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.
Blue Ridge Mountains Farm, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting depicts the rustic log houses populating the starting point of the Blue Ridge Trail, stretching from Southern Pennsylvania to Georgia. The satur...
Oil
Autumn Tunnel, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman presents a scenic path enveloped by autumnal foliage. In her travels, Shela is always fascinated with the tunnels that trees create. "Not knowing when you entered where you may be when you come out the other side," says Shela. The piece captures the majesty of the season with festive colors and energetic paintwork.
About the Artist
Words that describe this painting: autumn, tunnel, trees, fall, road, season, path, woods, forest...
Oil
Bouquet for Monet, Oil Painting
By Jeff Fleming
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"I dedicate this vibrant still life to Claude Monet," says artist Jeff Fleming. With its explosion of colors and richness of textures, this impressionist pain...
Oil
Mer Bleu, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Watercolor
Captive to the waves, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Captive to the waves" 70.0 X 90.0 CM / 27.5 X 35.4 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back D...
Oil
The Pumphouse, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Watercolor
Covered in Sunshine, Original Painting
Street Under the Rain. New York, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Stanislav Sidorov exhibits colorful umbrellas spread along the busy streets of New York. A bright display of hues parades along the streets amidst wate...
Oil
First Tracks, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Watercolor
Faded Pride, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
A Simpler Time, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer presents an old white shingled farmhouse with a tin roof. The piece evokes a strong sense of nostalgia that reminds of simpler times b...
Oil
Walking in Midtown, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Acrylic
Spring Near Bonnieux, Provence, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer exhibits a view of Provence in the spring, when pear, almond, and cherry trees flourish in full bloom. "These are near a hilltop village in ...
Acrylic
Birthday Roses and Cuties, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
A warm, earthy floral with bright otange notes and neutral whites and greens. Frame can be included for extra fee. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official ...
Oil
Shadow Play, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Maurice Dionne paints an impressionist cityscape with cool tones. He presents the view in delicate strokes and detailed brushwork, showing depth and di...
Watercolor
Watercolor Impressions of Chinese Architecture 15, Original Painting
By Siyuan Ma
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma presents an impressionist depiction of the Hanging Temple, a famous cultural landmark in China. Its Chinese name takes the character "Xuan" f...
Watercolor
Plein Air Painter on the Common, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Oil
Mountain Reverie Series 14, Original Painting
By Siyuan Ma
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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 ...
Watercolor
Children in the Rollers, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero depicts two carefree children playing in the surf. Part of a series of summer paintings that explores the joyful spirit of youth. His ex...
Oil
Hillside Trees 250314, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Don Bishop
Located in Yardley, PA
Hillside Trees 250314 is a contemporary impressionist landscape painting with rich texture and soft warm colors. This large scale landscape is painted in acrylics, measures 40x40 in...
Acrylic
Union Square, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks paints four people crossing paths in a city park. "This photo was captured on a busy Saturday morning in Union S...
Acrylic
Off Broadway, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks shares a striking viewpoint of a busy day at an urban crosswalk. She illustrates numerous people hurriedly cross...
Acrylic
Day at the Beach, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Acrylic
Jacarandas with Monet, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley presents an impressionist garden with extraordinarily rich flora. She paints the piece with a palette knife, greatly inspired by Monet's wor...
Oil
Sketching in the Garden, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Oil
Back of Provincetown
By Malcolm Humphreys
Located in Milford, NH
A colorful impressionist Cape Cod landscape by American artist Malcolm Humphreys (1892-1963). Humphreys was born in Morristown, New Jersey, graduated from Princeton University, and p...
Masonite, Oil
Pink Roof White Birch, Original Painting
By Ruth LaGue
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Ruth LaGue presents an impressionist black barn with a prominent pink roof. Inspired by the shapes and patterns of the landscape, she draws the viewer'...
Acrylic
Swimming duck, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting depicts a duck swimming on the surface of a body of water. The water is a mix of blues and turquoise tones, with white and light blue paint strokes representing ripples ...
Oil
Pastors lake scene, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting depicts a serene lakeside scene with a richly colored landscape. Tall, vibrant green trees line the shores of the lake, with one particularly tall tree positioned in the...
Oil
Elm Motel, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Bridge Over the River, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman presents a view of an old swinging bridge over a quiet river. The image plays with the viewer's imagination and challenges them with their personal insight. "The wonder of what is on the other side of the tree and what may be in the distance," says Shela. She skillfully balances the relationship between light and shadow to depict the depth and dimensions of the scene.
About the Artist
Words that describe this painting: bridge, landscape, river, tree, fog, mist, riverbank, water, impressionism, oilpaint, perspective, impressionism, nature, oil painting, brown
Bridge Over the River...
Oil
Flower Pots, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An en plein air study of sunlight hitting flower pots. Painted with an emphasis on the light and shadow of the pots. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an officia...
Oil
Chania Lighthouse, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An oil painting depicts a lighthouse located on a small spit of land , amidst a calm and expansive blue sea. The lighthouse itself is painted in a light yellow, featuring additional ...
Oil
Birches On The Shore, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
By Bob Arrigo
Located in Yardley, PA
A distant afternoon sun breaks through the sky to light a grouping of silver Birch trees, autumn color and shoreline wild flowers that overlook a lakeside view. Painted with bold str...
Oil
$3,177Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Landscape Marine Watercolour Shipping on the Grand Canal Venice
Located in ludlow, GB
Victorian Landscape Marine Watercolour Shipping on the Grand Canal Venice. A large and very attractive signed Victorian Watercolour on paper mount...
Watercolor
Quiet Path, Provence, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A dirt path winds through a rural landscape lined with trees and bushes, leading toward open fields and the horizon. Loose palette knife and brushwork give the ...
