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.
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Charcoal
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"One of my favorite neighborhoods is the East Village in New York City," says artist Carey Parks. She paints three women taking a l...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Tall, slender trees rise along both sides of a gently flowing stream, with foliage bursting in vibrant shades of green, capturing the essence of spring. Artis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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Vibrant red poppies and delicate white daisies intermingle, forming a colorful tapestry. The contrast between their fiery hues and cheerful whites adds harmon...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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"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
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Cozy cottages line up snugly on a quiet street in the coastal town of Mendocino, California. The scene leads to the top of the road, where the sky blends into...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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Four bottles of bourbon stand in alignment. Their rich amber hues subtly shift under the light. They echo the profound meaning behind their name, "living wate...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Lisa Nielsen presents a delicate portrait of a nude woman. The model stretches into a quiet moment but with a dash of fantasy. Lisa offers a tender mom...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Siyuan Ma illustrates the Shanhua Temple, located inside the ancient city of Datong in Shanxi Province–a key cultural relic under state-level protec...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Fernando Garcia paints heavy rain over a field of yellow flowers. He expresses through elements and colors an atmosphere of tranquility. "A serene land...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Ruth LaGue shows a view of a barn and silo painted in an impressionist fashion. Inspired by the shapes and patterns of the landscape, she draws the vie...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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Artist Onelio Marrero captures a gentle moment of a Hasidic mother and her child enjoying the surf as the tide rolled in. While out on the New Jersey seashore...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Inspired by a family trip to the New Jersey shore, artist Onelio Marrero painted two boys braving the powerful incoming waves. He highlights the turbulent mov...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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Beech trees stand tall, their autumn leaves shifting to shades of yellow and rust. Below them, a wild rhododendron bush adds a splash of pink to the scene. Ex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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In her pared-down impressionist approach, artist Carey Parks illustrates three men walking on a sidewalk. Inspired by a photo refer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Gazing south down the California Coast toward Los Angeles, a dreamy coastal landscape depicts the Central California region. The stunning view encompasses Hal...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Autumn foliage surrounds a peaceful mountain landscape. Tall birch trees line the scene, their white trunks contras...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Siyuan Ma exhibits the Shanhua Temple, located inside the ancient city of Datong in Shanxi Province–a key cultural relic under state-level protectio...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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This summer scene, captured along a hiking trail in Venice, Florida, embodies the season's radiant glow. The sun casts beautiful clear highlights that enhance...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Inspired after a trip to The New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, artist Onelio Marrero shares a view of a person taking a break on a park bench. The idea...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Sherri Aldawood paints dainty orchids nestled in multi-colored flower pots. "I saw these orchids at the Conservatory in San Diego's Balboa Park," shares Sherri. She captures the bright morning light illuminating the blossoms while contrasting against the darker background. The evident balance of light and shadow creates a harmonious display.
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
A road lined with vibrant sagebrushes leads to snow-covered mountains. The autumn colors burst with energy. Bright oranges, yellows, and purples contrast the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
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A red hibiscus stands tall against dramatic clouds, inspired by artist Jay Jensen's trip to the Dominican Republic. This piece reflects his admiration for the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
Artist Comments
Bathed in the glow from the window and an inner light, a woman sits in front of a piano. As she gently hits the keys, she plays her hopeful tune. This impress...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
19th Century Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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While driving west on Bahia Vista Road in Florida, artist Benjamin Thomas, his wife, and their dog, Gaia, noticed the sky turning into a breathtaking display...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Lisa Elley's signature impasto trees stand tall with thick texture and gentle movement in the foliage. The colorful changing leaves contrast against th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Inspired by the aerial view of pedestrians from a hotel balcony in Paris, this impressionistic painting depicts a stylishly attired woman strolling with her c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Yellow houses bask in the soft light of spring, their warm tones contrasting with the cool shades of trees and shadows on the ground. A lone figure walks alon...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Bright sunlight bathes a quiet street in Mormant, France. White houses with red roofs stand out against a vivid green lawn and a clear blue sky. Trees cast gentle shadows on the ground. Painted with brush and palette knife, the vibrant colors evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility.
About the Artist
Artist Janet Dyer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
White blossoms adorn the trees, their petals depicted with movement and grace. The sunlight filters through the branches and casts dappled shadows on the grou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Growing up in Minnesota, artist Joanie Ford loved the winter days, ice fishing, and when snow blanketed the trees. This oil painting reflects her fond memorie...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A dark silhouette of an aircraft cuts across a cloud-filled sky. The stark contrast between them creates a sense of isolation. Artist Mark Cudd reflects on the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Inspired by the azure waters of iconic Lake Tahoe, artist Lisa Elley portrays the beauty of the mountains in the fall season. Her signature impasto technique ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A rustic red barn nestles among the lush greenery at the Thomas Ranch on Old Northville Road. Mt. Diablo peeks through the trees while vibrant wildflowers sca...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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A curved staircase leads upward, where people ascend, their forms casting intriguing shadows against the warm light. The blues and grays of the sky and struct...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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 r...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Sunlight illuminates the vibrant autumn foliage and golden grasses along the banks of Phillippi Creek in Sarasota, Florida. Spanish moss hangs from mature oak...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A woman walks under a clear summer sky in Newport, Rhode Island. The path stretches into the distance and creates a sense of peaceful solitude. Shadows cast b...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley paints a kaleidoscopic autumnal landscape, vibrant with spirited flecks from her palette knife. Using her signature style, Lisa applies impasto trees with thick texture and gentle movement. The foliage sways with energy, suggesting a beautiful fall day in the mountains with the colorful changing leaves on display.
About the Artist
Artist Lisa Elley produces sweeping impressionist views and rich geographies with lush textures. Growing up on a little farm in New Zealand surrounded by rolling green, she became greatly influenced by her surroundings. This instilled a remarkable ingenuity in her leading her to pursue a fine arts degree at the University of Auckland. Passionate about experiencing new things, she moved to London, New York, Florida, and ultimately the San Francisco Bay Area, where she now resides. She works at her studio inside an old cannery in San Jose with perfect natural light, 30-foot ceilings, and infinite possibilities. She cultivates her skillful command with a palette that allows her to maneuver her artistic blade with fluidity. “I am drawn to them over brushes as they create an amazing sense of movement with the beautiful texture they evoke,†shares Lisa. An award-winning artist, her works have been represented by galleries all over the globe and have also been featured in distinguished publications. Lisa savors the quality time she spends with her family during her free time.
Words that describe this painting: autumn, forest...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Valerie Berkely presents a dreamy summer seascape. The warm color palette and gentle movements stir sun-soaked memories and carefree beach vacations. W...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 19th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks displays a still life of red flowers arranged on a glass. Her impressionist style depicts the petals with a soft velvety feel. She paints p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
As the evening falls, Michigan Avenue in Chicago bustles with activity as pedestrians stroll down the sidewalk. The iconic lampposts of The Magnificent Mile c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks illustrates a crowd of pedestrians crossing the street. She captures the image on a bright and sunny but cold Saturday in New York City. "T...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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At times, seemingly ordinary landscapes reveal themselves as works of art. Just as the foliage dances between light and shadow, with leaves enjoying the sunli...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Nestled in Coastal Big Sur, California, the jagged cliffs meet the soothing azure waves, creating a picturesque scenery. Enhanced by the vibrant hues of the wildflower...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A thick greenery surrounds a quaint cottage, its roof peeking through the vibrant foliage. Roses bloom profusely in the foreground while trees soar high in th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Onelio Marrero portrays his youngest daughter, a photographer, capturing the beauty of nature at the Morris County Arboretum in New Jersey. The paintin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
