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
The fiery hues of the autumn trees contrast beautifully with the cool tones of the stream. The swift course of the water distorts the reflection of the gently...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
In the scenic beauty of Ontonagon River, Paulding, Michigan, a tranquil scene unfolds. The sun bathes the rocks and trees in the full radiance of summer, whil...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
On a late morning, a hiking trail welcomes the warmth of the sun. Palm and oak trees provide comforting shades along the way, while the treetops capture the f...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Vibrant red grass pierces through the snow, infusing fiery hues into the cold landscape. Dark green foliage extends into the distance, contrasting the whites ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
With soothing blues and greens, a tranquil scene unfolds from a marsh on a sunny day. The water reflects the bright sky and passing clouds. Painted with a bru...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Amid the verdant landscape, a white tree blossoms in spring, with distant red flowers adding a lively touch to the scene. The painting adopts an impressionist...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
This still-life painting features a lively bouquet of pink flowers in a vase. Painted with a palette knife, the various blooms carry subtle textures, adding d...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This still-life painting features roses in a clear glass vase. The flowers' velvety red hues contrast beautifully with their green stems, making them stand ou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
19th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting captures a serene Mediterranean landscape featuring an uphill path leading to a distant house. The summer sun brightens up the lush field under ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1980s Impressionist More Art
Lithograph
Artist Comments
From an aerial perspective, the figurative painting of a bicycle rider establishes a flat space and a distinctive viewpoint. The combination of muted grays an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The painting depicts a serene autumn scene in the delta land of the Mississippi River. Towering cypress trees encircle the area, with the water hazily reflecting their yellow and orange-tinted leaves. The composition exudes a tranquil atmosphere.
About the Artist
Artist Shela Goodman paints impressionist pastoral scenes with graceful refinement. Growing up on a farm in rural Arkansas, she nurtured her love for the beauty of nature. Shela captures these memories in harmonious displays of the environment around her. She was diagnosed with partial cone dystrophy, which closed off her periphery and deterred her ability to see. “In order for me to see a large painting in full, I have to take photos of it while it is in progress to see what the whole painting looks like,†shares Shela. The impairment of her vision only inspired her to paint what she can still perceive. She spent many years in Indiana and Michigan until she returned to Arkansas to care for her parents. Their unused living room became the perfect studio space for Shela, allowing her to grow her creative process while being available for her parents’ needs. As expected from a genealogy buff, she savors time spent with her family. Her other pastimes also include cooking and quilting. Various institutions in the United States have commissioned Shela’s highly favored work.
Words that describe this painting: cypress, trees, river, Mississippi, delta, fall, autumn, water, woods, season, forest...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Artist Sri Rao portrays an idyllic morning in the heart of Iowa's countryside. The sun timidly peeks from a veil of clouds, casting a s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar captures the peaceful ambiance of a September morning in the countryside. She paints a view of Harmony, a tiny town along the central California coast just south of Cambria. The iconic farmhouse is enveloped by soft golden grasses and cool blue hills, imparting a tranquil feel to the scenic surroundings.
About the Artist
Impressionist Catherine McCargar expresses her deep admiration of nature through landscape paintings of Northern California...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Sri Rao depicts a secluded farm away from the busy streets. A gravel road winds through the lush bushes and quaint farmhouses, g...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
"This artwork is inspired by a vista I saw while on a camping trip to the Allegany Mountains," says artist David Thelen. The verdant trees bask in the sun's w...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"I came across an old tractor parked in someone's yard and wanted to capture its current state with all of its dignity," shares artist David Thelen. The vehic...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by his plein air study, artist Andres Lopez paints a narrow stream filled with light and color. After a long walk through the forest, he came upon a cl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"Thunder only happens when it's going to rain," says artist Valerie Berkely. The shoreline exudes a moody ambiance with its hues of purple and blue illuminate...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Warren Keating draws inspiration from the pedestrian view below his hotel balcony in St. Germain. This piece encapsulates the moment and character of a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks illustrates a woman walking along the streets of New York City. She bundles herself in a coat and scarf as she listens to music, unbothered...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine shares a peek into the beautiful autumnal woodlands of California, presenting her keen eye for color an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks paints a woman lounging by the pool in Novato, California. She uses a photo of her mother-in-law as a reference....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks shares a striking viewpoint of a busy day at an urban crosswalk. She illustrates numerous people hurriedly cross...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks displays a family of three frolicking on the beach. "In addition to capturing people in the city, one of the best places is at the beach be...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman paints a silhouette of a man in his boat, floating peacefully on a bright still lake. With his motor engine up and rope in his hands, he ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Maurice Dionne paints a bridge on a bright day with people enjoying the sound of rushing water. "The pumphouse feeds water from Ottawa's canal system into a fast-moving white water course where the River Runners are located," shares Maurice. "During summer months, you can catch people enjoying white water kayaking...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman presents a majestic scene with a golden glow reflecting on the lake's still water. The sun gently sets, crad...
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
1980s Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
2010s Impressionist More Art
Linen, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Andres Lopez shares a view of two figures by the shade of the trees in loose painterly strokes. A simple moment of peace for two people who walk near the water. "It is almost like a dream...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
2010s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Ink, Pen
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Egg Tempera, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Linen, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Linen, Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Wood Panel
1970s Impressionist More Art
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
