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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Daisies, lupines, and poppies bloom near the ocean as waves crash along the rugged California coastline. Bold palette knife strokes add movement, depth, and tex...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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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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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A cardinal perches on a thin wire, its bright red plumage standing out against the gray sky. The bird seems like a visitor from another realm, briefly passing...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Canvas
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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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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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An evening in Rome unfolds with warm lights illuminating a narrow passage near Piazza Navona. The lively atmosphere of bustling cafes and shops contrasts with...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Yellow lilies and pink carnations fill a glass vase resting at the edge of a wooden table. Textured brushstrokes bring the floral arrangement to life, while pastel colors add warmth. The composition exudes a sense of joy and freshness.
About the Artist
Artist Samuel Pretorius' paintings evoke a quiet nostalgia. Each brushstroke suggests a shape, a landscape, or a subject—letting the memory of the viewer fill in the details. He invariably works with photographs, creating representations of actual locations he documents, and enjoys making bold brush movements that capture the essence of his subject in the fewest marks possible. "My paintings are best described as 'suggestionistic.' I aim to create fleeting images that you long to see again, a place that you will never forget, or one you yearn to visit," says Samuel. Originally from South Africa, he comes from a family of artists who encouraged him early to paint and draw. In primary school, his work was included in a national exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. While growing up, his art education came from exhibiting at local art galleries, participating in open markets and plein air painting events, and joining monthly exhibitions. Recently becoming a US citizen, Samuel decided to dedicate a portion of his study to his home studio to fulfill his passion for painting. This well-lit area, often supervised by his Siamese cat, allows him to paint any time of the day. Outside the creative industry, Samuel enjoys exploring the world's beauty and creating code as a software developer.
Words that describe this painting: flower, floral, vase, bouquet, lily, carnation, pastel, bouquet, painterly, impressionism, still life, flora, acrylic painting, pink
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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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
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Set against the sleek lines of a modern cafe, this piece captures the quiet humanity behind the counter. The barista—mid-sip or lost in thought—becomes a fi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A Maneki-Neko, the iconic Japanese welcoming cat, nestles among lush succulents, exuding whimsical charm. Artist Tara Zalewsky-Nease br...
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Oil
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Rovinj, Croatia, is an enchanting village with a charming downtown. In this scene, a winding cobblestone street leads to a church, its steeple rising graceful...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Bold strokes capture a partially nude woman against a deep, muted background. Artist Judy Mackey uses minimal detail, intentionally leaving the face blank to ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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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Cobblestone streets climb toward an old elementary school in historic Church Hill, Richmond, Virginia. The bright sky contrasts with the warm brick architecture...
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Acrylic
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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...
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Oil
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Artist Valerie Berkely presents a dreamy summer seascape. The warm color palette and gentle movements stir sun-soaked memories and carefree beach vacations. W...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Fresh strawberries with a glass of sweet orange juice make a quaint breakfast scene. Textured strokes and raw application of paint exude freshness and spontan...
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Acrylic
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"The Crescent Hotel, built in 1938, is one of the famous Art Deco buildings in Miami's South Beach," shares artist John Jaster. He pictures the historical arc...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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Artist Judy Mackey paints an impressionist still life of a bright red daisy in a vase. "I happened on a Gerber Daisy that had a bro...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Subtle blue and green striations depict swaying reeds in a tranquil refuge pond. The brushstrokes create a mosaic-like image and a sense of gentle movement. Lay...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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The artwork captures the essence of a quaint Parisian café. Artist James Nyika's use of color and light brings the scene to life, creating a sense of warmth ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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Inspired by the aerial view of pedestrians from a hotel balcony in Paris, this impressionistic painting depicts a stylishly attired woman strolling with her c...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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The simple arrangement of mackerels and lemons creates a strong diagonal composition. Complementary colors enhance the palette. Selective and soft brushstrokes ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
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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 trail winds through trees, drawing the eye toward distant water. Verdant lands emerge in the distance while pale violet hills glow under a peach-hued sky. Art...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A path winds through a landscape bursting with autumn colors. Vibrant orange leaves create a fiery canopy overhead while dappled sunlight dances across the dirt...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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A rustic white barn stands in quiet solitude, its weathered walls telling a story of the past. A dirt path winds toward a misty, atmospheric backdrop. The sof...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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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
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A romantic scene unfolds outside the Le News Café in Paris. A waiter serves a couple against the backdrop of the bustling city. Artist James Nyika's skillful...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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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
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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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
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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
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The low winter sun shines through an aspen grove. Snow blankets the ground, turning the world into a quiet expanse of blue and white. Each step crunches beneath...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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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
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Golden light bathes a serene woodland scene. Soft, muted hues blend seamlessly, while subtle textures hint at the depth within the trees. The tonal palette and ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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After seeing photographs and numerous depictions of the famous Motif No. 1, artist Faye Vander Veer went to Rockport, Massachusetts to experience its vibrant ...
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Oil
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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
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Painted from life, a pink hyacinth emerges from a clay pot. Over several days, its blossoms gradually unfurl, revealing fresh petals. The leaves transition from...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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The painting offers a glimpse of the houses surrounding a river in Estella, Spain, a charming town along the Camino de Santiago. The sun casts a warm glow ont...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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
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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
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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
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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
