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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Uphill Path, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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 ...
Acrylic
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
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
Night over the bay, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska This captivating artwork presents a mesmerizing nocturnal landscape under a luminous, cloud-filled sky. The ...
Oil
Modern Impressionist Oil Painting - Beach Scene with Children playing at the Sea
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of a beach scene with Children playing in a Rocky Cove. Signed Oil on Canvas on Stretchers and Framed in a bronzed silver modern bespoke frame. Str...
Oil
Olivier Foss Evening Cityscape Oil Painting, Paris Circa 1900 & Moulin Rouge
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful cityscape of Paris and the famous Moulin Rouge circa 1900 by German artist Olivier Foss (1920-2014). Foss was born in Hanover, Germany, took his secondary education in Be...
Canvas, Oil
Hilltop Blues, Original Painting
By David Forks
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bluebonnet flowers grow on the side of the road on a hilltop plateau near Carta Valley, Texas. Their petals show a vibrant contrast to the lush greens of the ...
Acrylic
Autumn melody. Landscape series., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Autumn melody In this vibrantly textured oil painting, I explore the jubilant essence of autumn's splendor. Each brushstroke represents a joyful dance of leaves, swirling in the bri...
Oil
Blooming, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Grace Diehl
Located in Yardley, PA
My geraniums are blooming again. I couldn't resist painting them. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :...
Oil
Cozy Street. Prague, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cozy street in Prague glows with vibrancy after a rainfall. Refreshed leaves adorn the trees, houses exude a renewed radiance, and the wet pavement glistens...
Oil
Huntington Suburbs, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Grace Diehl
Located in Yardley, PA
This was done from the Huntington Beach area, off the beaten path. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist ...
Oil
Soft Glow, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A rendering of a lily pond with a soft glow of light to give you that tranquility that we all need. A sweet piece for any small space. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece come...
Oil
The bay's radiance, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"The bay's radiance" captures the timeless charm of Perast, a picturesque old town nestled in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Painted in the vibrant pointillist style, this artwork exu...
Oil
Mallard Pairs in Winter, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Manet - Rare Book Illustrated after Edouard Manet - 1884
Located in Roma, IT
Manet is an original modern rare book written by Edmond Bazire (Rouen, 1846 - Paris, 1892) and illustrated after Edouard Manet (Paris, 1832 - Paris, 1883) in 1884. Original Edition....
Paper, Etching
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
Green Garage Doors, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A single-car garage in a charming neighborhood stands untouched, its doors unopened for years. Once home to a shiny '32 Oldsmobile, it now hides unknown treas...
Oil
New England Hillside
Located in Milford, NH
A fine landscape oil painting by American artist Harriet Randall Lumis (1870-1853). Lumis was born in Salem, CT, and ironically, her art background did not begin until after she marr...
Canvas, Oil
Shadowed, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Grace Diehl
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a view past the Dana Point Golf course looking out to the ocean. The trees are magnificent with their reaching branches. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with...
Oil
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
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
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
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
Kindness, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Acrylic
Tree Screen
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist New England woodland landscape by American artist Emile Albert Gruppé (1896-1978). Gruppé was born in Rochester, NY, and is renowned for his New England landscap...
Canvas, Oil
Capitola Shores, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Maida Vale - Original realism London cityscape oil painting -contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Early Twentieth Century Impressionist Oil Painting Flanders Landscape Figures
Located in ludlow, GB
Early Twentieth Century Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas on stretchers of Flanders with church and figures. A large and impressive painting by Frank Spenlove Spenlove ...
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
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
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
Spring, Suburbs, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Acrylic
French Lion Fountain with Water lilies Basin, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gav Banns
Located in Yardley, PA
Built in the early 1800's, I was captivated by the ornate lion providing fresh spring water in the commune of Dun-le-Palestel (Creuse, France). For a long time, this spring was the o...
