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.
LA Sidewalk #1, Painting, Oil on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on Burlap mounted on Cardboard. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed...
Oil
Empty cigarette boxes in nature, Painting, Oil on Other
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Still life of empty cigarette boxes in nature. Oil and Oil stick on burlap mounted on wood. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenti...
Oil
Hancock Park, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By John Kilduff
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting of a Hancock Park street view in Los Angeles. Shipped rolled in a tube. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authe...
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
"Chapelle Saint-Michel de Tremblade, Jegun" - Oil painting, Historic Chapel
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Orsolic Dalessio's sky seems to dance in this plein air painting. A line of healthy trees and foliage is interrupted by a tall church, and continue again on the other side with a dif...
Oil, Panel
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
"Pony and Groom" 2014 oil painting on wood, impressionist sketch, equestrian
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Pony and Groom" is an unframed, oil on wood panel, contemporary impressionist painting. Painted during the 2014 Wellington Winter Equestrian Festival. Center stage, stands a fit, br...
Oil, Wood Panel
"Old Cypresses by Chapelle Saint Marie" Plein-air painting from North France
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
In this plein air painting, Orsolic Dalessio creates a composition reminiscent of The Hudson River School paintings, but with an impressionistic hand. Along with the studied composit...
Canvas, Oil
"Field of Flowers", Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Evgeny Chernyakovsky "Field of Flowers" 75.0 X 110.0 CM / 29.5 X 43.4 IN HIGH QUALITY oil on canvas Signed on the front and back Date...
Oil
Blue Wetlands 251230, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Don Bishop
Located in Yardley, PA
Blue Wetlands 251230 is a contemporary impressionist landscape painting, rich with atmosphere and light. This contemporary landscape has rich earth tones and vibrant warm colors. The...
Acrylic
Sand cooking, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A child is depicted at the beach, wearing a pink swimsuit and interacting with the surrounding water. She is in the process of digging in the sand, having a playful and carefree deme...
Oil
Morning forest, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting is an oil on canvas and depicts a tranquil scene of cranes flying over a waterway surrounded by misty forest. The focus is on two cranes, one to the right and one to the...
Oil
Sunny landscape, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an oil painting depicting a landscape scene. At the forefront, there is a small blue house situated in a pastureland abundant with yellow flowers and herbage. Surrounding the...
Oil
Winter scene at sunset, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting illustrates a serene winter scene at sunset. It features a river in the foreground, partially frozen, with a lone boat anchored near the riverbank. Trees line the banks ...
Oil
Tulip fields of Lisse, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an oil painting depicting the vibrant tulip fields of Lisse, Netherlands, a region known for its tulip festival. The painting showcases expansive fields of tulips in various ...
Oil
September 1st, Wind over the MÃCzenc Massif, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Landscape of Auvergne, in the very heart of France. That day, on the Mézenc massif, I was seized by the breath of the wind. The vast sky was a theater of moving clouds, allowing ...
Oil
Cupcake Trio, Oil Painting
By Pat Doherty
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The still life painting depicts three gourmet cupcakes topped with various garnishes. Defined brushstrokes and inviting colors bring the desserts to life. Artis...
Oil
A Good Trout, Oil Painting
By Karen Barton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A trout stretches across a pale blue background. Yellow spots and darker markings cover its body, while orange fins and tail add contrast. Painted using a palet...
Oil
Beach Wildflowers
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A deeply impressionistic plein air painting of the beach and its flora. Clouds along the horizon, waves crashing on the beach. Framed dimensions: 13.5 x 17.5 inches Artist Bio: Mar...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Beach at Low Tide, Morning Glow, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Landscape of Brittany, France In this painting, I sought to capture the vibrant light of the Finistère coast on a beautiful summer day. The shimmering sea beneath the blue sky do...
Oil
Along The Seine
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist landscape along the Seine River in France by American artist Chauncey Foster Ryder (1868-1949). Ryder grew up in New Haven, Connec...
Canvas, Oil
$35,400
"Castelmuzio" large-scale contemporary oil painting, Etruscan village, Italy
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Marc Dalessio was born in 1972 in Los Angeles, California. Even in his earliest years, it was evident that his passion was art. In 1989 he started at the University of California at ...
