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.
Morning cape, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Morning cape" portrays a rocky shoreline leading into the serene waters of a Croatian bay. Bathed in the soft morning light, the composition showcases rugged rocks in v...
Oil
Summer day, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Summer day" captures the peaceful beauty of a river in Croatia, bathed in warm sunlight. The composition highlights charming Mediterranean houses with sunlit terracotta...
Oil
Boundless freedom, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Boundless freedom" captures the serene beauty of a Montenegrin mountain morning. The vivid strokes and swirling textures evoke a sense of unrestrained energy and nature's majesty. I...
Oil
Mother's love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of mother's love, a vibrant celebration of pink chrysanthemums in full bloom. This close-up composition captures the intricate details of each...
Oil
Lavender Field in Provence, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Rows of vibrant lavender stretch toward the horizon, their rich purple hues contrasting with golden pathways. Warm sunlight bathes the landscape, casting a gl...
Oil
Country Church, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman paints an old country church on an quiet landscape. It sits alone surrounded by fields that seem to be dese...
Oil
Garden Cherub, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cherub statue and a sliced pear rest among vibrant purple flowers and lush leaves. The warm, earthy soil complements the greenery. Artist Sherri Aldawood pa...
Oil
Moment in Time, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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
Watercolor
View from the Airport Mesa Trail, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The horizontal shadows, when paired with the vertical cliffs and wayward grasses, create a pleasantly complex sight on the Airport Mesa Trail in Sedona. The d...
Oil
March Landscape near Mt. Monadnock
By Hermann Dudley Murphy
Located in Milford, NH
A fine New Hampshire landscape by American artist Hermann Dudley Murphy (1867-1945). Murphy was born in Marlboro, Massachusetts, in 1867. After studying at the Boston Museum of Fine ...
Canvas, Oil
Be happy, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Be happy captures the charm of a quaint, historic house on the French Riviera in Antibes. This vibrant painting radiates warmth and joy, showcasing the colorful details of the Medite...
Oil
Beautiful day in Venice, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A sunlit scene of Venice's iconic Rialto Bridge comes alive in this vibrant painting. The sparkling waters of the Grand Canal dance with reflections of the colorful facades, while a ...
Oil
Autumn melody, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Autumn melody" depicts a serene autumn river surrounded by vibrant foliage in shades of red, yellow, and orange. The scene is bathed in soft, diffused light, creating a...
Oil
The paradise ?ourtyard, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Step into the charm of a French courtyard in the old town of Antibes, on the picturesque French Riviera. "The paradise ?ourtyard" captures the tranquil beauty of lush greenery, vibra...
Oil
Before the storm, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Before the storm" captures the serene atmosphere of the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, just before a thunderstorm unfolds. This expressive piece combines bold strokes and vibrant ...
Oil
Poppies Aflutter, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar illustrates alluring red flowers in a background of white. She captures the delicacy and transparency of gorgeous poppies she noticed in a local public garden. She creates a somewhat stylized arrangement of blooming stems. "It is punctuated by the addition of the buds as they dangle before bursting forth the seed capsules that remain after the petals drop," says Catherine.
About the Artist
Impressionist Catherine McCargar expresses her deep admiration of nature through landscape paintings of Northern California...
Watercolor
The White Barn, Original Painting
By Judy Mudd
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A rustic white barn stands in quiet solitude, its weathered walls telling a story of the past. A dirt path winds toward a misty, atmospheric backdrop. The sof...
Watercolor
Passing By, Original Painting
By Karen Barton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft clouds blend with a bright blue sky, where five birds soar in a serene atmosphere. The scene takes inspiration from artist Karen Barton's observation of ...
Acrylic
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
Wistful Woods, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Golden leaves cling to slender trees, their white trunks standing out against a blue backdrop. Red, yellow, and orange foliage blankets the ground, capturing ...
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
Inspirational boundlessness, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Inspirational boundlessness" captures the awe-inspiring cliffs of Étretat, Normandy, painted en plein air in a vibrant Impressionist style. This dynamic artwork immerses viewers in...
Oil
Evening in Nice, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting, titled evening in Nice, captures the iconic Negresco Hotel on the French Riviera. Painted en plein air in an impressionist and pointillist style, it evokes the enchant...
Oil
A beautiful morning, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"A beautiful morning" captures the serene atmosphere of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, showcasing the marina of Kotor city. Painted en plein air, this impressionist and pointillist masterp...
Oil
Edge of the Cape, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A high vantage point reveals the breathtaking beauty of an island near the Cape of Good Hope. The composition showcases the vast, shimmering ocean and rugged ...
Watercolor
Le News Cafe, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A romantic scene unfolds outside the Le News Café in Paris. A waiter serves a couple against the backdrop of the bustling city. Artist James Nyika's skillful...
Watercolor
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
Boundless freedom, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Boundless freedom" captures the majestic peaks of Seceda in the Dolomite Alps, Italy, rendered in an expressive Impressionist style. Painted en plein air, the artwork v...
Oil
Alpine harmony, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Alpine harmony" captures the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps, painted en plein air in an expressive impressionist style. The vibrant strokes of greens and blues bring to life a peac...
