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.
Hats and Shadows in Santa Fe, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This impressionist work by artist Warren Keating presents a compelling interplay of light and form from an uncommon vantage point. The composition offers a top-...
Oil
Kingfisher, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gary Westall
Located in Yardley, PA
The kingfisher, a jewel of nature. It is a joy to be able to see this bird live. I was able to observe these beautiful birds at a stream in the Wiehen Hills. Oil on canvas - 30 × 6...
Oil
With Grace, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sun shines brightly over a farmland, drawing the eye to two hay bales resting on a golden field. In creating this piece, artist JoAnn Golenia reflects on th...
Acrylic
$2,983
Autumnal Light- Original Oil Landscape Painting - Contemporary Impressionist 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 ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,797
Spring Light - Original Landscape Painting - Contemporary Impressionist 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 ...
Canvas, Oil
Radiance of the Riviera, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Radiance of the Riviera" captures the enchanting beauty of Cap d’Antibes on the Côte d’Azur. Painted in an impressionist style, this artwork immerses the viewer in a vibrant co...
Oil
Coastal Summer Sunset, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A silhouette of a single Monterey pine basks in the glow and soft light of the setting sun. The lavender surface of the ocean reflects the radiant sky. California-based artist Catherine McCargar loves taking painting trips to the coast. In this piece, she painted on Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
About the Artist
Impressionist Catherine McCargar expresses her deep admiration of nature through landscape paintings of Northern California. While she is well-versed in a range of media, her preferred medium for painting is watercolor. The fluidity of the paint allows her to capture the muted undertones and the fleeting light found in the natural world. While the backgrounds of her paintings are impressionistic, the foregrounds of her paintings are often highly detailed, showcasing her technical mastery over her medium.
Words that describe this painting: coastal, ocean, California, seaside, beach, path, sunset, tree, summer, sky, nature, grass, vacation, season, impressionism, nature, seascape, watercolor painting, blue
Coastal Summer Sunset...
Watercolor
City Stroll, Original Painting
By Mary Pratt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman in a flowing dress walks toward a hazy skyline, moving among other pedestrians. Her calm presence contrasts with the modern bustle around her. Through s...
Acrylic
Spring Tones, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Oil
$3,797
Modern Impressionist Landscape Maritime Oil Painting of Boats in a Marina
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Landscape Marine Oil painting of Boats in a Marina on a Misty Morning. Beautiful softly lit Oil On Board, signed and housed in a sympathetic handmade frame. Boy...
Oil
Sailboat at sea, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Sailboat at sea" 25.0 X 35.0 CM / 9.8 X 13.7 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Dated 2...
Oil
Beyond the Blue Sea, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley captures the azure coast of Carmel, California, in this textured palette knife painting. Sunlight shimmers across the blue water, while rugged...
Oil
Ice rink, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The ice rink is a light, icy blue-white color, smooth and reflecting the light from the surrounding area. Numerous figures are skating on the ice in various colors of winter coats a...
Oil
Summer Day, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Village Steeple, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This oil painting depicts the small village of Sabrosa in Portugal viewed from a nearby vineyard. The church steeple rises prominently among the historic whit...
Oil
The Rise Looking West, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woodland painting captures the brilliant sunlight playing on the rock formations of a rise in the woods near the artist Onelio Marrero's home. The patches of ...
Oil
Peace Like a River, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
California artist Catherine McCargar captures a quiet, peaceful moment in the wetlands along the Martinez shoreline. A pair of egrets test the water, sending ge...
Watercolor
Flower Still life, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted this using the long extended brush. I like how I am able to get expressive with the brushstrokes. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificat...
Acrylic
Take a Break Too, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Set against the sleek lines of a modern cafe, this piece captures the quiet humanity behind the counter. The barista—mid-sip or lost in thought—becomes a fi...
Oil
The Road Home II, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A vast landscape unfolds beneath a sweeping, dynamic sky. Fields of green and yellow hint at lush grass and vegetation, while intersecting pathways guide the ey...
Oil
White Rose with Strawberries, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
By Karen Daigle
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted Alla Prima or wet in wet and finished in one setting. I believe in only using quality materials and varnish all my paintings for protection. This painting is unframed. Due to...
Oil
Country Road, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A dirt road winds through fenced pastures, its well-worn hue contrasting with the lush greenery. In the distance, a rustic cabin awaits, offering a warm welcome...
Oil
Eucalyptus at the Marina, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This plein air painting captures a eucalyptus tree shimmering in the warm late afternoon light. Behind an embankment, only the masts of sailboats and the roofli...
Oil
Capistrano Stroll, Original Painting
By Judy Mudd
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A tranquil scene centers on a historic mission-style building with a classic red-tiled roof and smooth white stucco walls. People stroll around the premises, en...
Watercolor
Hope's Song, Original Painting
By Nava Lundy
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Acrylic
Forest Edge, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Golden grass sweeps across the foreground, leading into a cluster of trees transitioning into autumn colors. The play of light and shadow creates a sense of dep...
Acrylic
Autumn landscape #2, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Autumn landscape #2 Ireland, oil on canvas 25x30x2 cm :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to H...
Oil
Evening Light in Estepona, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet street leads through the coastal town of Estepona, Spain, lined with houses resting in shadow. Further in, a sunlit building faces the viewer, its war...
Oil
September Song, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Wildflowers blooming in the foreground create a focal point against the misty sky and sea in the background. The view depicts the enchanting coastline of Califo...
