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.
Cat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The cat is positioned slightly angled to its right, with its head turned slightly downward. Its fur is a mix of orange, white, and black patches, with noticeable areas of white on it...
Oil
Pastor's lake trees 3, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A landscape painting depicts a serene lake scene. The foreground shows a light beige/tan sandy or grassy bank leading to the water's edge. Shadows are visible, cast by the trees, s...
Oil
Pastor's lake trees 4, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A landscape painting in oil paints depicts a beach at the edge of a coniferous forest. The beach, a light beige or tan color, is in the foreground. Shadows cast by the trees are vi...
Oil
Pastor's lake trees 5, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The image depicts a serene, picturesque landscape of a lake surrounded by nature on a summer day. In the foreground, there is tall yellow grass growing at the water's edge, mixed wit...
Oil
Along the channel 5, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a painting of a tranquil outdoor scene, depicting a clear and calm channel surrounded by dense green forests on both sides. Bright sunlight and a scattering of white clouds i...
Oil
City sunset, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a painting of a city street bathed in warm hues of orange, yellow, and red, evoking the feel of a sunset. The scene captures an urban street with a nostalgic and peaceful atm...
Oil
Magic ballet, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In this painting, the artist captured the delicate grace and radiant energy of a ballet dancer mid-spin. Using oil, she blended impressionistic and semi-abstract strokes to convey mo...
Oil
Karovastasi beach 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the tranquility of the Mediterranean with "Karavostasi Beach 2," an original oil painting that captures a serene coastal scene. The artwork features a calm, deep blue sea,...
Oil
Kamara, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Kamara" captures the tranquility of the coast, featuring a sandy beach meeting gentle turquoise waters. The sea's reflective surface plays against the rugged rocks emerging from...
Oil
Rethymno marine, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Rethymno marine" captures the tranquil yet lively essence of a harbor scene, where colorful boats rest peacefully beneath a dramatic sky. The artist's heartfelt dedication is ev...
Oil
Sailing out of sunset, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the tranquil beauty of "Sailing out of sunset," an original oil painting that captures a stunning sunset over the sea. The artist's impressionistic style brings the scen...
Oil
Karavostasi Beach 3, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting captures a coastal bay bathed in the serene light of a cloudless sky. A prominent rock formation stands as a majestic centerpiece, surrounded by the tr...
Oil
Sea walk 4, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Sea Walk 4" captures a peaceful scene of two figures on horseback enjoying the sandy beach with the calming sea as a backdrop. The clear blue sky meets the expansive blue sea, w...
Oil
Windy day dog, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting, "Windy day dog," captures the pure joy of a breezy day. The artist's impressionistic style uses lively, warm colors and soft textures to depict a playful ...
Oil
Vivid red poppies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting features a handful of vivid red poppies tumbling from a dark-blue pitcher. The pitcher, with its sinuous handles, sits gracefully on a round plate. Th...
Oil
Portrait with poppies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting, "Portrait with Poppies," captures the essence of delicate strength. The artist's impressionistic style is evident in the soft brushstrokes that blend ...
Oil
Fiery horse, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting captures the unbridled spirit of a fiery horse galloping against a bright blue sky. The artist's passion is evident in every brushstroke, conveying a sen...
Oil
Park view, Inspired by Richter, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This captivating landscape, rendered in the Impressionist style, evokes a sense of peace and serenity. The harmonious blend of green and brown hues creates a soothing visual expe...
Oil
UNTITLED q607 - Original Oil painting portrait, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil Paint on Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas of 20 by 16 by 3/4 in. ::::: Title : UNTITLED q607 :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certifica...
Oil
UNTITLED m1164 - Original Oil painting dog wolf, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil Paint on Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas of 20 by 16 by 3/4 in. ::::: Title : UNTITLED m1164 :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certific...
Oil
Renaissance, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
History carries us forward. The love and life of those before us have created our world. Having done an art history tour in Europe, I am reminded of my time learning about great ar...
Oil
Juliet in Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
When we have a love that is all consuming and we need it more than the air we breathe. Time may have carried on but the feelings felt by one who loves so deeply has been understood ...
Oil
After Glow, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting is about the moment you are beaming right after you fall in love. We change, and we find ourselves giddy with the notion that we are connected to another person in the...
Oil
Pondering Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Pondering Love is definitely a pass time for so many people! How do we equate what love is and how to respond to it. I believe we spend a lot of our lives thinking about love. :: P...
Oil
Cappuccino, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Cappuccino is about relaxing, feeling the strokes in this painting will bring you to a calm place. With the world going at a very fast pace with all the information flooding our min...
Oil
Jasmine, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Like a comforting sip of green tea, Jasmine is the reflection of serenity in a lily pond. With the rushing world there is nothing better than to relate to art that soothes your soul...
Oil
Lily the Way, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An energetic small painting ready to enliven any space. It is a happy movement piece! :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity s...
Oil
Reflecting Movement in Colours, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A tranquil small pond painting to sooth the soul. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang:...
Oil
Little Halo, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Little Halo was created after I decided to add Halo (54" x 60") to my private collection. I wanted others to feel the presence and warmth of this painting. It represents those that...
Oil
Dreaming Coastal Dreams, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Dreaming is a big part of life, without it we can only envision the future as it comes to us. The most amazing dreams often come while walking a beach. Is it the power and vast exp...
