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.
Yellow Field, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Using a palette knife, artist Janet Dyer paints a rural landscape in rich, jewel-like tones. A cloudy sky softens the light, revealing layered colors that shi...
Acrylic
Old Port, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The painting depicts a quintessential view of Portland, Maine's Old Port. Fishing boats are moored in the harbor, their reflections dancing on the serene blue...
Oil
Modern Impressionist Textured Framed Oil Painting of Ballet Dancer in Swan Lake
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Textured Oil Painting of Ballet Dancer performing in Swan Lake. A signed oil on canvas on stretchers and framed in a traditional frame. This beautiful painting ...
Oil
Anomalous Light, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lush green lily pads and pink water lilies float calmly on a pond. Gentle ripples reflect the early morning sunlight, with the mist adding to the glow. Painte...
Oil
Morning Reflections, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An abundance of foliage thrives by a small lake, basking in the morning sun. The running water distorts the leaves' reflections on its surface, creating a shimm...
Oil
Boat Docks in San Sebastian, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Boats line a picturesque marina, their colors reflecting softly on the water. Artist Jonelle Summerfield shares that in preparation for the Camino de Santiago, ...
Oil
Spring Trees in the Grass, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Almond, cherry, and apple trees bloom across a French field in spring. Expressive strokes from a palette knife and brush bring the landscape to life with textur...
Acrylic
Sunbathing in San Sebastian, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In mid-August, locals and tourists alike soak up the perfect weather in San Sebastian, Spain. They stroll or lounge along the beach, enjoying the warmth and sof...
Oil
Wellies I Original Figurative Oil Painting , Impressionistic Style 45x35cm
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Wellies I" by Richard Gower is a captivating original figure ...
Oil, Board
A Moment in Time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original, impressionistic landscape painting is stretched on a 1.5" deep gallery wrap canvas. Only the finest professional quality acrylic paints were used in the creation of t...
Acrylic
Marbella Alley, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Sherri Aldawood captures a peaceful moment from her trip to Marbella, Spain. Sunlight fills a narrow alleyway, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush pl...
Oil
Emergent Reeds, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lush trees frame a serene pond, where the water reflects the vivid sky and its fluffy white clouds. Lily pads float gently on the surface, adding a touch of g...
Oil
Island View, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Island View Watercolor Art size - 8"x6" Matted to fit in standard 8"x10" frame :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity...
Watercolor
Sweet Peas and Bougainvillea, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Colorful flowers spill from a pitcher, with lush green foliage serving as the backdrop. The quick, energetic brushstrokes capture the rapidly changing light. ...
Oil
Trees in Sunlight, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two trees stand under the sun and cast cool shadows onto the grass. The trunks and foliage catch the light, making the scene glow and feel alive. Painted with a...
Acrylic
Roches de Mariol in the mist, morning light, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Landscape of Auvergne, France. From my studio window, this spectacular sea of clouds fills the valleys, transforming an earthly landscape into a celestial world. I am fascinated b...
Oil
Veil of Dusk, Original Painting
By Joanie Ford
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Joanie Ford channels her love for sunrises and sunsets into this piece. Observing the shifting colors reflected on clouds and in the atmosphere, she docu...
Pastel
Florence Mid-Afternoon
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Oil painting of a landscape in Florence, Italy, painted en plein air. ARTIST BIO Marc Dalessio was born in 1972 in Los Angeles, California. Even in his earliest years, it was eviden...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
In Toquima Cave, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A beautiful bobcat rests atop the petroglyph-covered wall of Toquima Cave. Its stance and intense gaze reflect a keen awareness. Lights emphasize the feline's...
Oil
Aperture, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This artwork is inspired by a vista I saw while on a camping trip to the Allegany Mountains," says artist David Thelen. The verdant trees bask in the sun's w...
Oil
Roman symphony, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Rome painting jriginal oil. St. Peter’s basilica. Vatican bridge. Tiber river. Impressionist artwork by Andrii Chebotaru - "Roman symphony" captures the timeless elegance of Rome...
Oil
At the Louvre, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Could It Be?, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This scene captures a quiet moment inside an antiques shop. A man pauses mid-step, drawn to two framed water lily paintings. As any regular shopper knows, the t...
Oil
Tulip fields 2025, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an oil painting showcasing a vibrant scene of fields filled with tulips. The scene includes three brick houses with orange roofs, situated beyond the fields and bordered by a...
Oil
"Evening in Italy", Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Evening in Italy" 50.0 X 70.0 CM / 19.6 X 27.4 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Dated...
Oil
Vista, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the pictures sent by his wife, artist David Thelen depicts the captivating allure of the Appalachian Trail. A sturdy branch dances with the surrou...
Oil
Radiance in the Quiet, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Ivory flowers rise softly from a moody backdrop, while a burst of vibrant orange commands attention. This piece balances boldness and grace, proving that even i...
Oil
Summer Reading, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In a beautiful, sunlit garden, a young woman immerses herself in the world of literature. Surrounded by flowers, she enjoys the company of words. Bathed in a hazy glow, the scene exudes a timeless and romantic aura.
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
Festive Moment, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Lullaby By The Sea, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An original textured oil painting of a Martha's Vineyard home interior! Known for it's beautiful homes, this lovely island is off the coast of Nantucket. I worked there one summer du...
Oil
African beauty, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Introducing African Girl portrait painting! This original impasto painting captures the radiant beauty of a female portrait on canvas. Created with the utmost care, this modern art p...
