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.
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Artist Elizabeth Garat has always felt an affinity with trees. She came upon this view on a long walk during the golden hour in Ashland, Oregon. A gentle bree...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The lifeguard tower, palm trees, and beachgoers bask in the sun on a radiant summer day. The wind blows the clouds across the s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Provence in spring is a delightful place to be. Olive trees bloom, cypresses sway gently in the breeze, and the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape. Pain...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A still life oil painting captures a clear vase holding a single white rose and three red ones. A knife and a fallen petal rest beside the floral arrangement, a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A portrait of a woman with closed eyes captures an ethereal and haunting mood. Artist Sara Sisun painted the piece from a live model, a student based in Florenc...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A toffee-colored rose sits in a fishbowl. The mirror beneath reflects and enhances the vibrancy of the composition. Artist Sara Sisun drew inspiration from an u...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Figures stand in a verdant landscape, sharing a moment of quiet intimacy. Artist Sara Sisun captured the scene on location in Tuscany during a painting retreat....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A vibrant floral arrangement whispers memory and emotion. Loose, expressive brushwork and a softened background allow each flower to breathe with quiet energy. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Siyuan Ma exhibits a panoramic view of mountains engulfed by a mysterious fog. He presents aesthetic imagery that can take the viewer into a dreamlike ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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, w...
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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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Artist Siyuan Ma illustrates the Mingtang in the ancient city of Datong, Shanxi Province–a national key cultural protected site. "It is one of the four grea...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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 textu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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 surrou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Early fall brings forth golden grasses, with distant mountains providing a cool backdrop. The rushing stream curves through the sunlight and shade, creating a sense of movement within the composition. Bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors capture the rugged beauty of the landscape...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Drawing inspiration from a boathouse floating on the water at Coal Harbour in Vancouver, artist Maurice Dionne paints this idle watercolor scene. In the foreg...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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 sugg...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Carey Parks illustrates a vibrant spring bouquet on a dark turquoise vase. She cuts the tulips and daffodils directly from her garden and arranges them...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A thick blanket of snow covers a garden, exposing only tall bushes and grass to the sunlight. A thicket of trees stands in the background, adding brown and gr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Maurice Dionne paints a trio exploring the Mer Bleu Bog in an unexpected nature escape in Ottawa. "Located in the east end of the city, this unique bog...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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"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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A wintry scene unfolds with bare trees and geese in flight along a riverbank. Tangled weeds create intricate patterns that harmonize with the freeform structu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Carey Parks presents an impressionist still life of dainty flowers on a glass cylinder. Taking a small bunch from a large bo...
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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In his signature style, artist Warren Keating draws inspiration from a character he saw on a Santa Fe Plaza restaurant balcony. Using perspective and textural...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Fernando Garcia paints a farm and a silo on a vast midwestern landscape. He offers the viewer a serene environment ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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Golden foliage blankets the forest in this autumn landscape. The vast meadow in the distance echoes the seasonal transition. With the sun hidden behind drifti...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Maurice Dionne shows the activity around the transit station, waiting for an incoming train. "In this particular case, we are at the U of Ottawa statio...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
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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
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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 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
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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A boat tied to a dock patiently awaits its passenger. Nearby, a stone bridge connects the lush greenery on both sides of the river. The tranquil water and its...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Artist Maurice Dionne illustrates a glimpse of O'Connor Street in Ottawa. He draws inspiration from the quality of light and the steeple, evident in the background. The light, the cars, and all the reflections create dynamic movement in the scene. "In sketching, I left a lot of impressionistic areas to catch your imagination," says Maurice.
About the Artist
Artist Maurice Dionne paints watercolor scenes of Ottawa, from quiet city walks to charming Victorian homes. "The transparency of the medium is truly remarkable; it allows so much light to shine through," says Maurice. He devotedly captures the mood and vibrancy most often inspired by the people around him. He finished a degree in science but ultimately decided to embrace his true freedom of expression. Now a full-time artist, he commits to a home studio as his haven of creativity, where he has access to artist-grade material that ensures that his pieces will be archival and endure the test of time. Maurice's work received merits from The Marketer Art Competition in 2020 and 2021 and was featured in the Electric Street Gallery, Ottawa Art Gallery, and Art Gallery of Ontario. He relishes cycling, hiking, kayaking, reading, and visiting specialty coffee shops with his spouse in his spare time.
Words that describe this painting: street, road, watercolor, cars, buildings, pedestrians, city, cityscape, architecture, travel, Canada, dome, buildings, impressionism, paper, architecture, impressionism, travel, watercolor painting, beige
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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 Judy Mudd embarks on a scenic journey along the Atlantic coast in search of inspiration for her rural collection. "One of the most memorable places I v...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Quaint houses line a quiet alleyway, where overgrown weeds and trees bring a sense of life. Warm tones and impressionistic strokes add charm throughout. In this...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Various shades of green hint at an abstract landscape. It depicts a marsh with scattered pools that reflect the colors of the sky. Artist Janet Dyer painted the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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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
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Olive trees flourish outside a building in Provence, France, and take on their autumn tones. The surrounding foliage forms a natural frame and highlights the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Colette Wirz Nauke paints a bird perched on a tree. Plump red berries adorn the meandering branches, creating a sense of movement and vitality to the p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Siyuan Ma depicts a temple towering on the ancient city walls of China. These buildings stand as critical defensive structures and serve as important p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Elizabeth Garat paints an inspiring view of the California coast. She references the piece on scenes from an expedition to the beautiful coastal town of Cayucos, California. The stately tree stands alone in the surrounding field, capturing the viewer's attention. Elizabeth fully offers the tranquility of the quiet view.
About the Artist
Growing up in California and Colorado, Elizabeth spent much of her formative years outdoors. “Exposure to nature early on planted the seed of landscape painting in me,†she says. She enjoyed spending time on her grandfather’s sunny sheep ranch and going to the beach with her grandmother. Her grandmother also would bring her to art galleries in Laguna Beach, where she was first introduced to California Impressionism...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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In Sri Rao's charming depiction, the contrasting beauty of a summer morning before a thunderstorm emerges in vibrant colors. "Birds sta...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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In her signature style, artist Sri Rao captures the splendid sight of a rural landscape bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. Fie...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Maurice Dionne shows a view of the Rocky Mountains under a thick layer of snow. The skier, enticed by the vast expanse of pristine white powder, gracef...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist David Thelen presents a serene spot nestled in a mountain range. The water's edge glimmers at the foot of towering trees, while lush foliage adorns the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist David Thelen captures a timber laying on the green meadow. "I wonder about the purpose of the tree being cut and abandoned in the woods," says David. T...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Valerie Berkely offers a dreamy, atmospheric coastal scene that soothes the soul. The pastel tones of the seascape calm the eye, creating a profound se...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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"Sometimes, when you lose your way in life, you will find yourself in a quiet place," says artist Jeff Fleming. In a secluded lake corner, he captures a scene...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma presents a snow-capped landscape enveloped by light fog. The abstract imagery takes the viewer into a dreamlike worl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