Acrylic
Still life with roses, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A still life painting, oil on canvas, displays a decorative vase with roses, a candle holder, a goblets, and a book. The vase, placed centrally, is ornately decorated with a pattern...
Oil
Suzdal, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting depicts an architectural scene with two tall buildings with pointed towers connected by an arch or low passageway, done in shades of terracotta, light orange and red. Be...
Oil
”White Tulips” oil painting, of spring flowers on blue background, artist signed
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting by Rachel Personett (b. 1991, Hawaii) of pure, white spring tulips with long green stems, blossoming upward atop a blue backdrop. Signed "Personett" lower right, rect...
Oil, Panel
$5,800
"Metro Supperclub" oil painting of neon lights downtown street scene nocturne
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Oil painting of a bustling street at night. Carl Bretzke cheekily renames the street "C. Bretzke Av" in his rendition of the scene. A bright squiggle of blue neon light ribbons acros...
Linen, Oil
Docked boats, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The image depicts a serene channel scene with several boats docked by the water. Trees line the background, with some foliage extending over the edge of the water, adding to the tran...
Oil
Cretan boats, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A brightly colored painting depicts a harbor scene. The foreground shows calm, turquoise water. Two small motorboats, light beige/cream colored with varying shades of blue accents, ...
Oil
Landscape with lilac, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an original oil painting depicting a vibrant and sunny landscape. A prominent feature of the composition is a village house with a red roof and white walls, positioned on the...
Oil
Peaceful moment, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting captures a tender moment of connection and joy between a mother and child by the sea. Using rich oil textures and impressionistic light, the artist aimed to evoke warmt...
Oil
Haystacks 2025, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting is an original oil artwork depicting a bright and tranquil rural landscape. A vast golden field, covered in dry yellowish grass, is scattered with hay bales of various s...
Oil
Forest river, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting depicts a serene landscape featuring a riverbank with verdant greenery. Tall trees with dense canopies dominate the background, while a clear path leads towards a promin...
Oil
Rethymno, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the allure of the coast with "Rethymno," an original oil painting that captures a tranquil seaside town. The deep blue sea dominates the foreground, meeting a light blue s...
Oil
Cretan Bali beach, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Cretan coast with this original oil painting. "Cretan Bali Beach" captures a peaceful cove in an impressionistic style. The vibrant blue wa...
Oil
Snowdrops 5, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting depicts snow-covered ground with a cluster of snowdrops. The snowdrops are rendered in soft, muted white and pale green hues. Their delicate, nodding flower shapes and ...
Oil
Egyptian Queen, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting captures the timeless elegance of an Egyptian queen. The artist used impressionistic brushstrokes to convey her admiration for ancient strength and grace. ...
Oil
Autumn cat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The image is an oil painting of a cat resembling a Himalayan or Siamese breed, with long fur and striking blue eyes. The cat is depicted in a warm autumnal setting, surrounded by a p...
Oil
Heaven on Earth
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
I was on a rooftop parking garage looking for the last space to park, in a hurry for a meeting with friends, when I saw this sky. Yes, I was late getting together with my friends, and my wife was patient while I recorded all the colors and shapes. After I painted this she was happy with the painting, and so was I, for it worked out as a balanced canvas of real and abstract. My friends were ok too after I bought a round. Enjoy!
About the Artist
Benjamin Thomas has been painting since the late seventies, however for most of this time he was not exhibiting his work. About twelve years ago, Benjamin and his wife were at a gallery show for a friend and as they were leaving Ben’s wife, aka “The Muse,” told him to go back in. “Your work is as good as that--maybe even better,” she said. That night, Benjamin obeyed The Muse (lucky for us!). The impressionistic sweeps of sky and cloud in Benjamin’s paintings capture more than just an atmospheric quality, but also a heavenly interpretation of the landscape. There is a classical, mature style to the paintings, reminiscent of J.M.W. Turner. Benjamin is often inspired while bicycling, walking or motorcycling, taking in the scenery of Pittsburgh, PA. He takes photos of the scene and then works out the concept back in his studio. The large scale of the work matches the impression and mood that each scene conveys, and the light and shadow are carefully balanced to capture something mercurial and nostalgic. The work feels very measured and contemplated, but also full of passion, as if each piece is in pursuit of the joy of painting and the representation of natural beauty.
Acrylic
Autumn kiss, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting features a close-up view of white and yellow chrysanthemums, their vibrant petals creating a striking interplay of colors. The intricate brushstrokes convey movement an...
Oil
Summer Reflections 240716, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Don Bishop
Located in Yardley, PA
Summer Reflections 240716 is a rich impressionist landscape painting with beautiful water reflections and atmosphere. Painted in the plein air impressionist style, this landscape pa...
Oil
Tulips and Sunshine, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Angie Wright
Located in Yardley, PA
Tulips and Sunshine, oil on canvas, 100 x 100cm Tulips and Sunshine, captures the joyful embrace of warmth that comes with a sunny day. The vibrant yellow tulips stand tall, their...
Oil
Walking in Nature, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman walks along a narrow trail. Bushes on either side guide the eye and soften the bright sunlight. Artist Carey Parks captures this serene moment along t...
Acrylic
Cactus Apples, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet desert vista in Joshua Tree National Park basks in cool afternoon light. In the foreground, a cluster of prickly pear cacti with soft blue-green pads, t...
Oil
Cholla Cactus, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
As the sun sets behind the Joshua Tree Cholla Garden, the backlit plants glow with halos as their fine, bristling spines catch the light, both delicate and unto...
Oil
Portrait with Blue, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil Painting by Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes...
Oil