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.
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a raft of ducks swimming in a pond surrounded by spring foliage. "I have been observing ducks in their habitats in order to paint...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This flower field mirrors the enchantment one might discover in a hidden forest, concealing the rabbit hole that led Alice to Won...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero depicts a bright and airy greenhouse in the New York Botanical Gardens. "The couple introduced me and my wife to this lovely place," sha...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A pair of hummingbirds soars above, searching for a place to land. Their rich, jewel-toned bodies stand out against the soft sky. Inspired by artist Karen Bar...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The first morning light stretches across the lake at Wind River, Wyoming. As the sky brightens, the woods remain shadowed, and the world slowly wakes. A crisp c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Low clouds stretch across the evening sky and mirror perfectly on the lake's surface. Shades of purple and blue deepen into gray, signaling the arrival of night...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
The sky shines a brilliant blue on these rare warm January days. Sunlight bathes the landscape, casting shadows from the trees. Patches of golden grass peek thr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints three little girls splashing in the surf. His execution gives evidence of the influence of Sorolla's paintings of similar subject...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A lone figure in a kimono crosses a picturesque bridge within the Daigoji Temple grounds in Kyoto, Japan. Autumn leaves float gently on the tranquil pond, sho...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 19th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
1910s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A woman pours tea from a shiny metal teapot into a delicate cup. The rich, warm liquid cascades smoothly. The composition reflects a routine that demands slow...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A narrow river winds along a snow-covered forest floor, with slender trees casting shadows across the ground. Painted in shades of blue, the scene evokes the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
This watercolor captures the quiet beauty of an untouched landscape within the Smoky Mountains. Soft greens and gentle yellows stretch across the field, dotted ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
High stone seawalls line parts of the New Jersey shoreline, where tides and surges deposit an array of natural and manmade artifacts. In this scene, a young gir...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by a family trip to the New Jersey shore, artist Onelio Marrero painted two boys braving the powerful incoming waves. He highlights the turbulent mov...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting is inspired by the architecture of quintessential Italian villages. The sunlight accentuates the charming stone walls and shutters, while the fl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
Artist Warren Keating captures two figures in motion as they navigate the vibrant setting of Art Basel. Broad, expressive brushstrokes convey movement and flu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1870s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
The moon casts a soft glow over the snowy landscape. A jackrabbit’s sudden flight disrupts the stillness of the winter night. Gentle strokes and muted tones e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Mallard ducks cast their reflections on the swiftly moving water, with a pair gracefully gliding near a third one perched on a log. Dynamic brushwork and pale...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Pastel, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A forest, painted in deep brown, creates a mysterious atmosphere late in the day. The bright yellow sky casts a golden glow onto the wildflowers in the foregr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Warm light from the rising sun bathes the rugged peaks of the Grand Tetons in soft pink and orange hues. The mountain range towers over Jenny Lake...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Coastal Davenport, California, comes alive with the essence of the Pacific coast in artist Lisa Elley's impressionist seascape. Rugged cliffs meet the gentle ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Robust trees cast a dense shade over the ground while the bright sun shines over the meadow beyond. The interplay between light and shadow shows depth and dra...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Cypress trees and ice plants frame a cove near Monterey, California. The purple and pink flowers add a vibrant touch to the scene, while loose, impressionisti...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A crescent moon casts a gentle glow over a group of small birds perched on two parallel wires. The gold leaf on their wings catches the light, twinkling when ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Breathtaking sunset reflects off a cloud-filled sky in Australia, creating a color-filled landscape. Below, a road cuts through a field and leads to a distant...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
This painting puts the viewer inside one of the main hallways at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The depth draws attention from one figu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Yangzi Xu captures the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago as dusk descends over the city. A cyclist glides effortlessly through the illuminated streets...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Bright green trees sway gently under a clear blue sky, their leaves suggested by quick, expressive brushstrokes. A lavender field in the distance adds a soft ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer shows a stand of trees on a winter landscape. Earthy tones provide a contrast to the sheets of white. "I never know when I'll happen on some...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Palm and oak trees create a vibrant forest scene. The sun filters through the foliage and casts dappled light on the ground. Bright reds and yellows highlight...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero presents an impressionist scene of ducks wading by a river. "I went to a nearby lake to observe ducks in order to paint this scene of Pe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Waves crash onto the shore of the Central California Coast. Soft purple hues from the distant hills create a beautiful backdrop against the sun-kissed cliffs,...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Vibrant dainty flowers burst from a colorful vase, filling the scene with an explosion of pinks, purples, and greens. The deep blue background brings out the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero painted this autumn scene of a brook near his home in the early morning hours of October. The brushwork is vigorous and rich in texture,...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Under the glow of a lamp, a venerable professor attentively reads and evaluates student submissions. The composition is one of artist Onelio Marrero's many port...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Crystal DiPietro paints a sunset as the warm light descends beyond the horizon. The golden rays illuminate the towering mesas adorned in shades of oran...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1880s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Canvas
Artist Comments
The painting captures the essence of the seaside on a warm day. The scene highlights the sparkling blue ocean meeting the rugged shore while bold strokes pain...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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
Artist Comments
In 2023, artist Onelio Marrero began a series of oil sketches featuring men painting buildings high above city sidewalks. Inspired by one, this piece captures...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In her impressionist rendition, artist Lisa Elley portrays Claude Monet's iconic residence in Giverny, France, using a palette kni...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
This flower field mirrors the enchantment one might discover in a hidden forest, concealing the rabbit hole that led Alice to Won...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints an endearing moment of two young girls having a slumber party. They are reading in a dimly lit room,...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Bright red poppies stretch across an endless field, their fading details adding depth to the scene. Soft purple mountains rise in the distance under a serene ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a group of children blissfully swimming along the beach. He often visits the seashore during the summer months, and this painting...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Golden foliage blankets the forest floor while a stream gently flows through rocky terrain. The artwork is part of artist Onelio Marrero's series that explore...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A jewel-toned still life captures the warmth of seasonal celebrations. Ruby-colored candles glow amid fallen blossoms, while rich impressionistic brushstrokes e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Mountains rise with an imposing presence, dominating the evening landscape of Teton National Park. A vibrant treeline in the foreground glows with rich autumn h...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A plate of biscuits and a bottle of wine create an inviting scene. Their rich colors exude a dynamic sense of indulgence and intimacy. Artist Samuel Pretorius...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight filters through the dense leaves, casting dappled shadows on an allée. The trees form a natural corridor, leading deeper to the tranquil trail. Painted with a brush and palette knife, the scene's warm palette and rich texture evoke the soothing essence of a summer day.
About the Artist
Artist Janet Dyer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
The sun peaks through a break in the clouds, as it rises over the pastel-hued sea. This painting is on a gallery wrapped canvas, with warm black sides and co...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Magic, hidden beauty, a secret story, or brambles tangled along the stream. These repeated but varied patterns of chaos, reflected in the water, resemble an i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Bare trees stand proudly under a bright autumn sun, their branches reaching skyward. The mountains in the background, retaining a scattering of greens, provide ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A street in Chicago comes alive on a rainy afternoon. The wet pavement reflects the city lights, creating a shimmering effect as cars and pedestrians move thr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by the scenery of Monterey Bay in California, artist Lisa Elley captures a picturesque ocean view dotted with flowers in the foreground. California p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
