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.
Artist Comments
Bare trees stand against a bright, cloudy sky, their shadows stretching across a snowy landscape. The clouds stretch endlessly, adding depth to the scene. This ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
Artist Comments
"Every fall season, I embark on a sojourn to the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains to soak in the changing fall colors of the birch and quaking aspens," says ar...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
Artist Comments
An array of colors presents itself before the sun dips behind the mountains. Shadows drape the landscape in cold blues and violets while the water reflects th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1880s Impressionist More Art
Earthenware, Glaze
Artist Comments
Bright yellow daffodils sit in a green glass, their vibrant petals exuding freshness. The fabric floral background adds to the liveliness of the scene. The comp...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Crystal DiPietro paints a sunset as the warm light descends beyond the horizon. The golden rays illuminate the towering mesas adorned in shades of oran...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Karen d’Angeac Mihm paints vibrant sunflower fields, often inspired by Provence, but this time, she found inspiration close to home in Wisconsin. A stu...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A Maneki-Neko, the iconic Japanese welcoming cat, nestles among lush succulents, exuding whimsical charm. Artist Tara Zalewsky-Nease br...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Loose brushwork and bold palette knife techniques lend an impressionistic quality to this lush bouquet of roses. The rich texture brings the painting to life,...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
An array of colors presents itself before the sun dips behind the mountains. Shadows drape the landscape in cold blues and violets while the water reflects th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma exhibits a panoramic view of mountains engulfed by a mysterious fog. He presents aesthetic imagery that can take the viewer into a dreamlike ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The sun shines on a flower garden, casting a warm glow among the foliage. Soft pink roses bloom against the lush leaves. Gentle brushstrokes and warm tones crea...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Fernando Garcia presents a rustic landscape of a midwestern field. He highlights the inclement weather on the plains as the dominating element. "It is ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Tara Zalewsky-Nease reimagines the classic Old Master’s study of a pewter vase, infusing it with her lush, gestural style. A garlic clove resting on th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Wisconsin’s lakes transform with each season, offering endless inspiration. Each month brings unique light, colors, and textures, creating a constantly shif...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Masonite, Oil
Artist Comments
A vibrant produce market bustles in the town of Amarante, Portugal. Along the street, a vendor engages with customers, encouraging them to take a potted plant o...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Stanislav Sidorov captures a couple walking in a fairytale-looking town. The street light accentuates the building's medieval details and casts a drama...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"I wanted to show the ideal daily farm life in Iowa," shares artist Sri Rao. She captures the crisp, sunny morning with cows mooing and...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Cedar trees, bluebonnets, and cacti grace a hilltop near Willow City, Texas. A body of water peeks through the edge of the grass-covered ground. The painterly...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Soft strokes capture the atmospheric view of Molokini and the ever-changing sky of Maui. The pastel clouds shift constantly above the blue water. Artist Karen E...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In the late afternoon light, long shadows stretch across an amusement park as a giant swing ride whirls riders through the air. In the distance, a towering drop...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft strokes capture the atmospheric view of Molokini and the ever-changing sky of Maui. The pastel clouds shift constantly above the blue water. Artist Karen E...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Floral arrangements, porcelain jars, and a lamp create a timeless and elegant still life. Delicate roses and lavender contrast with the sturdy table, while a mi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Afternoon sunlight filters through the branches of a sturdy tree, casting dappled shadows on its trunk. A porch and hedge sit quietly in the background, enhan...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Vibrant pink flowers bloom under a vivid sunset sky. Shades of purple and blue stretch out from the field into the sky, creating a harmonious color palette. The...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
With its signature yellow wings edged in black and touched with hints of coral and sky blue, a swallowtail butterfly appears suspended mid-air. Its symmetry a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A plaza in Valencia glows under the golden hour light, its warm hues capturing the charm of early evening. Restaurants begin to stir after siesta, as locals a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a raft of ducks swimming in a pond surrounded by spring foliage. "I have been observing ducks in their habitats in order to paint...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A mature oak tree stands sentry along the walking path. Sunlight filters through the lush summer canopy, casting warm patterns on the trunk. Dappled light dance...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Karen d’Angeac Mihm grew up often visiting Saint Paul de Vence in the South of France. The place has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
