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.
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Sherri Aldawood presents an impressionist still life of vibrant sunflowers and a few pickings of fruit. The subjects bask in the afternoon light, casting elongated shadows on the surface. "I set up and painted this still life in my backyard using flowers from my garden," shares Sherri. The warm color palette exudes the feeling of comfort that comes with these seasonal blooms.
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Two hummingbirds spread their wings, soaring gracefully against a pastel green backdrop that evokes the vibrancy of a sunlit garden. Inspired by artist Karen ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero presents a fellow artist working outdoors. Bold shades of green permeate the lush spring foliage surrounding him. "I was out in a park w...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Cafe patrons sit under the shade of umbrellas, avoiding the direct sun while they sip their cortados. The impressionistic strokes capture the warm, inviting a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley paints a kaleidoscopic autumnal landscape, vibrant with spirited flecks from her palette knife. Using her signature style, Lisa applies impasto trees with thick texture and gentle movement. The foliage sways with energy, suggesting a beautiful fall day in the mountains with the colorful changing leaves on display.
About the Artist
Artist Lisa Elley produces sweeping impressionist views and rich geographies with lush textures. Growing up on a little farm in New Zealand surrounded by rolling green, she became greatly influenced by her surroundings. This instilled a remarkable ingenuity in her leading her to pursue a fine arts degree at the University of Auckland. Passionate about experiencing new things, she moved to London, New York, Florida, and ultimately the San Francisco Bay Area, where she now resides. She works at her studio inside an old cannery in San Jose with perfect natural light, 30-foot ceilings, and infinite possibilities. She cultivates her skillful command with a palette that allows her to maneuver her artistic blade with fluidity. “I am drawn to them over brushes as they create an amazing sense of movement with the beautiful texture they evoke,†shares Lisa. An award-winning artist, her works have been represented by galleries all over the globe and have also been featured in distinguished publications. Lisa savors the quality time she spends with her family during her free time.
Words that describe this painting: autumn, forest...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Wildflowers frame the bluffs, offering a tranquil view of the Pacific Ocean. The blues and purples add a calming, cool tone to the scene. Artist Lisa Elley pa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The painting offers a glimpse of the houses surrounding a river in Estella, Spain, a charming town along the Camino de Santiago. The sun casts a warm glow ont...
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
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Rugged cliffs meet the gentle Pacific waves. Vibrant wildflowers add a touch of whimsy to the scene, with their blue, yellow, and lavender petals complementin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft hues of green and brown blend together in a serene wetland scene. Lilies float gently on the calm river, while clusters of bushes and grasses thrive alon...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero shares a tender moment of children swimming by the sea. Part of a series of summer paintings that explo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A sandy path leads toward the dunes and water, with vivid greenery contrasting against the soft blues above. Painted with a palette knife and brush, the artwo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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 ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Artist Comments
Artist Colette Wirz Nauke paints a bird roosting on a tree branch. Purple and violet flowers envelop the trunks and branches, highlighting the beauty of the b...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Light and shadow play harmoniously in the courtyard of Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville, Spain. Foliage basks in the sun, while the fountain stays cool in the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Waves crash against the shore, their white foam contrasting with the deep blues and greens of the ocean. Dynamic diagonal strokes burst into the sky, adding e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The early evening sunlight casts a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere over the farm. In the background, a farmhouse nestled among trees and haystacks reflects the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight bathes a quaint village scene along the Camino de Santiago, highlighting the warm terracotta roofs of the farmhouses. Shadows play across the buildin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Boats rest gently in the harbor of a quaint fishing village in Nova Scotia. Cozy homes and shacks dot the coastline, their windows glowing warmly in the fadin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight filters through the forest, casting a warm, golden glow on the ground. Tall trees with reddish-brown trunks line ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A small patch of reeds line the edge of a pond, catching the sun early in the morning. Their golden blades contrast with the deep greens of the surrounding tr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
Artist Comments
As the sun descends, it leaves a wondrous gift, bathing the seascape in a beautiful array of colors. Yellow and orange hues grace the darkening sky while irid...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A young woman sits on the grass, deeply engrossed in painting the scenery before her. Loose brushwork and palette knife techniques bring to life the graceful ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 19th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Linen, Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer illustrates a lovely spring day in Provence with flourishing pear, cherry, and almond trees. She captures the essence of the season with a v...
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
Evening fall colors in a historical part of Washington DC with beautiful architecture together look harmonic and full of nice ene...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A young man sits under the shade of trees, sketching intently en plein air. The composition features artist Onelio Marerro's former student engaged with natur...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Ruth LaGue shares an idyllic landscape of the lush countryside. Two red barns and a silo stand abreast of verdant trees in the background. Inspired by ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas depicts a luminous sky with tonal hues of grey with soft purple accents. Finally, he paints his favorite color in a sky painting. "My d...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Golden foliage blankets the forest in this autumn landscape. The vast meadow in the distance echoes the seasonal transition. With the sun hidden behind drifti...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A scenic view from Route 80 in Ohio displays the dynamics between light and simple architectural elements. Amidst the surrounding trees, the sun-struck walls ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1920s Impressionist More Art
Gesso, Wood
Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mackey exhibits a glorious display of the United States flag. "Being an expatriate growing up in a foreign country gave me a deep love for our US ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
1930s Impressionist More Art
Wood
Artist Comments
The painting shows a docent in the interior of Fonthill Castle in Pennsylvania. The entire castle features exquisite handmade tiles embedded in the concrete con...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In the late afternoon light, long shadows stretch across an amusement park as a giant swing ride whirls riders through the air. In the distance, a towering drop...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil, Wood Panel
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
1980s Impressionist More Art
Paper, Watercolor
Artist Comments
Pink peonies and yellow roses fill a blue vase in this impressionist still life painting. Their vibrant petals contrast with the grey background. Painted alla p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
