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
Artist Siyuan Ma presents a tantalizing view of snowcapped mountains in soothing tones of turquoise. He presents aesthetic imagery th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Bright clouds float in the blue sky above. Vivid green and orange hues spread across the moors while reflective waters stretch along the bottom. This open scene captures the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside in England.
About the Artist
Artist Janet Dyer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A cardinal perches on a thin wire, its bright red plumage standing out against the gray sky. The bird seems like a visitor from another realm, briefly passing...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Boats rest gently in the harbor of a quaint fishing village in Nova Scotia. Cozy homes and shacks dot the coastline, their windows glowing warmly in the fadin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
I painted this piece from sketches I did from a small Eastern European town. The old buildings and houses are highlighted through amazing texture.
Abou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting depicts the rustic log houses populating the starting point of the Blue Ridge Trail, stretching from Southern Pennsylvania to Georgia. The satur...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Much of artist Benjamin Thomas's work is rooted in memory and mistakes rather than direct observation of life. After learning from his painting mishaps, he no...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Soft pink roses bloom among rich green leaves. Sunlight filters through, casting a warm glow on the flowers. The soft edges of their petals display their delica...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft pink tulips stand tall among lush green leaves, their petals gently unfolding. Hints of purple flowers peek through the background. Delicate brushstrokes c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Joanie Fords captures the beauty of Tucson, Arizona in this pastel artwork. Soft, glowing light filters through the terrain, contrasting the lush green c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
Artist Comments
The simple arrangement of mackerels and lemons creates a strong diagonal composition. Complementary colors enhance the palette. Selective and soft brushstrokes ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
Artist Comments
After learning from his painting mistakes, artist Benjamin Thomas now embraces experimentation. He notes that using a palette knife to apply paint quickly oft...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
During a trip to London, artist Onleio Marrero explored the city's wonderful sites. On one of his strolls along the Thames, he noticed the neo-gothic fountain...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A vibrant hummingbird perches on a branch, its jewel-toned feathers catching the light. The soft, textured strokes create an energetic display of colors. The ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The artwork captures the essence of a quaint Parisian café. Artist James Nyika's use of color and light brings the scene to life, creating a sense of warmth ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A romantic scene unfolds outside the Le News Café in Paris. A waiter serves a couple against the backdrop of the bustling city. Artist James Nyika's skillful...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Windswept cypress trees lean along the coast near Carmel, California. Distant water merges with the sky, blending their shades of blue, while touches of purpl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Cypress and pine trees frame a serene view of a cove facing the Pacific Ocean. The beach shimmer in the distance as wisps of fog lift into the blue sky. Bold ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
Bare trees in the foreground stand against a softly colored sky transitioning from a warm, glowing orange to a gentle yellow. A path cuts through the scene, w...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Tall, sunlit pine trees frame the breathtaking view of Monterey Bay from a hilltop. Bold strokes define the lush greens, colorful wildflowers, and serene wate...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
An evening in Rome unfolds with warm lights illuminating a narrow passage near Piazza Navona. The lively atmosphere of bustling cafes and shops contrasts with...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A slice of cheese, apricots, and a glass of wine rest on a purple table. Painted with fingers, the piece radiates a personal touch and intimacy. The impressio...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Mountains inspire, intimidate, shape weather, shelter wildlife, and hold secrets. This piece draws inspiration from artist Melissa Gannon's trip to the Wallow...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman paints an old country church on an quiet landscape. It sits alone surrounded by fields that seem to be dese...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"I wanted to show the ideal daily farm life in Iowa," shares artist Sri Rao. She captures the crisp, sunny morning with cows mooing and...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A woman contemplates in front of Rene Magritte's Lovers at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The warm, muted tones of the wall and the soft light giv...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Mitchell Freifeld takes the viewer on a road trip around the northwest, taking random turns in any direction on the oldest roads—no plans or destinat...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Waves crash against the shore, their white foam contrasting with the deep blues and greens of the ocean. Dynamic diagonal strokes burst into the sky, adding e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight casts soft shadows on the weathered exterior of a house. The grove of trees in the background adds to the serene, solitary atmosphere of the scene. Abandoned properties are common in rural America, and artist Brian McCarthy...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft clouds blend with a bright blue sky, where five birds soar in a serene atmosphere. The scene takes inspiration from artist Karen Barton's observation of ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A vineyard stretches out with bold, loose brushwork and a dark underpainting that highlights form and color. The radiating rows of grapevines create a focused...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman presents an impressionist outlook of a barn and silo. The placement of the yellow flowers in the foreground aptly embodies the carefree s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Bright sunlight filters through the leaves of a towering live oak tree, casting dappled shadows on the winding path below. Surrounding foliage creates a rich ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A muddy road cuts through a farm, winding across a grass-covered ground. The cloudy sky reflects on the puddle in the foreground, while a red house in the dis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A vibrant hummingbird hovers mid-flight, its fiery feathers shimmering in the light. Expressive red and green strokes adorn the background. The composition ex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This seascape captures Malibu Beach, highlighting soft sandy colors, beautiful cliffs, and beach umbrellas that collectively evoke the distinct vibe of a Cali...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Green, orange, and red foliage capture the essence of autumn on a hillside, while the stream reflects the moody sky above. Expressive brushstrokes convey move...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma shares a view of the Hanging Temple, a famous cultural landmark in China. Its Chinese name takes the character "Xuan" from Chinese Taoism an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
This still-life painting depicts two red roses in a vase. The rich hues of the flowers stand out against the transparent glass and subdued background. The simple impressionistic rendering of the elements imparts a sense of stillness to the composition.
