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 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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Nestled amidst a sea of wildflowers, a weathered cabin stands quietly. Crimson poppies, azure cornflowers, and golden daisies blanket the meadow. In the distanc...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A solitary horse strolls through a sunlit field, its mane and tail glowing in the warm morning light. Ethereal, golden tones ripple across its form, capturing a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A delicate floral arrangement features a vibrant mix of blue, pink, and white hydrangeas against a soft, muted background. Light gently illuminates the flowers,...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Bright sunflowers with vibrant yellow petals and dark centers stand out against a muted background, creating a lively and colorful scene. Expressive brushstroke...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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In this coastal scene, artist Karen E Lewis captures one of Maui's legendary sunsets. From this perch on a cliff, nearby islands can be seen, as the glistening ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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The soothing rhythm of the ocean's waves creates a sense of tranquil stillness. Beyond the shore, a beautiful gradient of blues captures the essence of the deep...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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In this interior study, artist David Thelen explores the interplay of shadow and structure. A restrained palette of grays and soft blues emphasizes line and tex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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This impressionist painting invites a sense of quiet mystery. Artist Faye Vander Veer uses a muted palette with closely related values, allowing the warm sunlig...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A gentleman carefully searches for the correct change after enjoying a meal at a Greek restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA. Warm, earthy tones and expressive brushst...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The impressionist painting captures the serene beauty of Venice at dusk. A tranquil canal reflects the soft glow of twilight, while flower-filled balconies an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Warm sunlight bathes a monastery and lavender fields. Lush green hills rise in the background, framing the peaceful scene. The artwork depicts the Abbey of Se...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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White and umber define a sitted nude female figure. Simplified contours enhance her shape, while gentle brushwork gives softness to her form. The backgroundâ€...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A nude female figure reclines in a wooden chair, her posture evoking artist James McNeill Whistler's iconic painting of his mother. The soft interplay of ligh...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A busy city street comes to life at dusk. The limited color palette and the angle capture the fading light, casting a soft glow over buildings and cars. The p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Living by a lake provides artist Karen d’Angeac Mihm with endless inspiration, as the landscape transforms with each season. Every day offers a new perspect...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Tall pine trees stand tall in the foreground, while the ocean waves of Monterey Bay blend into the cloudy sky in the background. Red, yellow, and white flower...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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New Jersey artist Brian McCarthy grew up in a rural area near the New York border, where grazing animals were a common sight. In this oil painting, he capture...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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When artist Onelio Marrero's grandchildren visit, they love spending time in his spare bedroom, playing games, dressing up, and pretending. One of their favor...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A young girl in a white dress runs toward the ocean, her hair flowing behind her, capturing the windy day and her excitement. She embodies the joyful anticipa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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The painting captures a quintessential scene from Provence, where artist Karen d’Angeac Mihm grew up. White-washed houses with red-tiled roofs nestle among ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Two monarch butterflies flutter gracefully against a soft, green background. A subtle glow around them brings the idea of movement. Delicate patterns and detail...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A macaw captivates with its piercing eyes and vibrant feathers. Inspired by her travel to Belize, artist Joanie Ford captures the vibrant essence of wildlife th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
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Bright wildflowers bloom in the foreground while the waves crash against the cliffs in the distance. The sky, painted in soft blues and whites, merges seamles...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Golden sunlight bathes the Harriman State Park with a warm glow. Fiery colors cast over the slender trees and vast field. Painted with brush and palette knife, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Rows of vibrant lavender stretch toward the horizon, their rich purple hues contrasting with golden pathways. Warm sunlight bathes the landscape, casting a gl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A vibrant sky shifts rapidly over sparkling water, turning the coastal scene into a radiant realm. The composition evokes serenity and a deep exploration of t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A silhouette of a single Monterey pine basks in the glow and soft light of the setting sun. The lavender surface of the ocean reflects the radiant sky. California-based artist Catherine McCargar loves taking painting trips to the coast. In this piece, she painted on Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
About the Artist
Impressionist Catherine McCargar expresses her deep admiration of nature through landscape paintings of Northern California. While she is well-versed in a range of media, her preferred medium for painting is watercolor. The fluidity of the paint allows her to capture the muted undertones and the fleeting light found in the natural world. While the backgrounds of her paintings are impressionistic, the foregrounds of her paintings are often highly detailed, showcasing her technical mastery over her medium.