Linen, Oil
Autumn colors. Landscape series., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Autumn colors. Landscape series. In this vibrantly textured oil painting, I explore the jubilant essence of autumn's splendor. Each brushstroke represents a joyful dance of leaves, ...
Oil
Trees by the Water III, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Trees by the Water III" is an extra large contemporary-impressionistic painting measuring 130 x 160 x 2 cm. The artwork will be carefully shipped in a rolled state, excluding any w...
Oil
Autumn forest, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the serene beauty of an autumn forest with this original oil painting. The autumn landscape comes alive with beautiful trees, creating a sense of calm and warmth. The pain...
Oil
Early Fall, York County, Pennsylvania, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two barns rest on a quiet farm, surrounded by autumn colors. The overcast morning softens the warm tones across the rolling hills. The scene captures the serene...
Oil
View from Arrifana
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Dalessio makes the sea sparkle in this plein air depiction of the coast of Portugal. Framed dimensions: 13.5 x 17.5 inches Artist Bio: Marc Dalessio was born in 1972 in Los Angele...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Drifting, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The impressionist painting features two young boys enjoying their time on surfboards at the New Jersey shore. Bold strokes and subtle colors capture the element...
Oil
Red Roses, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is a vibrant depiction of blooming roses, painted with a combination of impressionistic brushwork and a lush palette of colors. The roses, rendered in shades of orange an...
Acrylic
Entangled Radiance, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by a winter walk through open space in Colorado at sunset, this painting captures the moment when the fading light illuminated the twisted branches o...
Oil
Lofoten Norway, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This captivating artwork masterfully depicts a serene, snow-laden village nestled by a tranquil fjord, its beauty accentuated by imposing, jagged mountains under an expansive twiligh...
Oil
Forgotten Coziness, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A rustic wooden cabin stands amidst lush greenery, with a small fenced garden featuring blooming flowers and a thatched-roof structure in the background. The scene is filled with vib...
Oil
South Shore Sunset, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The impressionist pastel artwork depicts a lone summer cottage sitting proudly on a marshland. The tidal river traces its narrow path through late summer beach ...
Pastel
$2,400
"Long Beach, Sag Harbor 11.09.2020 2020" Hamptons beach seascape oil painting
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A plein air landscape of a "Foster's Memorial Beach" aka "Long Beach" in Long Island's famous Hamptons. This Sag Harbor Beach is beloved by locals and tourists alike, situated on Pe...
Oil
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
Breaking Atlantic Wave. Contemporary Impressionist Seascape Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Great seascape from this exceptional and well collected British Impressionist. Oil on canvas Signed
Canvas, Oil
"Boats on Accabonac Harbor" - oil painting, Hamptons summer scene, bright blues
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This bright painting, done en plein air, radiates the feeling of summer. Small sailboats float daintily atop electric blue water while the surrounding land looks completely empty of ...
Oil, Panel
$5,000
"Evening, Madison Street" oil painting of Sag Harbor charming streetscape night
By Viktor Butko
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting by Viktor Butko. Painted en plein air, in Sag Harbor, New York, a nocturne of the shops on Madison Street. A couple approaches the illuminated red building, which hou...
Canvas, Oil
Early Morning, Old Green Boat, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The pastel artwork captures the beauty of Cape Cod. Low tide in the early morning reveals the subtle contours of the surrounding dunes. Natural breakwaters anch...
Pastel
Winter Solitude / Winter Wonderland
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional woodland winter landscape with a blanket of fresh fallen snow by well known American artist Aldro Thompson Hibbard (1886-1972). Hibbard was born in Falmouth, MA, stud...
Canvas, Oil
Golf Course, Probably The Country Club, Brookline MA
Located in Milford, NH
A fine landscape of a golf course, probably The Country Club, Brookline, MA by American artist Arthur Clifton Goodwin (1864-1929). Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Goodwin lived an...
Canvas, Oil
Still Life with Flowers in a Blue Vase
Located in Milford, NH
A large beautiful still life with flowers in a blue vase by American artist Owen Cullen Yates (1866-1945). Yates was born in Bryan, Ohio and studied in New York City with William Mer...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
$3,600
"Nassau, Bahamas 12.18.2019" oil painting of palm tree beach seascape gold frame
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting of a palm tree in the Bahamas. A classically trained artist, Nelson H. White only paints landscapes "en plein air" aka out of doors. A curved tree reaches out towards...
