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.
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
$16,550
"Santa Maria Novella" 2007 realist landscape, oil painting, Tuscany, dirt road
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting by American plein-air painter Marc Dalessio. A depiction of the rolling hills of Tuscany. Cultivated nature lives on the left with the vineyard organized with fencep...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Spring - Pocasset MA
Located in Milford, NH
A fine New England Cape Cod landscape by American artist Aldro Thompson Hibbard (1886-1972). Hibbard was born in Falmouth, MA, studied at the Massachusetts College of Art and at the Boston Museum School with artists such as Edmond Tarbell, Frank W. Benson, Joseph R. DeCamp, and later became one of the founders of the Rockport Art Colony, living on Cape Ann in Massachusetts and summering in Jamaica...
Canvas, Oil
Heaven on Earth
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
I was on a rooftop parking garage looking for the last space to park, in a hurry for a meeting with friends, when I saw this sky. Yes, I was late getting together with my friends, and my wife was patient while I recorded all the colors and shapes. After I painted this she was happy with the painting, and so was I, for it worked out as a balanced canvas of real and abstract. My friends were ok too after I bought a round. Enjoy!
About the Artist
Benjamin Thomas has been painting since the late seventies, however for most of this time he was not exhibiting his work. About twelve years ago, Benjamin and his wife were at a gallery show for a friend and as they were leaving Ben’s wife, aka “The Muse,” told him to go back in. “Your work is as good as that--maybe even better,” she said. That night, Benjamin obeyed The Muse (lucky for us!). The impressionistic sweeps of sky and cloud in Benjamin’s paintings capture more than just an atmospheric quality, but also a heavenly interpretation of the landscape. There is a classical, mature style to the paintings, reminiscent of J.M.W. Turner. Benjamin is often inspired while bicycling, walking or motorcycling, taking in the scenery of Pittsburgh, PA. He takes photos of the scene and then works out the concept back in his studio. The large scale of the work matches the impression and mood that each scene conveys, and the light and shadow are carefully balanced to capture something mercurial and nostalgic. The work feels very measured and contemplated, but also full of passion, as if each piece is in pursuit of the joy of painting and the representation of natural beauty.
Acrylic
Counting on You, Oil Painting
By Judy Mackey
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A turquoise vase resting on a blue table holds a cluster of pink flowers. Thick palette knife strokes build texture across the bright petals and muted backgroun...
Oil
Veil of Dusk, Original Painting
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
Trees in the Park, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Autumn starts early in a suburban park. A ray of sunlight illuminates the landscape, casting a warm glow on the trees and grass. Painted with a palette knife an...
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
Morning calm, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This evocative coastal scene exudes tranquility and the boundless beauty of nature, masterfully captured on canvas. The composition commands attention with a vivid interplay of color...
Oil
Warm evening, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting depicts a landscape at sunset. The artwork features vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, pink, and blue, creating a dramatic and colorful sky filled with clouds. The ...
Oil
La Barque sur la Greve (Boat on a Beach)
Located in New York, NY
Color lithograph, 1960. Signed by the artist in pencil lower right margin. Numbered 163/300 in pencil lower left margin. Published by Maeght, Paris. Catalogue raisonné reference...
Lithograph, Color
Falling Leaves. Old Kyoto, Japan., Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Goldfinch in a Tangle of Sunflowers, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A goldfinch balances on a sunflower head. Its brilliant yellow-green features contrast with the flowers' warm tones, while the gradient purple background comple...
Acrylic
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
Washington DC, Fall Evening
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Evening fall colors in a historical part of Washington DC with beautiful architecture together look harmonic and full of nice ene...
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
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
Colorful Symphony, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley shows her signature palette knife trees textured with deep impasto strokes. The foliage exhibits subtle movement and richness in colors. Lis...
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
Charles Adams Platt Landscape Oil Painting, Hook Windmill, Easthampton, NY 1885
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist Easthampton, New York landscape with a windmill by American artist Charles Adams Platt (1861-1933). Platt was born in New York City, and his training was as an a...
Canvas, 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
Stunning Newcomb Macklin Spanish Baroque Frame
Located in North Clarendon, VT
Absolutely stunning Newcomb Macklin Spanish Baroque frame. Original rubbed gold gilt and black. Close to 5" wide,33" x 39", rabbit 25.25" x 31.2...
Gesso, Wood
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
Weightless, Original Painting
By Nava Lundy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lily pads and lotus flowers float weightlessly on a pond. The vivid blues evoke a refreshing coolness, accentuating the vibrant colors of the aquatic plants. ...
Acrylic
Midwestern Lake, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An aerial view reveals a patchwork of farmland in the Midwest. A blue lake nestles among the green fields, mirroring the soft hues of the horizon. The compositi...
Acrylic
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
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
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
Winter Morning, Quiet Drama, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Yangzi Xu captures a serene moment in Chicago's Theatre District. The quiet streets, dusted with a thin layer of snow, absorb the soft glow of the stre...
Oil
Gathering, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sky and clouds can be unpredictable, offering no certain forecast for the weather ahead. A gathering of dark clouds may hint at rain or a refreshing cooln...
Acrylic
Ibis and Shadows, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Ibis birds wander and forage under palm fronds. Their white feathers catch the dappled sunlight, while their red beaks and legs contrast with the lush greens. I...
