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 Shela Goodman presents a majestic scene with a golden glow reflecting on the lake's still water. The sun gently sets, crad...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Lisa Elley draws inspiration from the vibrant blooms and wildflowers that come to life in the spring. The light enhances the bouquet of white poppies, cr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Remnants of a plantation rest deep in the historic Iao Valley, where a cottage, a banana tree, and a garden grow as native Hawaiians once planted them. Mist flo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Whether it's fall, winter, spring or summer it's always time for some colorful birch! This painting is done with a palette knife, and resonates with a poetic ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Ruth LaGue presents an impressionist black barn with a prominent pink roof. Inspired by the shapes and patterns of the landscape, she draws the viewer'...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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The bright morning sunshine floods a front porch where an inviting scene unfolds. Artist Sherri Aldawood was drawn to the light and cast shadows on this historic adobe home in Taos, New Mexico. The two turquoise chairs add to the scene's charm and beckon the viewer to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the moment.
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
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Artist Carey Parks depicts three kids standing outside a suburban neighborhood. She uses an old family photo to capture the essence...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Shela Goodman presents a view of an old swinging bridge over a quiet river. The image plays with the viewer's imagination and challenges them with their personal insight. "The wonder of what is on the other side of the tree and what may be in the distance," says Shela. She skillfully balances the relationship between light and shadow to depict the depth and dimensions of the scene.
About the Artist
Words that describe this painting: bridge, landscape, river, tree, fog, mist, riverbank, water, impressionism, oilpaint, perspective, impressionism, nature, oil painting, brown
Bridge Over the River...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Sri Rao depicts a secluded farm away from the busy streets. A gravel road winds through the lush bushes and quaint farmhouses, g...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Lisa Nielsen presents a delicate portrait of a nude woman. The model stretches into a quiet moment but with a dash of fantasy. Lisa offers a tender mom...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Fernando Garcia paints heavy rain over a field of yellow flowers. He expresses through elements and colors an atmosphere of tranquility. "A serene land...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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Drawing inspiration from a boathouse floating on the water at Coal Harbour in Vancouver, artist Maurice Dionne paints this idle watercolor scene. In the foreg...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Nava Lundy paints a young girl flying a bright yellow kite on a cloudy day. The impasto texture of the ethereal sky builds atmospheric depth. Nava aptl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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A mountain goat and its kid stand tall against the rugged peaks of Glacier Park, their thick fur ruffled by the wind. Sunlight catches on their coats. Behind th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft evening colors highlight the beauty of the American desert. A gentle and warm palette creates an airy feeling that suggests an open space. The quiet energy...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Stanislav Sidorov exhibits colorful umbrellas spread along the busy streets of New York. A bright display of hues parades along the streets amidst wate...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Artist Shela Goodman presents a scenic path enveloped by autumnal foliage. In her travels, Shela is always fascinated with the tunnels that trees create. "Not knowing when you entered where you may be when you come out the other side," says Shela. The piece captures the majesty of the season with festive colors and energetic paintwork.
About the Artist
Words that describe this painting: autumn, tunnel, trees, fall, road, season, path, woods, forest...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
1960s Impressionist More Art
Stone, Bronze
19th Century Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Soft, loose brushstrokes depict a curved path winding through olive trees under a bright, clear sky. The scene takes inspiration from a dusty road artist Jane...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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The rugged beauty of the Oregon coast unfolds as land and sea collide in a dynamic display. A hazy summer sky drifts above, while broad, weathered rocks anchor ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A road cuts through a lush orchard, leading to a vast green field in the distance. Artist Janet Dyer discovered this tranquil place while driving in the Frenc...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Bright sunlight dances on the serene pond, reflecting the vibrant greens of the surrounding foliage. Gentle ripples add a sense of movement to the tranquil sc...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The Pavillon de Flore at the Louvre glows in the setting sun, its large windows catching the warm light. Ornate statues add to the building’s timeless charm. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Wood Panel, Canvas
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 19th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Bare trees in the foreground stand against a softly colored sky transitioning from a warm, glowing orange to a gentle yellow. A path cuts through the scene, w...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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Artist Elizabeth Garat paints an inspiring view of the California coast. She references the piece on scenes from an expedition to the beautiful coastal town of Cayucos, California. The stately tree stands alone in the surrounding field, capturing the viewer's attention. Elizabeth fully offers the tranquility of the quiet view.
About the Artist
Growing up in California and Colorado, Elizabeth spent much of her formative years outdoors. “Exposure to nature early on planted the seed of landscape painting in me,†she says. She enjoyed spending time on her grandfather’s sunny sheep ranch and going to the beach with her grandmother. Her grandmother also would bring her to art galleries in Laguna Beach, where she was first introduced to California Impressionism...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
1980s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Parisian rooftops stand out with their distinctive charm, making the city's skyline instantly recognizable. The architecture, rich with patina, blends turquoise...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Winding trunks weave through dense foliage, depicting an overgrown forest. Hints of the sky peek through the vegetation, introducing new hues to the dominant ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Linen, Panel
Artist Comments
In this tonal landscape, artist Benjamin Thomas employs contrasting hues to evoke a vibrant scene. Using a palette knife instead of brushes, he layers and blend...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A woman stands with her back to the viewer, gracefully adjusting her raven hair. She wears a flowing red dress that contrasts beautifully with the soft backgrou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In this tonal landscape, artist Benjamin Thomas employs contrasting hues to evoke a vibrant scene. Using a palette knife instead of brushes, he layers and blend...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Inspired after a trip to The New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, artist Onelio Marrero shares a view of a person taking a break on a park bench. The idea...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
An abundance of sunflowers blooms across a sprawling field. Their golden petals glow beneath the summer sun. Towering mountains rise in the distance, as the mis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Painted on location along Maui’s windward side, the piece captures a painting spot in the shade of permanently wind-bent trees. Their arching branches create ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Remnants of a plantation rest deep in the historic Iao Valley, where a cottage, a banana tree, and a garden grow as native Hawaiians once planted them. Mist flo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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 dirt path cuts between a golden field and the San Francisco Bay, leading to the rolling hills in the distance. Vibrant colors bring warmth to the scenery. Art...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Encaustic
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Evening light casts a golden glow across the Arizona desert, illuminating tall saguaro cacti that reach skyward. In the distance, soft purple mountains provide ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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High stone seawalls line parts of the New Jersey shoreline, where tides and surges deposit an array of natural and manmade artifacts. In this scene, a young gir...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
An abundance of sunflowers blooms across a sprawling field. Their golden petals glow beneath the summer sun. Towering mountains rise in the distance, as the mis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A vast field of sunflowers stretches toward the horizon beneath a vibrant sky. Their golden heads glow in the setting sun as the warm light bathes the scene wit...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This watercolor captures the quiet beauty of an untouched landscape within the Smoky Mountains. Soft greens and gentle yellows stretch across the field, dotted ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