Words that describe this painting: coastal, ocean, California, seaside, beach, path, sunset, tree, summer, sky, nature, grass, vacation, season, impressionism, nature, seascape, watercolor painting, blue
Coastal Summer Sunset...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Onelio Marrero enjoys spending time with his family at the New Jersey shore. In this painting, his wife frolics in the shallow surf with two of their g...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The painting depicts a quintessential view of Portland, Maine's Old Port. Fishing boats are moored in the harbor, their reflections dancing on the serene blue...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Vibrant red poppies and delicate white daisies intermingle, forming a colorful tapestry. The contrast between their fiery hues and cheerful whites adds harmon...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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This artwork captures the hot, dry atmosphere of the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia. Rustic barns and copper-colored fields stand beneath a cloudless, viv...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Sunlight bathes a traditional adobe courtyard with a kiva fireplace at the center. Hollyhocks, ristas, and lupine add pops of color against the neutral garden...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Orange and red trees embrace the mountains in Mount Washington Valley, creating a bold, expressive display of autumn hues. The moon casts a gentle glow over t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Small boats line a harbor in San Sebastian, Spain, their colorful hulls reflecting in the water. The summer sun casts a warm glow over the scene. Impressionis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A serene atmosphere unfolds at day’s end, where a full moon shines through golden clouds, casting a soft glow across the sky. The calm lake reflects this tr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Wildflowers sway with the sea breeze, their vibrant petals complementing the blueness of the sky and water. Painted en plein air, artist Lisa Elley captures t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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At sunset, the landscape basks in the last ray of light. The gradual transition to the evening sky brings a golden color to the rural areas of Pennsylvania. F...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A red hibiscus stands tall against dramatic clouds, inspired by artist Jay Jensen's trip to the Dominican Republic. This piece reflects his admiration for the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Onelio Marrero portrays his youngest daughter, a photographer, capturing the beauty of nature at the Morris County Arboretum in New Jersey. The paintin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A cherub statue and a sliced pear rest among vibrant purple flowers and lush leaves. The warm, earthy soil complements the greenery. Artist Sherri Aldawood pa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Flowers bloom vibrantly beneath the windows as the Mediterranean sun highlights the character of the quaint stone walls and shutters. The composition captures...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Sherri Aldawood paints dainty orchids nestled in multi-colored flower pots. "I saw these orchids at the Conservatory in San Diego's Balboa Park," shares Sherri. She captures the bright morning light illuminating the blossoms while contrasting against the darker background. The evident balance of light and shadow creates a harmonious display.
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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Step onto the marbled streets of Rovinj, Croatia, and hear the soothing sound of the rain. The painting captures a tranquil spring afternoon, with shoppers le...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Yangzi captures Chicago’s Loop at the intersection of Randolph and State Streets as day transitions into night. Soft twilight blends with the vibrant...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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"When you are a child, sometimes all you need is a puddle," says artist Onelio Marrero. He paints two young kids joyfully playing in a puddle after a day of being confined indoors due to the rain. He captures the fun and excitement of splashing around. The little girl frolics in full motion while her brother stares transfixed at his reflection.
About the Artist
Artist Onelio Marrero paints impressionist city scenes of everyday life. He captures the romanticism of New York City, from the picturesque fountains in Central Park to a glistening city street on a rainy afternoon. He creates a sense of nostalgia and intimacy with his work, offering the feeling that you have visited this particular scene before. “Each play of light, each texture, and each movement of a figure can have a captivating effect on me,†says Onelio. He studied at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art where he mastered discerning color and values, giving his work a more spontaneous appearance. Onelio’s work is an appreciation for beauty in all of its greatest forms; nature, art, and people.
Words that describe this painting: rain, street, puddle, splash, toddler...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
1990s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
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A man and his dog patiently wait for a catch. The sea reflects the cloud above, creating an endless, beautiful display of blues and whites. The impressionist ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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People revel in the beauty of a sun-soaked beach and refreshing water. A man runs along the sandy shore, while a woman in a yellow swimsuit wades into the spa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Tables filled with boisterous groups of people dining to enjoy the balmy weather, good food, and Spanish wine line the streets of Seville. Warm light spills o...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