Oil
Magic of the Moon, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This mesmerizing artwork captures the serene beauty of a nocturnal landscape, masterfully painted with rich, textured brushstrokes. The luminous full moon casts a silvery glow across...
Oil
Joy, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Fresh tulips fill the scene with vibrant colors that evoke joy. The cool green leaves and dark purple background contrast beautifully with the bright pink pet...
Acrylic
Sunlit Cactus, Original Painting
By David Forks
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of cacti bask in the warm afternoon light near Del Rio, Texas. The radiant sun highlights their prickly exteriors and vibrant colors. Contrasting wi...
Acrylic
Life in the Mountains, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Bright colors dominate a landscape featuring rolling hills and tall trees under a vibrant sky. A pathway winds through a field, leading towards mountains in the distance. :: Paint...
Oil
Wyoming Clouds, Oil Painting
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
In the Garden, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
A vibrant rural scene depicts a small village nestled in a mountainous landscape. Bold, colorful brushstrokes and bright hues create a lively and expressive atmosphere. Painting: ...
Oil
Sunny Calm, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Vibrant colors depict a serene rural landscape with mountains in the distance under a bright sky. Rolling hills, haystacks, and small structures create a lively and inviting countrys...
Oil
Feast for the Eyes, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Sunny Yard, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Bright and vibrant hues depict a rural landscape with houses and trees under a clear blue sky. The composition features a mix of fields, hills, and vivid structures harmoniously arra...
Oil
An Unfrequented Harbor
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist marine painting of a harbor on Cape Ann, Massachusetts by American artist Harry Aiken Vincent (1867-1933). Vincent was Born in...
Canvas, Oil
$5,803
Oil painting On Canvas On Panel, Mediterranean View With Sailboat And Cliffs
Located in Gavere, BE
Oil On Canvas On Panel, Mediterranean View With Sailboat And Cliffs ** SOLD WITHOUT FRAME ** Additional information about the work: Title: Mediterranean View Medium: oil on canvas...
Canvas, Oil, Wood Panel
$22,000
Sunset Boats
By Hayley Lever
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist oil painting with boats at sunset by Australian American artist Hayley Lever (1876-1958). Lever was born in Adelaide, Austr...
Canvas, Oil
Courtyard in Seville, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Contemporary Impressionist Oil Beach Scene of Children playing at the Seaside
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of a Beach Scene of Children playing at the Seaside on Sandy Beach. Children playing with their fishing nets and buckets and spades exploring the rockpools and building sandcastles, what a really wonderful way to spend the day! A textured Oil on canvas by this listed and well known British Impressionist Painter. He is particularly famous for his unique textured canvases. This he achieves by painting first on a brushed and primed canvas and then layering on Oil Paint and Glazes. The overall effect is stunning luminosity of colour and an almost pointillist effect that is perfectly unique to this artist. "The Green Net" oil on canvas, signed and framed by Rene Jerome...
Oil
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
Wacker Drive in the Rain, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Bouquet, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks presents an impressionist still life of dainty flowers on a glass cylinder. Taking a small bunch from a large bo...
Acrylic
Ice rink, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The ice rink is a light, icy blue-white color, smooth and reflecting the light from the surrounding area. Numerous figures are skating on the ice in various colors of winter coats a...
Oil
Contemplation, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This oil painting on archival linen, mounted on panel, features a familiar muse that the artist C M Cooper has worked with since her youth. Inspired in part by ...
Oil
Peony II, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two soft pink peonies bloom gracefully in a clear glass vase. Their petals and lush green leaves spill outward, contrasting beautifully with the muted backgro...
Oil
The Artist's Wife, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by his travels with his wife, artist Onelio Marrero paints her enjoying a book. They toured the neighboring towns to visit shops and historic sites d...
Oil
Best Day at Dunn's Pond, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Dunn Pond, in Gardner, Massachusetts, is a spectacular visual and sensory delight. Originally a glacial formation, it has now been developed into a local park. ...
Acrylic
Winter Landscape
By Charles Jacob Jung
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist winter landscape by German American artist Charles Jacob Young (aka C. Jac Jung) (1880-1940). Young was born in Rodenbach, Bavaria, Germany, immigrated to the Un...
Oil, Board
View of Lavender, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
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 ...
Acrylic
Edge of the Woods, Oil Painting
By Jill Poyerd
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Orange and gold foliage harmonize with the auburn and maroon hues of the forest, creating a tranquil scene through an analogous color palette. The composition...
Oil
Four Roses, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This still-life painting features roses in a clear glass vase. The flowers' velvety red hues contrast beautifully with their green stems, making them stand ou...
Acrylic
Chipping Sparrow in Early Winter, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A sparrow perches on a snow-dusted branch. The soft and misty background highlights the delicate brown and white of the bird's feathers. Artist Joanie Ford pa...
Oil
Day at the Beach, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks displays a family of three frolicking on the beach. "In addition to capturing people in the city, one of the best places is at the beach be...
Acrylic
$1,705Sale Price|20% Off
Spring. 1991. Cardboard, oil, 94.5x70 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Spring 1991. Cardboard, oil, 94.5x70 cm
Oil, Cardboard