of the Appalachian Trail. A sturdy branch dances with the surround...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma exhibits the Shanhua Temple, located inside the ancient city of Datong in Shanxi Province–a key cultural relic under state-level protection....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
1950s Impressionist More Art
Paper, Pastel
2010s Impressionist More Art
Textile, Wool, Jute, Wood
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Bronze
1970s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks presents an impressionist still life of dainty flowers on a glass cylinder. Taking a small bunch from a large bouq...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A garden teeming with Southern California sunflowers and peonies burst with delight. Its blooming inhabitants engage in a gentle dance, following the wind's com...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic, Canvas
Artist Comments
A cozy street in Prague glows with vibrancy after a rainfall. Refreshed leaves adorn the trees, houses exude a renewed radiance, and the wet pavement glistens w...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Nestled within an explosion of pink blooms, a woman becomes one with her surroundings. Soft hues form an ethereal refuge, providing a tranquil space for her rep...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting depicts the Rockaway River in Boonton, New Jersey, on a mid-winter day. It shows several cascades where the river narrows into a gorge along its m...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1970s Impressionist More Art
Porcelain
Artist Comments
The rising sun hides behind the trees, casting their crowns in a soft red glow. Cotton candy clouds drift across the sky, their reflections dancing on the tranq...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
At times, seemingly ordinary landscapes reveal themselves as works of art. Just as the foliage dances between light and shadow, with leaves enjoying the sunligh...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Grass, bushes, and trees form a picturesque setting for a rivulet that subtly joins a stream. Varied brushstrokes capture the nuances of their forms and texture...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
In the scenic beauty of Ontonagon River, Paulding, Michigan, a tranquil scene unfolds. The sun bathes the rocks and trees in the full radiance of summer, while ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
On a late morning, a hiking trail welcomes the warmth of the sun. Palm and oak trees provide comforting shades along the way, while the treetops capture the fie...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Abundant with trees, the painting offers a visual sanctuary. The blend of warm yellow greens and cooler blue greens evokes feelings of freshness that calm the e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Flowers, a universal symbol of hope and happiness, serve as a reminder never to give up, to keep growing and living, and never stop dreaming. Painted in impress...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This flower field mirrors the enchantment one might discover in a hidden forest, concealing the rabbit hole that led Alice to Wonderland. Various shades of purp...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The winter sun begins to shine, casting a warm, gentle glow upon the treetops and the two houses, almost concealed by the foliage. As the snow gradually melts, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1910s Impressionist More Art
Bronze
Early 1900s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
In the heart of Paris, a secluded garden stirs with the morning sun. Vibrant blue, green, and purple blend with a spontaneous burst of magenta and pink wildflow...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
As the sun descends, it leaves a wondrous gift, bathing the seascape in a beautiful array of colors. Yellow and orange hues grace the darkening sky while irides...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The artwork portrays the Big Sur region with a southward view of the California Coast and Los Angeles. Lush hills transition into ocher cliffs filled with poppi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Mallard ducks cast their reflections on the swiftly moving water, with a pair gracefully gliding near a third one perched on a log. Dynamic brushwork and palett...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A woman stands in the shallow water, sensing the expansive world around her. The pink and purple sky blends with the sea, creating an image of endless space. Th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A view from a ferry ride offers a glimpse of a distant mountain clad in snow, its peak hidden behind thick layers of clouds. The still water and gray sky sugges...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Amidst the intricate architectural details and timeless appeal of a brick building, the presence of people engaged in their daily routines brings vibrancy to th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Like the dreamy vistas in Monterey Bay, the painting depicts a vibrant scene where the morning light shines over China Cove near Carmel, California. The wind ge...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic, Board
Artist Comments
A dreamy flowerbed dances with the gentle breeze and the tunes of California songbirds. It showcases a blend of cool and calming colors adorned with hints of go...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A floral parade commences in spring, with pink, purple, and white wildflowers blooming in the field, tangling up together as they follow the wind. Painted with ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Robust trees cast a dense shade over the ground while the bright sun shines over the meadow beyond. The interplay between light and shadow shows depth and drama...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A profusion of flowers nestles among the purple morning glories in a garden, their colorful petals and grass gracefully in motion, radiating positive energy. Re...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil