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.
The Canal At Lambertville, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting by Onelio depicts a view of the Lambertville Canal, seen from the north on a late spring morning. With a keen eye for detail, Onelio beautifully c...
Oil
Mt. Diablo from the Old Orchard, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Mt. Diablo is a well-known landmark in the California Bay Area. Artist Catherine McCargar has a view of it from her home in Walnut Creek. In this painting, she ...
Acrylic
Imbolc, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet interior scene looks out through a window onto a snow-covered neighborhood. Bare tree branches stretch across the view, partially obscuring houses softe...
Oil
$1,444
London Skyline and Thames at Night, Original Contemporary Impressionism painting
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Evening Glory, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar painted this land and sky panorama from a mix of photos and memory. It captures a stunning summer evening in Northern California, when...
Watercolor
Best Day at Dunn's Pond, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Dunn Pond, in Gardner, Massachusetts, is a spectacular visual and sensory delight. Originally a glacial formation, it has now been developed into a local park. ...
Acrylic
Road Through Backcountry, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Rolling green fields stretch underneath a wide blue sky. A pale road winds through the landscape and disappears into the distance. In painting this scene, artis...
Acrylic
Soliloquy In Blue_, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A young woman sleeps comfortably on her bed, surrounded by red and pink pillows, while cool blues and grays envelop the rest of the room. The stark whites of he...
Oil
Irises, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Irises" 65.0 X 80.0 CM / 25.5 X 31.4 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Dated 2025 Goo...
Oil
Cocktail Hour Preparations, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
When artist Onelio Marrero attended a wedding reception, he observed the preparations unfolding in bright sunlight beneath a portico. He captured the quiet acti...
Oil
Walking in Brooklyn, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In her pared-down impressionist approach, artist Carey Parks illustrates three men walking on a sidewalk. Inspired by a photo refer...
Acrylic
First Day, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks depicts three kids standing outside a suburban neighborhood. She uses an old family photo to capture the essence...
Acrylic
That Dreams May Come III, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A young girl wearing a tutu sits in front of a vanity. Artist C M Cooper based this piece on the innocence of childhood, using an eight-year-old ballet student ...
Oil
Just Peachy, Oil Painting
By Lisa Nielsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This impressionist still life painting by artist Lisa Nielsen features two vases filled with red, yellow, and orange flowers. Peaches and cherries rest nearby, ...
Oil
Kayaking from Edenton Bay, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss rise from the deep green Chowan River on an overcast early fall day. Cypress knees protrude near the trunks, adding textu...
Acrylic
Dandelions, Original Painting
By Ruth LaGue
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Ruth LaGue shares an idyllic landscape of the lush countryside. Two red barns and a silo stand abreast of verdant trees in the background. Inspired by ...
Acrylic
Cloudless Thoughts, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman lies quietly, lost in thought, as the viewer is left to imagine the world within her mind. Layers of rich oil paint build a soft, luminous surface, wher...
Oil
Bay Fog, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Early morning fog on the water reveals a quiet world. The pink sky casts a gentle glow over the dimly lit rocks scattered across the bay. Beyond, misty outlin...
Acrylic
River View. 1992. Cardboard/oil. 40x49 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Edgars Vinters (1919-2014) Edgars Vinters is working in oil, watercolor and monotype techniques. He paints landscapes in different seasons and flowers. In 1970 the significant place...
Oil, Cardboard
Whitewashed Barn, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Whitewashed barns capture a timeless Americana charm. Rolling hills and a clear blue sky frame the structures, creating a serene, inviting atmosphere. Artist Do...
Oil
Favorite place, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Favorite place" captures the serene beauty of a small village called Rožat near Dubrovnik, Croatia. Painted en plein air, this piece reflects the charm of the Adriatic...
Oil
Afternoon Blues, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A blonde woman wearing a teal satin blouse leans on her hand as she drifts into a mid-afternoon sleep. Flowers surround her, signaling the merging of fantasy wi...
Oil
No Looking Back, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An impressionist painting captures the back view of a young lady dressed in a red silk nightgown. She stares at her reflection in the mirror, lost in thought. S...
Oil
$1,231
Southbank Riverside Shadows- original impressionism cityscape - contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Frozen Amber, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Dramatic colors refract through frozen grass and cattails just minutes before sunset. The snow takes on a warm, amber glow as the light settles across the sur...
Oil
Here to Forever, Original Painting
By Nava Lundy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soft, layered floral painting features muted greens, blush tones, and quiet bursts of red. The petals drift in and out of focus, giving it the feeling of a me...
Acrylic
Manhattan Road Crew, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
While walking in Manhattan in search of subjects to paint, artist Onelio Marrero came across a road crew working on Madison Avenue at night. The contrast of wor...
Oil
Union Square, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks paints four people crossing paths in a city park. "This photo was captured on a busy Saturday morning in Union S...
Acrylic
Pilgrims Conference, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In Medjugorje, Bosnia, pilgrims gather in the shade of a tree to rest and talk before ascending Apparition Hill. Sunlight filters through the landscape, highl...
Oil
Breakfast Time, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by family photos from the 1960s, the artwork depicts two sisters enjoying a quiet morning. One reads a newspaper while the other prepares her breakfa...
