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.
The Window Designer, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero finds inspiration in observing fellow artists at work. This vibrant oil painting features a window designer along the sidewalk of midtow...
Oil
Coastal Reflections, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting vividly captures a lively sunset at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, California. The sky's reflection ripples with the rolling waves, b...
Oil
Navy Stripes, Oil Painting
By Judy Mackey
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Oil of Tremezzo Monastery, Lake Como Italy.
Located in ludlow, GB
Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Oil of Tremezzo Monastery, Lake Como Italy. Rene Jerome Legrand (British, Born 1953) Tremezzo Monastery, Lake Como i...
Oil
Thanksgiving Blues, Oil Painting
By Jesse Aldana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting captures the tranquility of a Los Angeles neighborhood on a cold, quiet evening. Locals retreat to their homes as the sun sets, happily savoring...
Oil
Lifeguard Tower and Beachgoers, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The lifeguard tower, palm trees, and beachgoers bask in the sun on a radiant summer day. The wind blows the clouds across the s...
Acrylic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Morning Ride, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Bridge over Calm Water, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A boat tied to a dock patiently awaits its passenger. Nearby, a stone bridge connects the lush greenery on both sides of the river. The tranquil water and its...
Oil
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
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
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
Overlooking the Farm, Original Painting
One Morning That Summer, Original Painting
Clive's Porch, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The bright morning sunshine floods a front porch where an inviting scene unfolds. Artist Sherri Aldawood was drawn to the light and cast shadows on this historic adobe home in Taos, New Mexico. The two turquoise chairs add to the scene's charm and beckon the viewer to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the moment.
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...
Oil
A Path Forward, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by memory and photos taken on a hiking trip, artist David Thelen captures the woodland's moody atmosphere. Barren trees loom along the rocky trail, w...
Oil
Adirondack, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist David Thelen presents a serene spot nestled in a mountain range. The water's edge glimmers at the foot of towering trees, while lush foliage adorns the...
Oil
By the Wayside, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"I often wander in the woods and discover unexpected treasures," says artist David Thelen. He captures an old truck parked on a dirt road that winds through t...
Oil
Fallen Timber, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist David Thelen captures a timber laying on the green meadow. "I wonder about the purpose of the tree being cut and abandoned in the woods," says David. T...
Oil
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
I Found You, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
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
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
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
Depths, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Depthsâ€
Charcoal
Marsh Movement, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Valerie Berkely offers a dreamy, atmospheric scene that guides the eyes toward the distant horizon. The rich pastel hues evoke a sense of autumn tranqu...
Oil
Sleep, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Sleepâ€
Charcoal
Inner Strength, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Inner Strengthâ€
Charcoal
Devine Moment, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Devine Momentâ€
Charcoal
Peace, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Peaceâ€
Charcoal
Essence, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Essenceâ€
Charcoal
Seasons, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Seasonsâ€
Charcoal
Memories, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Memoriesâ€
Charcoal
Missed You, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Missed Youâ€
Charcoal
The Light, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This original charcoal drawing on paper, titled "The Lightâ€
Charcoal