Oil
Myriad of Blues, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Gazing south down the California Coast toward Los Angeles, a dreamy coastal landscape depicts the Central California region. The stunning view encompasses Hal...
Oil
Sea of Wonder, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Storm on the Farm, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Fernando Garcia paints a farm and a silo on a vast midwestern landscape. He offers the viewer a serene environment ...
Acrylic
Kindness Part II, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Colette Wirz Nauke paints a bird perched on a tree. Plump red berries adorn the meandering branches, creating a sense of movement and vitality to the p...
Acrylic
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
The Slumber Party, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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,...
Oil
"Bridge Over the Neckar, Town of Heidelberg" - Original Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
"Bridge Over the Neckar, Town of Heidelberg" - Original Oil Painting on Canvas A beautiful German landscape, by American painter, Betty Brenner (1922-2016), captures the Karl Theodor Bridge and its reflection. Commonly known as the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), it is an arch bridge in Heidelberg that crosses the Neckar river. It connects the Old City with the eastern part of the Neuenheim district of the city on the opposite bank. The current bridge, made of Neckar sandstone and the ninth built on the site, was constructed in 1788 by Elector Charles Theodore, and is one of the best-known landmarks and tourist destinations in Heidelberg. Brenner, Betty (American, 1922-2016) - Raised in Washington, Brenner attended Cornish School...
Canvas, Oil
The Return, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A puddle reflects a pensive scene of the city in artist Andres Lopez's impressionist piece. Pedestrians walk past in opposite directions appearing to be absorbed in thought. "Sometimes it is necessary to return to a place or a memory or some experience to learn or maybe just to relive it," says Andres. He uses reference photos he took in the city to realize the work and conceptualizes the desired message.
About the Artist
Andres Lopez was born in the old Cuban town of Santa Clara. As a child, he developed a deep love for the beauty of the countryside and the exquisite architecture of his hometown. He participated in drawing contests at the tender age of nine where landscapes were always his favorite theme. In his early twenties, Andres made his way to Florida, bringing only his worn-out brushes and a great dream. Immediately captivated by the beauty of the Everglades, his works display the close relationship between humanity and the natural world around us.
Words that describe this painting: city, reflection, conceptual, urban scape...
Oil
Santa Fe Plaza at Sunset, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In his signature style, artist Warren Keating draws inspiration from a character he saw on a Santa Fe Plaza restaurant balcony. Using perspective and textural...
Oil
Glorious Spring, Original Painting
By Judy Mudd
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In the style of impressionism, artist Judy Mudd presents a harmonious pastoral landscape. She paints an Amish farm in Pennsylvania nestled in lush foliage. "I...
Watercolor
Early Twentieth Century Impressionist Landscape of Autumn with Golden Trees
Located in ludlow, GB
Early Twentieth Century Impressionist Landscape of Trees in a Wooded Landscape in Autumn with gold and rust coloured Leaves. This Impressionistic Unsigned Oil Painting on Canvas is ...
Oil
Salisbury, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is a vivid, textured landscape painting that bursts with energetic emotion. With expressive brushstrokes, a field of vibrant yellows and greens sweeps across the foregrou...
Acrylic
Endless Light, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Picture a stunning acrylic painting on a gallery-wrap textured canvas that captures a serene marsh with a breathtaking view of the open ocean. The sky is adorned with vibrant purple ...
Acrylic
$1,279
Sunlight on Duke of York Sq - original cityscape impressionism contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Oil, Board
Svalyava Region, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting, Oil on Canvas Size: 39.4 W x 31.5 H x 1.1 D in Ships in a Tube :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
Oil
Nineteenth Century Impressionist Landscape of River with Cattle grazing in Field
Located in ludlow, GB
Nineteenth Century Impressionist Oil Painting of River Severn Landscape with Cattle watering and green Fields on a Summers Day. Signed Oil on Canvas on Stretchers and Framed in a Wh...
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
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