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.
Somewhere on the Camino Frances, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sunlight bathes a quaint village scene along the Camino de Santiago, highlighting the warm terracotta roofs of the farmhouses. Shadows play across the buildin...
Oil
Backyard Sunset, Painting, Acrylic on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Plein air painting of my backyard. Acrylic on Cardboard. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready t...
Acrylic
Mini Mall, Painting, Acrylic on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic on cardboard, wood and wire painting of the mini mall here in Los Angeles. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signe...
Acrylic
Strip mall Victory Blvd, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting of a strip mall on Victory Blvd in Los Angeles. Painting will be shipped rolled in a tube. Will have to re-stretch it. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This pi...
Acrylic
Arco gas station, Painting, Acrylic on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting of a gas station-minimart in Los Angeles. Acrylic on cardboard, wood and wire. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity ...
Acrylic
Kitten in the cactus garden, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic on paper painting of a kitten in the cactus garden. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Read...
Acrylic
Police pursuit of motorcyclist, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting of a police pursuit of a motorcyclist. Acrylic on unstretched canvas. Painting can either be hung as is or could be mounted onto stretchers. Shipped rolled. :: Painting :: I...
Acrylic
Magazine rack at JoAnnes fabric store, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting of the magazine rack at JoAnnes fabric store. Painting will be shipped rolled. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate o...
Acrylic
Silver on screen, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting of Silver the cat on the window screen looking out the window. Painting is painted to the edge and should be mounted to panel. Though there is enough room to s...
Acrylic
Backyard hollyhocks #2, 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 shipped rolled. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of...
Acrylic
Silver on Screen, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting of my cat Silver on the window screen. I did a larger version of this too. Acrylic on canvas panel. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certifi...
Acrylic
Eden Canyon view, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting of the view of Eden Canyon in the East Bay off of the 580 freeway overpass. Circa 2010. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of au...
Oil
In the Farm. Haystack and Trees, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The early evening sunlight casts a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere over the farm. In the background, a farmhouse nestled among trees and haystacks reflects the...
Oil
Succulents, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting of succulents. Painting shipped rolled. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: R...
Acrylic
Point Dume, Malibu, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Plein air watercolor painting of Point Dume in Malibu, California. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist ...
Watercolor
Citygrid, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large oil painting of a view overlooking the city grid of Los Angeles. I painted a smaller version that was used in an upcoming movie. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece come...
Oil
Tapestry, Oil Painting
By Jo Galang
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Winding trunks weave through dense foliage, depicting an overgrown forest. Hints of the sky peek through the vegetation, introducing new hues to the dominant ...
Oil
Spanish Moss and River Grasses, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sunlight illuminates the vibrant autumn foliage and golden grasses along the banks of Phillippi Creek in Sarasota, Florida. Spanish moss hangs from mature oak...
Acrylic
Spring Hike, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sunlight filters through the forest, casting a warm, golden glow on the ground. Tall trees with reddish-brown trunks line ...
Acrylic
Rock at El Matador Beach; Malibu, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Waves crash softly against a towering rock formation at El Matador Beach in Malibu. The sunlight illuminates the coastal scene, casting reflections on the wat...
Oil
Red Barn in Diablo Foothills, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A rustic red barn nestles among the lush greenery at the Thomas Ranch on Old Northville Road. Mt. Diablo peeks through the trees while vibrant wildflowers sca...
Watercolor
Green Day, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original acrylic and oil painting on block canvas. No frame required. An original oil and acrylic painting capturing movement and emotion using the human form. :: Painting :: Impr...
Oil
Abundance, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil painting on block canvas. No frame required. An original oil painting capturing emotion using the human form. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official...
Oil
Care, 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
Fleeting, 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
Observe, 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
Modesty, 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
Protect, 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
Without Words, 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
Defy, 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
Feeling, 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
Mood, 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
Stranded, 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
Fate, 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
New Focus, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton. The same but different. A ‘New Focus’ Following the breakdown of the human female form, I use the sketches to build and...
Charcoal
Star Dust, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original charcoal drawing on paper by James Shipton. Is everything simply made up of star dust? In which case did we all fall from the stars. Here I use the human form to capture ...
Charcoal
Let Me In, 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
Contradiction, 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
Afternoon Delight, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The afternoon sun brings out the magical colors of fall. Yellows and oranges blend, fading gracefully among the trees. The river reflects its surroundings, he...
Acrylic
Intimate, 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. The original moment of capturing someone’s though...
Charcoal
Taste, 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. Here I wanted to focus on the shapes and movements ...
Charcoal
DonâEt Rush 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. I had fun create this one. It’s all about the mom...
Charcoal
Heartbreak, 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. Here I was really trying to create a sense of vulne...
Charcoal
Vulnerability, 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. Here I wanted to capture vulnerability. Followin...
Charcoal
Explore, 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
Day Dream, 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. Here I was attempting to capture the model lost in ...
Charcoal
Summer All Day, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This summer scene, captured along a hiking trail in Venice, Florida, embodies the season's radiant glow. The sun casts beautiful clear highlights that enhance...
Acrylic
Olive Trees on the Hillside, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Olive trees fill an orchard in Provence, their leaves stretching towards the sky. Soft streaks of sunlight cast a gentle glow on the ground below. Painted usi...
Acrylic
Cypresses and Orchard, Springtime, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Provence in spring is a delightful place to be. Olive trees bloom, cypresses sway gently in the breeze, and the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape. Pain...
Acrylic
Slow It Down, 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
Experience, 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
Lost In The Darkness, 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
That High, 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. Here I aim to capture that initial moment. That ini...
Charcoal
Say Something, 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
Orchard Wave, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In an orchard in Provence, France, olive trees dot the landscape. Streaks of sunlight filter through the leaves, warming the soil below. Using a palette knife and brush, artist Janet Dyer...
Acrylic
Fate, 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
Early Twentieth Century Landscape Seascape Pastel Drawing of Bellagio Lake Como
Located in ludlow, GB
Early Twentieth Century Landscape Seascape Pastel Drawing of San Giovanni, Bellagio on Lake Como. An atmospheric picture of a Fishing Vessel on the Lake with the hills in the background. It is an "en plein air" study that has beautiful light and shadows placing it firmly in the School of Post Impressionism. John Terrick Williams...
Oil Pastel
Tears, 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
Fortune, 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
DREAMs, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil painting on block canvas. No frame required. An original oil painting capturing emotion using the human form. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official...
Oil