About the Artist
Artist Carey Parks paints impressionist scenes of everyday life that imbue a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of a family album. By observing how her subjects navigate their way and relate to each other, Carey seizes the moment they are randomly connected, even so briefly. "My goal is to capture the character and personalities of the individuals in a scene, as well as the surroundings as a whole," shares Carey. Positive in her artistry, she completed her undergraduate degrees in Fine Art and Zoology from UC Santa Barbara, then finished with a Master's in Art. When producing her paintings, she frequently mixes paint directly on the canvas to create intriguing color palettes. She carries out her creativity in her home studio, an organized space that helps her minimize any distractions. Carey also teaches as an adjunct professor of art during the school year. She enjoys running, hiking, and relaxing at the beach during her free time. Her esteemed work has been profiled in American Artist Magazine and numerous local publications.
Words that describe this painting: flower, rose, stem, vase, glass, floral...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
An old white shed stands by the roadside, upright and still in use after many years. Its weathered exterior tells a story of resilience, a familiar sight in t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A variety of plants thrive around Lake Temescal, nestled in the Oakland Hills of the California Bay Area. The lush greenery reflects in the still water, addin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A rustic white barn stands in quiet solitude, its weathered walls telling a story of the past. A dirt path winds toward a misty, atmospheric backdrop. The sof...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A quaint restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, California, invites visitors to enjoy a fulfilling meal. Shadows, signage, and reflections create visual intri...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
Artist Comments
The day is warm and sunny in a dense evergreen forest, but the shade keeps it cool, quiet, and calm. A narrow dirt path winds toward a clearing, where sunligh...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Golds, reds, and plums capture the brilliance of fall at Coot Lake in Colorado. The water mirrors its surroundings, reflecting billowing clouds and distant moun...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Two figures stand near an open doorway of a rustic house. The summer sun casts bright light and soft shadows onto the scene. Artist Patty Phan depicts her Europ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A serene alpine lake in Crested Butte is the epitome of summer in Colorado. Towering pine trees line the water's edge, their green leaves contrasting with the bright sky and billowing clouds. A sunlit, rocky shoreline adds warmth to the scene.
About the Artist
Artist Patty Phan captures the beauty of Colorado’s landscapes in her impressionist watercolor painting...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A still lake reflects the trees, rocks, and surrounding mountains. The lakebed shows through the clear water, adding depth to the scene. The blend of golds and ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
The low winter sun shines through an aspen grove. Snow blankets the ground, turning the world into a quiet expanse of blue and white. Each step crunches beneath...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A server, momentarily distracted from her duties, gazes at her phone, waiting for an important text. Though the setting suggests she should be peeling potatoe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The bustling Loop district in Chicago comes alive with its iconic glow as streetlights and signs illuminate the buildings and...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Pink petals stand out amidst a bed of lush green leaves. Artist Catherine McCargar, an avid gardener and dedicated watercolorist, painted these coneflowers gr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Jennifer Ross presents a brown bird perched over its three eggs. "A bird's nest is the universal symbol of hope," says Jenni...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
