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.
A beautiful morning, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"A beautiful morning" captures the serene atmosphere of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, showcasing the marina of Kotor city. Painted en plein air, this impressionist and pointillist masterp...
Oil
Boundless freedom, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Boundless freedom" captures the majestic peaks of Seceda in the Dolomite Alps, Italy, rendered in an expressive Impressionist style. Painted en plein air, the artwork v...
Oil
Alpine harmony, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Alpine harmony" captures the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps, painted en plein air in an expressive impressionist style. The vibrant strokes of greens and blues bring to life a peac...
Oil
Taste of the sun, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS IMPRESSIONIST WALL ART WORK. Radiant sunflowers and fruits – Vibrant impressionist still life by Andrii Chebotaru - "Taste of the sun" is a vibr...
Oil
Dance of irises, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS Iris Garden – Dance of Irises – Impressionist Floral – Vibrant Colorful Artwork - “Dance of irisesâ€
Oil
Verdon. Heart of the canyon, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS Verdon gorge artwork . French canyon art. Impressionist style. - “Verdon. Heart of the canyonâ€
Oil
Autumn embrace, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watermelon still life oil painting Summer harvest impressionism - "Autumn embrace", painted in Dornbirn, Austria, captures the radiant beauty of fall in the mountains. Go...
Oil
Winter Zakarpattia, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Winter Zakarpattia" captures the vibrant soul of a Ukrainian village blanketed in snow. Painted in expressive impasto strokes, it radiates warmth despite the chill, with golden fiel...
Oil
Golden palette of summer, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original still life oil painting Melons, grapes, and summer abundance - "Golden palette of summer", painted in Kyiv, Ukraine, celebrates the richness of seasonal abundance. Juicy ...
Oil
Poetry of the forest, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Impressionist landscape by Andrii Chebotaru - "Poetry of the forest" captures the golden embrace of the Zakarpattia woods in Ukraine. Vibrant autumn foliage dances above a peaceful...
Oil
Breath of freedom, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Impressionist seascape by Andrii Chebotaru - “Breath of freedomâ€
Oil
Fires of autumn hills, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Impressionist landscape by Andrii Chebotaru - “Fires of autumn hillsâ€
Oil
Sails of freedom, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Impressionist seascape by Andrii Chebotaru - In the Series “Sails of Freedomâ€
Oil
“Garden of motherâEs loveâ€
Located in Yardley, PA
“Garden of mother’s loveâ€
Oil
"walk" Mountain landscape., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Moment of happiness, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
“Moment of happinessâ€
Oil
Lilies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
“Liliesâ€
Oil
Energy of the mountains, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
“Energy of the mountainsâ€
Oil
Magical garden pond, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Bold colorful abstract landscape original painting on tones of green, navy blue, bright yellow, light green and white. This abstract painting, created with energetic brushstrokes, w...
Oil
Cattails at Dusk, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A vivid reflection of nature’s quiet drama, Cattails at Dusk captures the fleeting glow of sunset over still water. Golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep magentas intertwine with...
Acrylic
Spring forest, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the serene beauty of a spring pine forest with this original oil painting. The spring landscape is brought to life with beautiful pine and flowering trees, creating a sens...
Oil
Boats in the Bay, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original oil painting captures the serene beauty of yachts at sunset in an impressionistic style. The rich, textured layers of paint applied with brushes and palette knife in an...
Oil
Yachts at the pier in Jaffa, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil painting depicts a scene of yachts resting at the pier in Jaffa. This impasto artwork was meticulously painted with brushes and palette knife on high-quality canvas, cap...
Oil
White Abstraction, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Introducing the original oil painting White Abstraction, created with a combination of brushes and palette knife on canvas. This contemporary work of art features a beautiful abstrac...
Oil
Brant Point Light
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted en plein air. Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from the time he was born. He received h...
Oil
Flora portrait, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Flora is an expressive impasto portrait that unites the strength of femininity with the softness of nature. The thick palette knife strokes and vivid hues of crimson and pink convey ...
Oil
Spring landscape, Prague, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the beauty of spring in Prague with this large original oil landscape painting. Capturing the charm and elegance of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, this artwor...
Oil
Touching Moments, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
By Ana Hefco
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the satellite and aerial view of The Bahamas Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. In ...
Acrylic
Riding the Sprit of Joy, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
I paint to remind me where I found happiness. If you find something that consistently gives you joy, that thing is valuable and important. However in showing this piece, I can hear my art school professors groaning at the inane. The chocolate box nature of this painting. I now think that was bad advice. Happiness is not Inane. It is divine. It is sublime. It is the point or meaning of life, if there is one. To find happiness; to give happiness to someone; to tell others where happiness lives: this is worthwhile. Swimming horses...
Acrylic
Riding the Sprit of Hope, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
I paint to remind me where I found happiness. If you find something that consistently gives you joy, that thing is valuable and important. However in showing this piece, I can hear my art school professors groaning at the inane. The chocolate box nature of this painting. I now think that was bad advice. Happiness is not Inane. It is divine. It is sublime. It is the point or meaning of life, if there is one. To find happiness; to give happiness to someone; to tell others where happiness lives: this is worthwhile. Swimming horses...
Acrylic
Life Before Falling, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
I like the glow of the orange in Butter Cup’s ears. I like the way its very simple in color; yellow and blue, but one can tell her palomino paint markings in the sun dappling her...
Acrylic
"Swamp IV" Impressionist, waterscape, cool tones
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Swamp IV" is an Impressionist waterscape painting of a pond's surface. Painted en plein air. Unframed. Signed at bottom. Artist's statemen...