Acrylic
Village in Provence, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The painting captures a quintessential scene from Provence, where artist Karen d'Angeac Mihm grew up. White-washed houses with red-tiled roofs nestle among lu...
Oil
Cafes in Portugal, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
While walking the Camino de Santiago, artist Jonelle Summerfield arrived in Vila Nova de Cerveira and paused, unsure which direction to take. Though tired from ...
Oil
Summer Blooms, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An original contemporary garden oil painting on stretched canvas of a towering rose tree along a sunlit path lined with Iris plants. The bright sunlight makes the roses and iris flo...
Oil
The Falling Leaves, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Golden aspen trees frame a quiet mountain lake as distant peaks rise into soft, radiant light. Featuring Bear Lake and the Rocky Mountains, this oil painting hi...
Oil
Morning Light on Albert Bridge-original cityscape impressionism-contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Oil, Board
Plein Air Painter on the Common, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero presents a fellow artist working outdoors. Bold shades of green permeate the lush spring foliage surrounding him. "I was out in a park w...
Oil
Morning Light on Albert Bridge-original cityscape impressionism contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
$1,306
The Parsons Crossing - original cityscape impressionism contemporary artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Oil, Board
Evening Riomaggiore Italy, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This vibrant artwork depicts a dramatic coastal town illuminated by the golden hues of sunset. Richly textured brushstrokes capture the vivid interplay of light and shadow, creating ...
Oil
Sun on River, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A calm river in Belgium reflects the soft light of a low, glowing sun. Dark silhouettes of trees line the far bank, their forms loosely defined against the mute...
Acrylic
The Hunger, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A laptop screen glows in a dark setting, displaying a painted scene from The Hunger, the 1983 vampire film starring Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie. Two figur...
Oil
M3GAN, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A laptop screen displays a scene from M3GAN, a 2023 movie about an evil doll. A row of plush toys lines the frame, with a central doll staring forward, its pale...
Oil
Summer's Blaze, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Fierce orange and red flowers rise against a smoldering blue sky, with loose brushstrokes alive with urgency. The poppies flare up, wild and restless, as if the...
Acrylic
Silver and Crimson, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Tara Zalewsky-Nease reimagines the classic Old Master’s study of a pewter vase, infusing it with her lush, gestural style. A garlic clove resting on th...
Oil
Tranquil Feeders, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero observes natural habitats whenever he goes out. In this painting, he focuses on the ripples and reflections of the water, capturing the fl...
Oil
Palette of Reflection, Original Painting
By Joanie Ford
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layers of rich, luminous color stretch across the sky, softly reflecting on the water below and evoking both movement and calm. Artist Joanie Ford’s love of s...
Pastel
$5,364
San Giorgio Maggiore - original impressionism landscape - contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Acrylic
Where the Fire Is Safe, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Snowstorms in New Jersey inspired artist Onelio Marrero to paint this winter landscape and convey a scene of solitude. A man stands on a nearly frozen river as ...
Oil
"Water lilies in the pond", Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Water lilies in the pond" Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky 50.0 X 80.0 CM / 19.6 X 31.4 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and bac...
Oil
$390Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Picture Frame original Vintage Shabby Chic Grey Beige Color
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French mid 20th century Wood and plaster frame Internal measurement (to house painting or mirror): 22 x 15 inches Overal outer measurements: 27 x 20 inches Provenance: from a collect...
Plaster, Wood
The Crescent, Original Painting
By John Jaster
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"The Crescent Hotel, built in 1938, is one of the famous Art Deco buildings in Miami's South Beach," shares artist John Jaster. He pictures the historical arc...
Acrylic
The Other Side of Now, Original Painting
By Nava Lundy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Nava Lundy captures two cardinals sharing a quiet moment on a single branch. They turn toward one another in a way that feels familiar and unspoken. The ...
Acrylic
You Found Me, Original Painting
By Nava Lundy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This impressionistic bird painting captures two cardinals resting quietly on bare branches. One stands out with its brilliant red feathers, while the other appe...
Acrylic
Waiting for Rain, Original Painting
By Joanie Ford
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Joanie Ford paints a tranquil landscape where the vibrant colors of earth and sky intertwine. The winding path, bordered by delicate wildflowers, guides ...
Pastel
Home from the Office, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman sits on a chair on her patio, enjoying a quiet moment of rest. On the table in front of her, a pitcher and glass of juice, oranges, and an open book a...
Oil
Quiet Harbor, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Quiet Harbor" 80.0 X 70.0 CM / 31.4 X 27.5 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Dated 2...
Oil
Guiding Light, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Subtle shifts of tone and softened edges give the horizon a sense of movement and breath. Rooted in artist Jenn Williamson’s quiet mornings, the painting refl...
Oil
Gentle evening in Venice, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting, titled Gentle evening in Venice, portrays the iconic Grand Canal at sunset, glowing in warm hues of gold and purple. The luminous Santa Maria della Salute rises majest...
Oil
Messy Bun, Oil Painting
By Lisa Nielsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman in a white slip dress props herself on both arms, caught in a moment of waking or preparing to rest. Her brunette hair gathers loosely in a bun. The sce...
Oil
Downhill Path, Provence, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A path winds through a farm and vineyards in Provence, France. Rows of trees stretch across the landscape, drawing the eye into the distance. Painted with both ...
Acrylic