Oil
Time to Coast, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
When life seems as though it is moving too fast for you, and you need to take a 'break'. It is time to coast that will rejuvenate you to continue your journey. Walking the beach an...
Oil
Hummingbird, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A small rendering to give a space a little happiness! The happy strokes make it flutter like a hummingbird. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certifi...
Oil
Cielo, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
As though going back in time 'Cielo' is a statement piece ready for a unique environment. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authentic...
Oil
Free Falling in My Bubble, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
When you feel the world is rushing and you are just going with it! Put a bubble around yourself and go with the motions to see where you land. White water rafting will show you the ...
Oil
Water Way, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
With a view of the horizon this 'water way', shows you the way. We all need a little direction at times and the flow of water is a natural 'sign'. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: Th...
Oil
Firefly Light, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Firefly Light is nature lighting the water above the pond combined with moonlight! To immerse yourself in natural light all provided by the world that surrounds us. If being ship...
Oil
Dragonfly World, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In a world with so much going on, the hidden world of nature is often just as active as ours. We need to remember that we are part of nature and it can be so beautiful. Will be...
Oil
Walk in the forest, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In the painting « Walk in the forest » I sought to capture the vibrant and wild essence of nature through a vivid blend of Faivism and Inpressionism. Using acrylics, I painted th...
Acrylic
Provençal Mosaic: Poppies and Lavender, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Provençal Mosaic: Poppies and Lavender" is a vibrant homage to the splendor of the South of France. This acrylic painting is executed in a technique inspired by pointillism and ...
Acrylic
Poppy Field under the Summer Sun, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Poppy Field under the Summer Sun - Impressionist Landscape This vibrant work captures the joyful and luminous essence of summer. In the pure tradition of Impressionism, the artist...
Acrylic
Summer Walk in the forest, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Discover "Summer Walk in the forest," an original acrylic painting that captures the poetry of a suspended moment. This unique work, created with masterful impressionistic technique,...
Acrylic
C & O Canal, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
By Craig Moran
Located in Yardley, PA
I painted this in situ on the C & O Canal Trail, in Maryland. My love of nature prompted me to create this painting. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an offi...
Oil
Neo Deco – 15-08-24, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Aurora This graphite pencil drawing ‘Neo deco – 15-08-24’ is an impressionist but also cubist experiment. At Brugman Art they had a new brand I haven’t heared of before. I...
Pencil
$945
Royal Estate âEDe HorstenâE – 12-12-24, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Pa
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Not Iconic This graphite pencil drawing ‘Royal Estate De Horsten – 12-12-24’ represent not a very iconic image of the place. Instead, it’s just your average ditch ducks sw...
Pencil
Geesje Kwak – 05-05-25, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Alive and Kicking This graphite pencil drawing ‘Geesje kwak – 05-05-25’ is a return to laying hatched strokes in an impressionist style. Last time I employed it was in ‘De...
Pencil
Elysian Fields – 15-09-25, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Impressionism Meets Surrealism This graphite pencil drawing ‘Elysian Fields – 15-09-25’ combines impressionism with a bit of surrealism. Two elephants in the back and why no...
Pencil
Wetlands; Lanscape Painting, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
I try to capture the wildness of the land. The rich colours of the water reflecting the sky, the bold greens of the growing things. Once a city girl, I responded to a great sense o...
Acrylic
$4,400
"Late Summer Evening" Impressionist landscape of a dirt road in summer light
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Late Summer Evening" is an Impressionist landscape of a dirt road in summer light. Painted en plein air. Unframed. Signed bottom-right. Artist's statement: Even as a child of 2,...
Canvas, Oil
Summer Bouquet, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I love the flowers of spring and summer and I love having fresh flowers through out my house all year long. The sides are painted the same color as the background. This painting ha...
Acrylic
Red Roses and Coffee, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A rich, intimate still life where glowing red roses bring a touch of romance and sensuality to the table. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificat...
Oil
Pink Roses with Persimmons, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
A vibrant still life featuring lush roses in pink, coral, and white, set against deep greens that make the colors glow. Loose, expressive brushstrokes bring energy to the florals, wh...
Oil
Peace On The Water, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
By Bob Arrigo
Located in Yardley, PA
A placid scene that emanates the feeling of peace. A late afternoon sun hovers over a distant shoreline of evergreens to cast it's early evening light on the quiet still blue water ...
Oil
Fire On Georgian Bay, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Bob Arrigo
Located in Yardley, PA
The location of Georgian Bay and surrounding area has been a highly popular and inspirational location for Canadian artists throughout multiple decades. It was a favored site of Cana...
Acrylic
Virgin Earth, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Bob Arrigo
Located in Yardley, PA
The sheer wonder of how from the mossy undergrowth of forest beds around the world, seedlings of potential giants spring forth in search of the sun. The thought that many may grow a ...
Oil
Bronze Sculpture "Mother and Child" Baboons by Blanca Will
Located in Rochester, NY
"Mother and Child" an impressionist bronze sculpture of baboons by sculptor Blanca Will, American, 1881-1978, dated 1912. Works by Will are rare. Blanca Will Exhibited at the National Academy of Design, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts...
Bronze
Woman with yellow dress, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An oil painting by artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Si...
Oil
Red Dress and necklace, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil painting by artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: S...
Oil
portrait black, Painting, Oil on Canvas
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
Woman with necklace, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting on canvas by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: N...
Oil
Yellow and Red Hat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An 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: Y...
Oil