Canvas, Oil
$5,550
"September Light" Impressionist plein air painting of dirt road in autumn-Europe
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"September Light" is an impressionist painting of a dirt road in the beautiful autumn light. Signed bottom-left Unframed Artist's statement: Even as a child of 2, I had a strong ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,400
"Sea and Sky 09.26.22" contemporary impressionist seascape in custom frame NHW
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A serene plein air painting from Nelson White, featuring his recognizable impasto whitecaps. A deep blue sea meets a lilac-brown horizon, and ascends back into the blue sky, adorned ...
Oil, Panel
Bundle of Joy, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork showcases a vibrant and rich bouquet of flowers in an impressionistic style. The texture is bold and expressive, with thick, tactile brushstrokes that add a dynamic sense...
Acrylic
Tribeca Sunset
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A plein air painting. An impressionistic view of a street in Tribeca. The setting sun illuminates the skyscraper in the distance. Artist Bio: Marc Dalessio was born in 1972 in Los ...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
May We Never Forget, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork vividly captures a serene landscape with a rich tapestry of textures and colors. The most striking feature is the lavender flowers, painted with a lively use of purples i...
Acrylic
Coopers Beach Southampton LI 07.26.2020
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A carousel of impasto colors makes up loungers under an umbrella on a sunny day. Painted en plein air. Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White...
Oil
Greenfields, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is an expressive landscape painting with vibrant brushstrokes that create a lively, textured impression of a lush, open field under a vast sky. The palette predominantly ...
Acrylic
Doncaster, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork created is a vibrant and lush representation of a landscape, primarily using a palette of greens, yellows, and hints of orange and red. The brushwork is dynamic and expre...
Acrylic
Coton in the Elms, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This landscape painting is a vibrant exploration of nature's lush greenery. The artist uses bold brushstrokes and a rich palette of greens, yellows, and hints of brown to create a te...
Acrylic
Brighton, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork showcases a vibrant landscape with a rich palette dominated by yellows and greens. The brushwork is expressive, creating a sense of movement and vitality in the foliage a...
Acrylic
Folkestone, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is a beautifully rendered landscape with lush hills and verdant fields. The artist has skillfully employed a palette of greens and yellows to capture the vibrancy of natu...
Acrylic
Storm Over Garden, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork presents a vibrant scene of yellow flowers set against a textured blue background. The flowers, likely sunflowers, are depicted with broad, expressive brushstrokes that c...
Acrylic
Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska This vibrant artwork captures a mesmerizing sunset over a cityscape, with the iconic image of a suspension...
Oil
St. Angelo Bridge in Rome, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska This captivating artwork vividly portrays a stunning sunset over a historic European cityscape. The vibrant ...
Oil
Trinita dei Monti in Rome, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska This vibrant artwork captures the essence of a picturesque European plaza dominated by a historic church wit...
Oil
Ice Plant, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A plein air painting of the Carmel coast in California. The quick white brushstrokes approximate the crashing water on the rocks. Artist Bio Marc Dalessio was born in 1972 in Los An...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Prayer for Ukraine, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Vibrant hues dominate a scene with large bells hanging amidst tall columns, set against a backdrop of colorful architecture. A silhouetted figure in the foreground adds to the dynami...
Oil
Kolochava Surroundings, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Vibrant colors create a lively landscape featuring a flowing river, surrounded by trees and mountains. A vivid blue sky with scattered clouds enhances the dynamic composition of the ...
Oil
Spring Rhapsody, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Vibrant pink blossoms in ornate vases are arranged against a lush green background, accompanied by scattered fruits on a draped white cloth. The composition exudes a lively and color...
Oil
Green Serenity, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Vibrant colors depict a rural village scene with a winding path leading through greenery and quaint houses. Mountains with striking hues serve as a backdrop under a partly cloudy sky...
Oil
Light in Silence, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Vibrant colors depict a rural landscape with rolling hills and a small house nestled among fields. A winding path leads through the scene, surrounded by lush greens, bold blues, and ...
Oil
Borzhava, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A vivid display of autumn colors surrounds a calm lake. The reflection of trees and sky in the water adds depth to the scene. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an...
Oil
Colors of Autumn, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A picturesque scene captures the vibrant colors of autumn by a serene river. Rolling hills and a colorful tree enhance the tranquil setting. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piec...
Oil
Blue Shadows, Celerina, Switzerland
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted en plein air. Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from the time he was born. He received h...
Oil
$10,500
"Fishing Hut" contemporary impressionist oil painting boat house, green and blue
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Fishing Hut" contemporary impressionist oil painting boat house in green and blue hues. An oil painting of a small shack in a marina in rich impre...
Linen, Oil
$2,500
"Bagno Artiglio 03.18.2019" small oil painting of yellow umbrella, Italian beach
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted en plein air. Frame Dimensions 9 x 16in Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from the time he was born. He received his earliest art instruction from his grandfather, Henry Cooke White (1861-1952) and his father Nelson Cooke White (1900-1989), both important American artists. The family lived in Waterford, Connecticut and the elder White had been an early member of the art colony in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Known for his paintings of the Connecticut landscape...
Oil
Sunset Sea & Sky 02.21.2021
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted en plein air. Frame Dimensions 8 x 15in Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from the tim...
Oil
The Church Tower
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist townscape oil painting by American artist Nancy Maybin Ferguson (1872-1967). Ferguson was born in Philadelphia, PA, and studied with academic realists Charles Hawthorne...
Oil, Panel