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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An abundance of sunflowers blooms across a sprawling field. Their golden petals glow beneath the summer sun. Towering mountains rise in the distance, as the mis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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In the heart of Paris, a secluded garden stirs with the morning sun. Vibrant blue, green, and purple blend with a spontaneous burst of magenta and pink wildfl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Morning sunlight covers the dining room table with a warm, amber glow. The flower arrangement of orchids and willow rests prominently on the table, with a bra...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Sunlight filters through the arches of a hidden courtyard in Seville, casting dappled shadows on the foliage and potted plants. The warm tones of the building...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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As the evening falls, Michigan Avenue in Chicago bustles with activity as pedestrians stroll down the sidewalk. The iconic lampposts of The Magnificent Mile c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A corner fruit stand in Valencia, Spain, catches the eye with its sunlit yellow awning and vibrant display of seasonal produce. Nestled at the base of a terra...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This cityscape captures traffic on a midtown Manhattan avenue at dawn. Rain softens the scene, creating misty reflections across the street and the surrounding ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
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Inspired by the vibrant wildflowers of spring, artist Lisa Elley captures the dramatic beauty of poppies in full bloom. Painted entirely with a palette knife, t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Three children show quiet determination as they dig for sand dollars during low tide. Their curiosity and focus bring wonder to the coastal scene. Energetic str...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A sparrow perches on a snow-dusted branch. The soft and misty background highlights the delicate brown and white of the bird's feathers. Artist Joanie Ford pa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero portrays his niece examining Jules Bastien-Lepage’s 1879 painting of Joan of Arc receiving her life-changing vision. Set within a room...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Working on the subject of water lilies and sunset reflections, artist Onelio Marrero portrays a pond mirroring the colors of the sk...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Three sisters sit closely together on a couch, their fashion evoking the feeling of vintage Hollywood style. A black furry dog sits on the floor and enjoys th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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 warm ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
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A peaceful rural scene unfolds in Pennsylvania Amish country. Artist Judy Mudd captures the calm and tradition of the Amish lifestyle, evident from the clothe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Vibrant pansies bloom in a sunny yellow pot, their petals adorned with distinctive markings. Light and shadow add depth and movement to the piece. Artist Mary B...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Stanislav Sidorov captures a couple walking in a fairytale-looking town. The street light accentuates the building's medieval details and casts a drama...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Golden light bathes a serene woodland scene. Soft, muted hues blend seamlessly, while subtle textures hint at the depth within the trees. The tonal palette and ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 1900s Impressionist More Art
Paper, Pastel
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Artist Comments
While walking through the gardens of the Royal Alcázar in Seville, Spain, artist Sherri Aldawood encountered a woman sitting on the edge of a fountain. She cap...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Fernando Garcia presents a sweeping landscape of vibrant yellow fields with farmhouses dotting the distance. He uses the rain on the plains as the main...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Inspired by the azure waters of iconic Lake Tahoe, artist Lisa Elley portrays the beauty of the mountains in the fall season. Her signature impasto technique ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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This painting portrays a nature preserve and a bird sanctuary nestled amidst subdivisions. The composition features a tranquil pond surrounded by autumn trees...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Refined elegance exudes from a bottle of Macallan Terra, a rich amber whisky poured into a tasting glass, and a finely rolled cigar. Warm tones and soft textu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A white iris blooms against a gray and blue background. Its petals glow with purity, while subtle shadows echo the tones of the surrounding light. For artist Ja...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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An aerial view reveals a patchwork of farmland in the Midwest. A blue lake nestles among the green fields, mirroring the soft hues of the horizon. The compositi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Pedestrians stroll through the streets of downtown Chicago, passing the iconic lion statues at the Art Institute of Chicago. Autumn hues fill the scene as tal...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A sweeping mountain range stretches across the horizon, depicting the rugged beauty of Wyoming and the American West. In the foreground, a high desert field p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Two friends discuss their current life events over wine and tapas on a weekend night in Seville, Spain. Warm, earthy tones dominate the scene and reflect the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer creates a warm restaurant interior with ambient lighting and muted colors. She emphasizes more detail in the areas of interest while k...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil, Panel
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Canvas
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley draws inspiration from the vibrant blooms and wildflowers that come to life in the spring. The light enhances the bouquet of white poppies, cr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The simple arrangement of mackerels and lemons creates a strong diagonal composition. Complementary colors enhance the palette. Selective and soft brushstrokes ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
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Two soft pink peonies bloom gracefully in a clear glass vase. Their petals and lush green leaves spill outward, contrasting beautifully with the muted backgro...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A woman stands in a sun-drenched field that stretches endlessly around her. Her vibrant red skirt contrasts beautifully with the golden grass, drawing the eye t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A plaza in Valencia glows under the golden hour light, its warm hues capturing the charm of early evening. Restaurants begin to stir after siesta, as locals a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Golden leaves cling to slender trees, their white trunks standing out against a blue backdrop. Red, yellow, and orange foliage blankets the ground, capturing ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Whether it's fall, winter, spring or summer it's always time for some colorful birch! This painting is done with a palette knife, and resonates with a poetic ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A fountain flows in the center of an elegant garden in artist Sherri Aldawood's impressionist piece. "My dream came true when I visited the home and garden of one of my favorite artists of the past, Joaquin Sorolla, in Madrid," shares Sherri. Channeling her knowledge from studying Sorolla's masterful paintings, Sherri portrays the morning light and colors with soft illumination. The sunlit foliage gleams majestically in the background, sharpening the dimension and bringing the viewer's eye toward the rear of the scene.
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
1910s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A sunlit meadow bursts with vibrant orange and yellow wildflowers, filling the foreground with warmth. A towering leafy oak surrounded by lush trees stands prou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1930s Impressionist More Art
Paper, Etching
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Bright sunlight sweeps across the landscape. Lush bushes and palm trees line the roadside, casting soft shadows below. Rolling hills rise on the horizon, hazy i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Soft evening colors highlight the beauty of the American desert. A gentle and warm palette creates an airy feeling that suggests an open space. The quiet energy...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
