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.
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Artist Karen d’Angeac Mihm lived in Germany with her family for a few years. She loved painting the villages they would visit. This particular scene was in ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Mary Pratt depicts water lilies and lily pads, gently floating on a serene pond. Surrounding the water, dense foliage in various shades of green and ye...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A winding trail leads to Carrión de los Condes, capturing a moment along the Camino de Santiago. The journey begins in Frómista and ends in this bustling to...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A corner fruit stand in Valencia, Spain, catches the eye with its sunlit yellow awning and vibrant display of seasonal produce. Nestled at the base of a terra...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
León, Spain, buzzes with energy, especially as a key stop along the Camino de Santiago. By night, the city truly comes alive, with locals, pilgrims, and touris...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
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
1950s Impressionist More Art
Lithograph
1980s Impressionist More Art
Paper, Watercolor
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Linen, Oil
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Olive trees fill an orchard in Provence, their leaves stretching towards the sky. Soft streaks of sunlight cast a gentle glow on the ground below. Painted usi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The fiery hues of the autumn trees contrast beautifully with the cool tones of the stream. The swift course of the water distorts the reflection of the gently...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A tiny beach on Maui offers just enough space for a few painters or beachgoers to settle in. The breeze gently sweeps the tree and pushes the waves between the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A red fox curls up on the snow, its fiery coat glowing against the icy background. Bold strokes capture the texture of its thick fur. The painting radiates both...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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An aerial view reveals a picturesque landscape of the South of France, with verdant greenery and farmland hugging a winding switchback road. While a zigzag pa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Provence in spring is a delightful place to be. Olive trees bloom, cypresses sway gently in the breeze, and the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape. Pain...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Janet Dyer shows a verdant landscape in Provence near the home of her good friend. Mountains tower in the distance creating a striking panoramic view. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A cluster of shacks perches on the shallow side of the water. During a trip to Sausalito, California, artist Thomas Hoerber detours to the back of San Francis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Bright strokes of green highlight a sun-baked landscape in Provence, France. The winding path stretches through the summer field. Energetic dabs of a palette knife create texture and depth. The sky, painted in a rich blue, contrasts with the greenery, giving the painting a lively and dynamic feel.
About the Artist
Artist Janet Dyer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
North Carolina boasts many beautiful rivers. The scene, set in late summer, highlights the early blush of fall and its reflections in the water. The sunlight ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1930s Impressionist More Art
Etching, Paper
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
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Inspired by family photos from the 1960s, the artwork depicts two sisters enjoying a quiet morning. One reads a newspaper while the other prepares her breakfa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Egg Tempera, Board
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Set during an evening on Wacker Drive, the artwork offers an atmospheric view of Chicago, featuring the iconic Tribune Tower and surrounding buildings. The st...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A curved staircase leads upward, where people ascend, their forms casting intriguing shadows against the warm light. The blues and grays of the sky and struct...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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White blossoming trees grace an orchard in Provence, France. Painted with a brush and palette knife, the composition conveys their fleeting beauty. Their flow...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
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This painting draws inspiration from the architecture of quintessential Italian villages. The sunlight accentuates the stone walls and shutters, while a pot o...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
While driving west on Bahia Vista Road in Florida, artist Benjamin Thomas, his wife, and their dog, Gaia, noticed the sky turning into a breathtaking display...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Amid the verdant landscape, a white tree blossoms in spring, with distant red flowers adding a lively touch to the scene. The painting adopts an impressionist...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Fresh strawberries with a glass of sweet orange juice make a quaint breakfast scene. Textured strokes and raw application of paint exude freshness and spontan...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero depicts two carefree children playing in the surf. Part of a series of summer paintings that explores the joyful spirit of youth. His ex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Gentle waves lap on a quiet beach. The palette knife strokes mimic the soothing motion of the waves, complemented by the softness of the clouds and the wispy ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A charming bungalow in Cape May, New Jersey, nestles among lush greenery. Its warm yellow and green tones blend harmoniously with the surrounding foliage. Pai...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer depicts a busy market day in Aix-en-Provence. Towering sycamore trees cast cool shadows, while warm, dappled light illuminates the scene...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
A river cuts through a quiet, secluded meadow. The lush greens reflect on the water's calm surface, while patches of sunlight add brilliance and warmth to the s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Three children show quiet determination as they dig for sand dollars during low tide. Their curiosity and focus bring wonder to the coastal scene. Energetic str...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A serene lake reflects the blue sky and surrounding trees on its still surface. The foliage portrays the changing season, from the bright summer day to cool a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Artist Comments
This painting portrays a nature preserve and a bird sanctuary nestled amidst subdivisions. The composition features a tranquil pond surrounded by autumn trees...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Shela Goodman pictures an autumnal tree standing prominently from the green forest behind. Fiery orange leaves abundantly ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In an orchard in Provence, France, olive trees dot the landscape. Streaks of sunlight filter through the leaves, warming the soil below. Using a palette knife and brush, artist Janet Dyer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
As low-lying clouds blanket the surrounding hills, artist Onelio Marrero captures the tranquil allure of the Glendalough Monastery in Ireland on a rainy day. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Fernando Garcia presents a sweeping landscape of vibrant yellow fields with farmhouses dotting the distance. He uses the rain on the plains as the main...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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This painting captures a serene Mediterranean landscape featuring an uphill path leading to a distant house. The summer sun brightens up the lush field under ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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
1930s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Artist Siyuan Ma presents an impressionist depiction of the Hanging Temple, a famous cultural landmark in China. Its Chinese name takes the character "Xuan" f...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Golden mustard flowers blanket the field, illuminated by shimmering light that enhances the energy of the spring landscape. Wisps of clouds drift above, while...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A fountain flows in the center of an elegant garden in artist Sherri Aldawood's impressionist piece. "My dream came true when I visited the home and garden of one of my favorite artists of the past, Joaquin Sorolla, in Madrid," shares Sherri. Channeling her knowledge from studying Sorolla's masterful paintings, Sherri portrays the morning light and colors with soft illumination. The sunlit foliage gleams majestically in the background, sharpening the dimension and bringing the viewer's eye toward the rear of the scene.
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
This painting shows a scenic view of northern New Jersey. Along the road, autumn trees cast shadows on the ground, while sunlit grass sheds warmth on the land...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
1980s Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil Pastel
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Canvas
Artist Comments
With soothing blues and greens, a tranquil scene unfolds from a marsh on a sunny day. The water reflects the bright sky and passing clouds. Painted with a bru...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A thick blanket of snow covers a garden, exposing only tall bushes and grass to the sunlight. A thicket of trees stands in the background, adding brown and gr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a majestic sunrise on Long Island with vibrant colors and rich brushwork. "I am always up early to witness the morning skies wher...
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
Artist Comments
This still-life painting features a lively bouquet of pink flowers in a vase. Painted with a palette knife, the various blooms carry subtle textures, adding d...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