Oil
The bay's radiance, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"The bay's radiance" captures the timeless charm of Perast, a picturesque old town nestled in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Painted in the vibrant pointillist style, this artwork exu...
Oil
Golden harbor, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Golden harbor" captures the breathtaking view of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. This impressionist painting radiates warmth and vibrancy, with golden hues reflecting on the water and sail...
Oil
Tender Montenegro, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Tender Montenegro" This impressionist oil painting captures the serene beauty of Kotor Bay in Stoliv, Montenegro. Vibrant brushstrokes bring to life the shimmering water, the rusti...
Oil
Aussie Love, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Breathtaking sunset reflects off a cloud-filled sky in Australia, creating a color-filled landscape. Below, a road cuts through a field and leads to a distant...
Acrylic
Lake Tahoe Fall's Last Embrace, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The serene waters, colorful trees, and majestic mountains contribute to the enchanting ambiance of Lake Tahoe. The vibrant hues and rich texture capture the s...
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
Blue Wind, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Much of artist Benjamin Thomas's work is rooted in memory and mistakes rather than direct observation of life. After learning from his painting mishaps, he no...
Acrylic
The Last Light on the Marsh, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An array of colors presents itself before the sun dips behind the mountains. Shadows drape the landscape in cold blues and violets while the water reflects th...
Acrylic
Plum Skies, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting captures a moody cloudscape bathed in purple hues. Below, expansive golden fields bring warmth that contrasts with the cool sky. Together, these...
Acrylic
Evening Glow on Sloane Square- original contemporary cityscape-impressionism 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
Morning Mist and Lilies, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lily pads spread across the water, their vigorous strokes contrasting with the softer details in the distance. As the early morning mist dissipates, the pond ...
Oil
On a Cloud, Oil Painting
By Karen Barton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two jewel-toned hummingbirds engage in a delicate interaction as they search for a place to land. Their vibrant green and red feathers stand out against the d...
Oil
The Artist's Wife, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by his travels with his wife, artist Onelio Marrero paints her enjoying a book. They toured the neighboring towns to visit shops and historic sites d...
Oil
Last Light on the Water Lilies, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Working on the subject of water lilies and sunset reflections, artist Onelio Marrero portrays a pond mirroring the colors of the sk...
Oil
Grappling, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In 2023, artist Onelio Marrero began a series of oil sketches featuring men painting buildings high above city sidewalks. Inspired by one, this piece captures...
Oil
Suspended, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In 2023, artist Onelio Marrero began a series of oil sketches featuring men painting buildings high above city sidewalks. Based on one of these studies, this ...
Oil
Buxton Memorial Fountain, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
During a trip to London, artist Onleio Marrero explored the city's wonderful sites. On one of his strolls along the Thames, he noticed the neo-gothic fountain...
Oil
Sea symphony, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Sea symphony" captures the mesmerizing beauty of Kotor Bay in Stoliv, Montenegro. Painted in an expressive Impressionist style, this artwork is a vibrant interplay of color and ligh...
Oil
Harbor of dreams, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Harbor of dreams captures the serene beauty of the marina in Hendaye, a coastal town on the Bay of Biscay, France. This impressionist piece, painted with bold palette knife strokes, ...
Oil
Radiance of the azure wave, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Radiance of the azure wave" captures the breathtaking beauty of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. The painting, created in an expressive Impressionist style, immerses the...
Oil
Golden waters of Venice, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Golden waters of Venice captures the enchanting glow of Venice at sunset. The Grand Canal shimmers in fiery hues of gold and amber, reflecting the last light of the day. The majestic...
Oil
Azure breeze of Antibes, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Azure breeze of Antibes" Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Antibes, French Riviera, with this impressionist coastal scene. The artist’s dynamic brushwork and rich palette...
Oil
Whisper of the bay, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Whisper of the bay" captures the untamed beauty of Biarritz, a picturesque coastal town on the Bay of Biscay, France. This impressionist oil painting evokes the rhythmic movement of...
Oil
Where the sea meets the sun, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Where the sea meets the sun" Bask in the golden embrace of the French Riviera with this expressive impressionist painting of Cap-d'Ail’s coastline. The textured strokes capture t...
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
Olive Trees by Curved Path, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft, loose brushstrokes depict a curved path winding through olive trees under a bright, clear sky. The scene takes inspiration from a dusty road artist Jane...
Acrylic
Aromas of spring, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Aromas of spring" transports you to a dreamy wisteria garden on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. Cascading violet blossoms create a magical tunnel, their fragrance lingering in the a...
Oil
Azure coast dream, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS IMPRESSIONIST WALL ART WORK morning artwork/ French seascape painting/ Impressionist seascape/ handmade oil ...
Oil
Fragrances of spring, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS IMPRESSIONIST WALL ART WORK morning artwork/ Italy seascape painting/ Impressionist seascape/ handmade oil painting/ - "Fragrances of spring" capt...
Oil
Waiting for a Text, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A server, momentarily distracted from her duties, gazes at her phone, waiting for an important text. Though the setting suggests she should be peeling potatoe...
Oil
Peggy's Cove, Oil Painting
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