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.
Colorado River, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original dead horse point contemporary impressionism oil on canvas :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of a...
Oil
Ocean. Beach. Original Acrylic painting by Iryna Kastsova
Located in Zofingen, AG
Ocean. Beach. Summer seascape: blue water, ocean, small waves, sun glare on the water, clear sky, sand, beach, create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Realistic blue and whit...
Acrylic
Sunset magic 5 Colorful Sea Water Impressionist Painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sunset Magic 5. Warm water, serenity of waves, shine of the ocean, and evening sun glare gliding on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of rea...
Acrylic
New Mexico Chapel, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Old New Mexico Chapel paint at location in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificat...
Oil
Inspiration by light 6.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Inspiration by light 6. The deep, mysterious ocean beckons to reveal its secrets. Warm water, small waves, tranquil views, the sparkle of the ocean, and sun glare on the water create...
Acrylic
San Francisco de Asis, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in Taos , New Mexico :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Re...
Oil
Lake, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in New Mexico :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to ...
Oil
Warm Day. Ocean - Serene Seascape Painting for Interior Decor
Located in Zofingen, AG
Warm day. Ocean - Serene Seascape Painting for Interior Decor Description: Transform your space with the peaceful beauty of “Warm Day. Ocean”, a stunning hand-painted landscape that...
Acrylic
Palm Trees 33 – Large Vibrant Acrylic Painting (130x70 cm)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Palm Trees 33– Large Vibrant Acrylic Painting (130x70 cm) Description: Infuse your space with the warmth, energy, and tropical vibes of “Sunset Palms,” a stunning hand-painted acryl...
Acrylic
5 pm, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
late evening in the city original oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: ...
Oil
Edge of River, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original landscape oil on panel painting in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by t...
Oil
Winter Wonderland, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Winter landscape original en plein air oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authent...
Oil
Miami. USA - Abstract Coastal Landscape in Impressionist Style (60x100 cm)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Step into a radiant coastal escape with “Miami, USA.” This vibrant acrylic painting captures the light, warmth, and playful energy of a beachside moment. ...
Acrylic
Hills in Green, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by t...
Oil
Water for Horse, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil on panel paint in Contemporary Impressionism Style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Horse Sketch #1, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original contemporary impressionism oil on panel horse painting :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Colorado Autumn, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint near Durango, Colorado :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Seascape, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The ship floats along the horizon, daylight is reflected from the rolling waves. A stiff palette of knives and a rich blue and white palette emphasize the energy of the ocean. Part o...
Oil
Water from Mountain, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil on panel paint near Hoosier Pass :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No...
Oil
Ocean wind, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Ocean. Waves, wind. Author's, textured, original painting. Impressionism: A palette of knives and a rich blue, white palette highlight the energy of the ocean. Part of a permanent se...
Oil
Weekend at sea., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting was painted with a brush and a palette knife. The reflection emphasizes the reflections of sailing ships about water. Impressionist scene with a day regatta and seagulls...
Oil
Mountain Stream, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in Idaho :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang...
Oil
Golden sparks of the ocean., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Golden sparks of the ocean. Warm water, waves, serene views, ocean shine, glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation, romance. Made in the style of realism. Part of a perm...
Acrylic
Insider, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in Taos New Mexico :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Read...
Oil
Autumn Color, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Original plein air oil on panel For Holiday season this painting is priced $1000.00 from original value $1450.00 with free shipping. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece co...
Oil
Overnight Snow, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed:...
Oil
Winter Silence, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original winter en plein air oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: S...
Oil
Music of the waves, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Bright daylight reflects off the rolling waves, creating an almost abstract composition. The expressive work of the palette knife and the rich palette of white, light green and ultra...
Oil
Long waiting rain, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original plein air sky and landscape oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang:...
Oil
Forest Stream, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by t...
Oil
One Winter Day, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air winter farm landscape paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity si...
Oil
Farm Building, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in Steamboat, Colorado :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Desert Farm, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Regatta 19., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Regatta 19. Sailboats sail under the midday sun, golden light is reflected from the canvas of the sail and passing clouds, the ocean, a serene view, cre...
Oil
Ocean, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The sky with clouds over the ocean, the light is reflected from the rolling waves. A rich palette of blue, green, white emphasizes the energy of the sea. Impressionism. When travelin...
Acrylic
Glowing in Gold, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Autumn plein air oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
Frozen Stream, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original winter en plein air landscape paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed ...
Oil
Cold Day, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original winter landscape oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed ...
Oil
Sailboat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The sailboat runs under the midday sun, the crew processes the sails. Golden light is reflected from the canvas of a sail and passing clouds. The work of the knife with a palette kni...
Oil
Frozen Color, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original plein air winter landscape :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed...
Oil
Yellowstone River SD, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original plein air oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes...
Oil
20th St, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Original cityscape oil on panel painting 20th St , Denver :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready...
Oil
Deer, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Two Deer in Utah mountain Original oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an o...
Oil
New Snow, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel winter landscape paint in Lair O' the Bear :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by ...
Oil
Forest Pond Abstract, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original oil on panel for holiday season painting is priced $ 325.00 from original value $ 650.00 :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of a...
Oil
Field Flowers, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original plein air oil on MDF panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed:...
Oil
Outside Dining, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Denver Cityscape original oil painting on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: N...
Oil
Gold Mill, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Original fine art oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of...
Oil
February Snow, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original en plein air oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by t...
Oil
Ballet V, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
10 September 2019, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
original botanical oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Ye...
Oil
Big Dry Creek East, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Spring melt snow by Big Dry Creek Original oil on canvas :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signe...
Oil
The ocean breathes with free wind, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The ocean breathes with free wind, and beyond it are amazing countries. Like an eternity, the ocean is huge, and a wave full of calm. A rigid palette of knives and a rich palette of ...
Oil
Trail, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original winter landscape en plein oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: N...
Oil
Dining Out, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
original oil on panel paint in contemporary impressionism style :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Oil
Sunset Magic 6, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In creating this piece, I endeavored to capture the mesmerizing interplay of light on water at sunset, blending minimalism with touches of realism and impressionism. Each stroke of m...
Acrylic
Road Work, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting is about road workers original oil on panel :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to H...
Oil
Willow.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Willow. The beauty of nature, the willow tree, inspired this work of art. It is an acrylic painting on canvas, using expressionism and abstract styles. Thin and dense, colorful splas...
Acrylic
Summer. California Acrylic Landscape Painting with Palms
Located in Zofingen, AG
Summer. California. Seascape: blue ocean, waves, sunny beach, palm trees, flowers, sunny day, romance, impressionism, realism, water, painting, sea voyage, sky, sunny California coas...
Acrylic
Ocean 100.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Ocean 100. Seascape: calm ocean, water, reflections of light on the water, small waves, clear sky create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism and imp...
Acrylic