Watercolor
Anticipation, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The impressionist seascape painting depicts two young surfers at the New Jersey shore. They are on the lookout for the perfect wave that they can ride. Bold bru...
Oil
Sunny Day in California, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Thick, expressive brushstrokes depict a sunny day on the California coast in this impasto painting. Palm trees sway over a sandy beach, with distant mountains r...
Oil
A Tree on the Bluff, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A eucalyptus tree stands sentinel along the edge of the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, a beloved landmark on California’s central coast. Rendered in oil on a cradled wood panel, the composition invites viewers into a sunlit landscape where clouds drift above the calm Pacific Ocean. The brushwork conveys both the tranquility and vitality of this coastal haven, evoking the gentle warmth of a clear day and the timeless beauty of nature.
About the Artist
Artist Elizabeth Garat paints impressionist landscapes, seascapes, and scenes from her travels that reflect her deep connection to the natural world. “Exposure to nature early on planted the seed of landscape painting in me,†says Elizabeth. Raised between California and Colorado, she spent her formative years outdoors—exploring her grandfather’s sheep ranch, walking beaches with her grandmother, and discovering California Impressionism in the galleries of Laguna Beach. She later studied with noted photographer MacDuff Everton at UC Santa Barbara and trained in plein air painting with Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson in Italy. Elizabeth works from a bright studio converted from her home’s detached garage, complete with barn wood walls, a skylight, and a Dutch door...
Oil
Peggy's Cove, Oil Painting
By Joanie Ford
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Leisure Village Lake, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A thick carpet of lily pads and reeds covers a quiet pond, leaving only a patch of blue water to peek through. The lush greens across the scene create a calmi...
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
Landscape #3, Painting, Oil on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on Burlap mounted on Cardboard. I did three of these this size. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artis...
Oil
Houses by Field, Provence, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Grasses and shrubs stretch diagonally across the scene, while a lush grove of tall trees rises at a distance. Small houses with red roofs sit among the foliage....
Acrylic
Bay, Ireland, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A peaceful bay stretches along an Irish countryside, where the hills slope down to meet the soft curve of the shore. Bold strokes and earthy colors capture the ...
Acrylic
"Evening City", Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Evening City" 55.0 X 65.0 CM / 21.6 X 25.5 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Dated 202...
Oil
Backyard hollyhocks, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting done in the studio of the hollyhocks in my backyard. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by th...
Acrylic
Casiotone, Painting, Oil on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on burlap mounted on wood. Still life of my Casio keyboard. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Iris Spring, Oil Painting
By Jay Jensen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Iris flowers sway among the grass in a sun-dappled landscape. Their petals reveal subtle shifts in color, from soft greyish purples to deep burgundy tones. Hint...
Oil
Grape, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Grape" 70.0 X 80.0 CM / 27.5 X 31.4 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Dated 2025 Goo...
Oil
Summer night on Ventura Blvd., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large painting of a hot summer night on Ventura Blvd. Spray paint and acrylic on canvas :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity...
Acrylic
Summer Storm Rising, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures a quietly dramatic view of a winding river near his home. Storm clouds rise near the apex of the sun, while lush vegetation surro...
Oil
The Spring Morning Visitors, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Viktoria Majestic presents an impressionist oil painting featuring a vibrant bouquet of yellow flowers. Tulips and mimosas arranged in a clear glass pitc...
Oil
White Rose, Oil Painting
By Sara Sisun
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Oil
See Me, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton My works are heavily influenced by the art work of Degas and Gustav Klimt. Do we want to be seen? Recognised or hidden away ou...
Charcoal
Goodbye Summer, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures her granddaughter walking along a low tide surf in the late afternoon light on a New Jersey beach. She strolls along the receding...
Oil
Cape May Bungalow, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A charming bungalow in Cape May, New Jersey, nestles among lush greenery. Its warm yellow and green tones blend harmoniously with the surrounding foliage. Pai...
Oil
The Unknown, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton My works are heavily influenced by the art work of Degas and Gustav Klimt. Following the breakdown of the human female nude, I...
Charcoal
Coastal Dreaming, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Coastal Davenport, California, comes alive with the essence of the Pacific coast in artist Lisa Elley's impressionist seascape. Rugged cliffs meet the gentle ...
Oil
Old House, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A country house stands solitary in an overgrown field, with traces of time passing evident in its exterior. The grass dances with the wind as the summer sky g...
Oil
Enthroned, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A majestic pronghorn antelope buck sits at the heart of a darkening prairie. The rich, warm tones and subtle background details emphasize the animal’s disti...
Oil
D.A.R.E Study, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton My works are heavily influenced by the art work of Degas and Gustav Klimt. My desire is to capture the human form, whilst port...
Charcoal
Sugar, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton My works are heavily influenced by the art work of Degas and Gustav Klimt. Following the breakdown of the human female nude, I...
Charcoal
New Heights, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton My works are heavily influenced by the art work of Degas and Gustav Klimt. Following the breakdown of the human female nude, I...
Charcoal
Lynde Point Saybrook Lighthouse, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The Lynde Point Lighthouse, also known as Saybrook Inner, in Connecticut, overlooks the peaceful Island Sound. The patterns of receding tidal puddles captivated...
Oil
The Catch, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero lives just minutes from the New Jersey shore, where he and his wife enjoy long walks along the beach. In the quieter winter months, the ...
Oil
Long Island Sunrise, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a majestic sunrise on Long Island with vibrant colors and rich brushwork. "I am always up early to witness the morning skies wher...
Oil