Oil
Karavostasi beach, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of "Karavostasi Beach," an original oil painting that captures a serene seascape. A small red boat bobs gently in the center of a vividly blue...
Oil
By the Rivera's Shadow, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A tropical summer unfolds along the banks of a quiet river. Palm trees dot the landscape, their fronds catching the bright sun. The lush foliage reflects on the...
Oil
Poppies 8, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An oil painting depicting a cluster of five red poppies as the focal point against a background of intertwined light brown, dark brown, brown, orange, red, and black hues. The poppie...
Oil
Poppies in rain, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The image depicts a vibrant and dramatic landscape oil painting featuring a field of bright red poppies at the forefront, stretching towards a distant mountain range. This range is p...
Oil
Fall Evening Current, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Shaded water carries streaks of gold and orange reflected from the sunlit hills of Redstone, Colorado. The current flows around clusters of stones, breaking int...
Oil
San Sebastian Marina II, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Small boats line a harbor in San Sebastian, Spain, their colorful hulls reflecting in the water. The summer sun casts a warm glow over the scene. Impressionis...
Oil
Cold sea, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a painting of a turbulent seascape depicting the sea near a coastline under a dark and stormy sky. Central to the composition are large waves with one in particular that cras...
Oil
Suspended, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In 2023, artist Onelio Marrero began a series of oil sketches featuring men painting buildings high above city sidewalks. Based on one of these studies, this ...
Oil
Unveiling the Light, Oil Painting
By Joanie Ford
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sun emerges from behind a veil of clouds as pastel hues fill the sky, reflecting softly on the calm sea below. As demonstrated by this scene, artist Joanie ...
Oil
Early Sunday Morning, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Morning sunlight covers the dining room table with a warm, amber glow. The flower arrangement of orchids and willow rests prominently on the table, with a bra...
Oil
Reeds channel, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The original oil painting depicts a serene natural landscape, vividly depicting a waterway flowing through lush greenery. The canal is lined with reeds and cattails, reflecting a lig...
Oil
$2,734
Modern Impressionist Oil painting of Ballet Dancers in Tutus Backstage
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist oil painting of Two Ballet Dancers in Tutus backstage at the Theatre. This is a new piece from the Legrand Studio, it is Oil Paints on a square box canvas, so on...
Oil
Contemporary Figurative Impressionist Textured Oil Painting of Children on Beach
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Oil Painting on Canvas of Children playing by the Seaside on a Sandy Beach. It is mounted on stretchers and Signed and Framed. Framed in a simple distressed whit...
Oil
Country Stroll, Original Painting
By Patty Phan
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two figures stand near an open doorway of a rustic house. The summer sun casts bright light and soft shadows onto the scene. Artist Patty Phan depicts her Europ...
Watercolor
Scent Of Spring, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A 30" x 24" or 76.2cm x 60.96cm Contemporary, Floral, Original Oil Painting On Canvas. This gorgeously textured painting is full of beautiful details and color passages. Nasturtiums...
Oil
Pathway To Heaven, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an impressionist-style painting of a sunny, colorful flower garden bathed in light and filled with giant iris flowers and other beautiful garden flowers. In the distance is t...
Oil
Tree Portrait; Ashland Oregon, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Elizabeth Garat has always felt an affinity with trees. She came upon this view on a long walk during the golden hour in Ashland, Oregon. A gentle bree...
Oil
Cloudy Sky, Cotswolds, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The rolling Cotswold hills in England blend with the misty sky. Painted with a brush and palette knife, the rich strokes capture the depth and lushness of the f...
Acrylic
Before the Trees Become Green, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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 ...
Oil
As the Sun Sets, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting captures the setting sun over a game trail in Rockaway, NJ, artist Onelio Marrero’s hometown. A cold snap coated the ground, highlighting the ...
Oil
Wyoming Clouds, Oil Painting
By Steve Boggs
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Plein Air Forest-Side, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A lush woodland scene embodies the tranquil beauty of nature. Towering trees with dappled sunlight filtering through their leafy canopies cast soft shadows on t...
Oil
Evening at Teton National Park, Oil Painting
By Steve Boggs
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
John Terelak Western Mountain Landscape Oil Painting, Autumn Fishing, 1998
By John Terelak
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Western mountain landscape painting titled "Autumn Fishing" by American artist John Charles Terelak (1942-). Terelak was born in Boston, MA, and received formal art instructio...
Canvas, Oil
$16,550
"Santa Maria Novella" M.Dalessio, Oil Painting, Realist Landscape, Tuscany, 2007
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting by American plein-air painter, and award winning portrait painter Marc Dalessio. A depiction of the rolling hills of Tuscany. Cultivated nature lives on the left wit...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Golden Flow
Located in Zofingen, AG
Golden Flow is a meditation on calm movement and quiet balance. It evokes a coastal memory without describing a specific place. This painting does not dominate a space; instead, it ...
Canvas, Oil
Twentieth Century Traditional Figurative Portrait Oil of Lady in Victorian Dress
Located in ludlow, GB
Twentieth Century Traditional style Figurative Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas of Lady in a Victorian Dress. Beautiful Model in a white Victorian Gown wearing elegant gloves and looking pensive. Beautifully modelled and featuring Helen as the model who worked with the artist in the late 1980's. RENE JEROME LEGRAND British born 1953 Rene Legrand...
Oil
Sedona Trail, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A trail near Sedona’s airport reveals striking red rock formations and distant mesas. Gnarled trees scatter along the path, evoking a desert landscape that ...
Acrylic
Flower in Vase, Painting, Oil on Paper
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