Late 19th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Narrow train tracks run from Santa Fe to Lamy, New Mexico, accompanied by a hiking path that runs alongside. Early spring light adds warmth to the scene, whil...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Bright and colorful flowers bloom in the foreground. Artist Rebecca Klementovich notes that each year, she and her painter friends hunt for the most impressive lupine fields...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Two jewel-toned hummingbirds engage in a delicate interaction as they search for a place to land. Their vibrant green and red feathers stand out against the d...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Water lilies float serenely on a pond, their pink blossoms contrasting with the green foliage. Sunlight dances across the scene, reflecting in shimmering patc...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Pink and yellow tulips bloom under the bright sunlight, their green leaves reaching upward. Small clouds drift above the hill, completing the serene springtime ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Cobblestone streets climb toward an old elementary school in historic Church Hill, Richmond, Virginia. The bright sky contrasts with the warm brick architecture...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Vibrant pansies bloom in a sunny yellow pot, their petals adorned with distinctive markings. Light and shadow add depth and movement to the piece. Artist Mary B...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Colorful zinnias fill a bright blue mug, each bloom depicted with loose strokes. The vibrant palette and relaxed brushwork create a lively, fresh atmosphere. Ar...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
This contemporary figurative painting captures the tranquil beauty of a gardener strolling down a garden path, viewed from above. The focal point is the garde...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting combines palette knife and brush techniques, using heavy impasto to create a richly textured surface. Vibrant pink, magenta, and green hues are ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Volatile clouds forming over Channel Islands Marina, near his home, inspired artist Thomas Hoeber to create this captivating piece. Two palm trees echo the se...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
This evocative impressionist painting captures the essence of a garden by the pond. With loose brushwork and bold palette knife techniques, this piece exudes ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The lake in Wisconsin remains beautiful even in winter, its frozen surface turning white as snow accumulates. In the evening, the icy expanse reflects soft bl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
One of artist Tara Zalewsky-Nease's favorite genres is the kitchen still life. A prolific cook and painter, she creates compositions of singular ingredients, ca...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The cafes of Puente la Reina are lively before the siesta. Sunlight filters through lush green trees, casting dappled shadows across a bustling sidewalk. Warm...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Fernando Garcia presents a rustic landscape of a midwestern field. He highlights the inclement weather on the plains as the dominating element. "It is ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Shadowed trees line a serene river, their reflections capturing the soft, warm hues of a sunset. The sky shifts from pastel pinks and oranges to a calming blue....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A vineyard leads to a rustic cottage nestled among lush trees. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows onto the winding path. The soft an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
The early evening sunlight casts a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere over the farm. In the background, a farmhouse nestled among trees and haystacks reflects the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Using a palette knife, artist Janet Dyer paints a rural landscape in rich, jewel-like tones. A cloudy sky softens the light, revealing layered colors that shi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Joanie Ford captures a cloudy day with sailboats docked in a quiet port. The overcast sky sets a moody tone, with its muted colors mirrored in the stil...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Tall, slender trees rise along both sides of a gently flowing stream, with foliage bursting in vibrant shades of green, capturing the essence of spring. Artis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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
Bright yellow sunflowers spill from a folded white paper, creating a striking contrast with the dark background. A glass bottle stands at the back, adding an el...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft pink, blue, and purple clouds drift across a tranquil sunset sky. The sun casts a warm, fiery glow over the landscape. Gentle light and delicate tones evok...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Two horses graze peacefully in a sunlit pasture surrounded by trees and open fields. The morning light creates a glowing outline around their bodies. The scene ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