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
Noyac 08.02.2008
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted en plein air. Frame Dimensions 11 x 16in Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from the ti...
Oil
Earth Life, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woodland glows beneath the soft pink light of an early morning sky, with slender tree trunks rising through dense ferns and foliage. Artist JoAnn Golenia invi...
Acrylic
Violet Whisper, Lake Como, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Painted in her signature impasto palette knife style, artist Lisa Elley captures the quiet romance of Italy in the early morning light. Lavender reflections dan...
Oil
Spring in Oak Creek Canyon, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This desert landscape painting captures the dramatic sandstone cliffs in Red Rock Canyon. Blooming wildflowers evoke the joy, growth, and energy experienced on ...
Oil
Golden Autumn, Adirondacks
Located in Milford, NH
A fine landscape of birch trees in the Adirondacks by American artist Paul Bernard King (1867-1947). King was born in Buffalo, New York, and after becoming an established printer, went on to study at the NY Art Students League with Henry S...
Canvas, Oil
Bagno Paradiso 09.07.2015
By Nelson White
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Painted en plein air. Frame Dimensions 10.5 x 15.5 in Artist Bio: Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from t...
Oil
Mists of Spring, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Spring arrives with soft mists and passing rain showers as winter transitions to new growth. Brown grasses start turning green, while mist drifts over the mount...
Oil
Casting a Shadow on a Blue Sky, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The figurative oil painting depicts a solitary cowboy walking away from the viewer across an open expanse. His shadow stretches long across the ground. He wears...
Oil
Victorian Impressionist Landscape Oil Washerwomen on bank of River, Nice France
Located in ludlow, GB
Victorian Impressionist Landscape Oil of Washerwomen on bank of River, Nice in France. "Washerwomen on the River Paillon, Nice in France" Oil on Canvas on original stretchers, Si...
Oil
Still Life with Flowers in a Stoneware Vase
Located in Milford, NH
A nicely detailed still life painting with flowers in a stoneware or ceramic painted vase by American artist Martha Walter (1875-1976). Walter was born in Phildelphia, PA, studied at...
Oil, Panel
Coast of New Jersey Below Asbury Park
By Hayley Lever
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist coastal painting of the New Jersey coast by Australian / American artist Heyley Lever (1876-1958). Lever was born in Adelaide, Australia, and studied at Adelaide's Prince Alfred College and attended James Ashton’s Academy of Art. He traveled and studied in England, eventually exhibiting at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.Lever moved to New York around 1910, painting scenes of the city. He summered in Gloucester, MA, where he painted and taught sketching and painting classes at his summer studio. He became well known for his post-impressionist marine and landscape paintings. Lever’s works hang in several museums/institutions, including: The White House, Yale University Art Gallery, Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts, Detroit Institute of Art, Colby College, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Oil on canvas, signed lower left, artist placard, title and date inscribed on verso “Coast of New Jersey below Asbury Park...
Canvas, Oil
Flowers with a Yellow Background
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist floral still life by American artist Humbert Howard (1905-1990). Howard was born in Philadelphia and considered an important figure among contemporary African-American artists. He was educated at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and the Barnes Foundation in Merion, Pennsylvania. Howard was also art director of the Pyramid Club, a respected black cultural center in Philadelphia. As director of the club’s art exhibitions, he selected works by both black and white artists for display. By the time he retired in 1971, he had developed a loyal following of collectors and dealers in the Philadelphia area. In the eighties, he became increasingly involved with younger members of the local art scene and became a mentor to emerging black artists...
Oil, Panel
Gray Day, Gloucester
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist North Shore Cape Ann coastal oil painting by American artist Winfield Scott Clime (1881-1958). Clime was born in Philadelphia, studied at the Corcoran Art School...
Oil, Board
The Old Samovar
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist still life of a samovar amongst flowers on a table by American artist Dorothy Ochtman (1892-1971). Ochtman was born in Riverside, Connecticut, and became a renow...
Canvas, Oil
The Canal At Lambertville, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting by Onelio depicts a view of the Lambertville Canal, seen from the north on a late spring morning. With a keen eye for detail, Onelio beautifully c...
Oil
blue #2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This artwork captures an essence of tranquility and boundless horizon. Painting with acrylics, I let the blues carry the theme of serene vastness, reminiscent of a calm sea merging i...
Acrylic