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
The radiant warmth of sunset settles over a quiet harbor. Boats rest gently on still water as brilliant golds, oranges, and soft greens ripple across the sky and sea. Distant lights shimmer along the shoreline, adding a touch of evening calm.
About the Artist
Artist Aruna Rao paints impressionistic seascapes that capture the shimmer of light, the movement of water, and the quiet poetry of coastal life. "I am endlessly inspired by how light transforms a scene, softening the atmosphere and turning an ordinary moment into something unforgettable," says Aruna. Growing up in a literary family in India, she was surrounded by stories and art, which sparked her love of narrative and visual expression. After a 20-year career in IT, she returned to painting, earning an MFA with top honors from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Living in Florida offers endless inspiration, from sunrise beaches and glowing horizons to quiet harbors and small human moments that evoke joy and nostalgia. Influenced by French Impressionists and contemporary coastal painters, Aruna creates luminous works that invite the viewer to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment. When she is not painting, she enjoys beach walks, discovering music, watching films with her husband, and spending time with their two cats.
Words that describe this painting: sunset, harbor, sailboat, Brent Cotton...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Aruna Rao captures the peaceful stillness of a sunlit dune path leading toward the open sea. Warm grasses glow in the gentle light, while a soft sky and ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures a father and son discussing artwork in a gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He loves visiting museums as much for the pat...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
People wander along the shoreline in an easy, unhurried rhythm. The wide stretch of sand, blue sky, and fresh salt air evoke the simple pleasure of a beach day....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The painting shows a docent in the interior of Fonthill Castle in Pennsylvania. The entire castle features exquisite handmade tiles embedded in the concrete con...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A stream winds between green fields, with a small patch of white in its blue water reflecting the clouds above. Trees in the distance add vertical contrast, whi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures a moment inside an antiques shop, where a man browses lamps, pictures, and replicas of Frederic Remington bronzes. The interior i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A powerful buffalo strides into view, its massive form radiating strength and dignity. In this oil painting, artist Karen Barton captures not only the animal’...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A woman sits outside a Philadelphia bistro, reading her book. The bright morning light shines through the establishment's windows, revealing a glimpse of its i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The moon casts a soft glow over the snowy landscape. A jackrabbit’s sudden flight disrupts the stillness of the winter night. Gentle strokes and muted tones...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero depicts the bustling energy of Midtown Manhattan traffic, looking south on a rainy afternoon. Dashing yet precise brushstrokes convey move...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A golden light sweeps across the lowlands as the sun sets. Warm hues of ochre, red, and green sparkle in the last light of day. A path meanders past the pond an...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1980s Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
Artist Comments
In a beautiful, sunlit garden, a young woman immerses herself in the world of literature. Surrounded by flowers, she enjoys the company of words. Bathed in a hazy glow, the scene exudes a timeless and romantic aura.
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
Artist Comments
Towering cumulus clouds drift overhead and provide shade to the beach below. The contrast between the monumental sky and the quiet human presence on the shore speaks to humans' small but significant place in the natural world. Painted with oil on canvas, this impressionist seascape evokes tranquility.
About the Artist
Artist Aruna Rao paints impressionistic seascapes that capture the shimmer of light, the movement of water, and the quiet poetry of coastal life. "I am endlessly inspired by how light transforms a scene, softening the atmosphere and turning an ordinary moment into something unforgettable," says Aruna. Growing up in a literary family in India, she was surrounded by stories and art, which sparked her love of narrative and visual expression. After a 20-year career in IT, she returned to painting, earning an MFA with top honors from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Living in Florida offers endless inspiration, from sunrise beaches and glowing horizons to quiet harbors and small human moments that evoke joy and nostalgia. Influenced by French Impressionists and contemporary coastal painters, Aruna creates luminous works that invite the viewer to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment. When she is not painting, she enjoys beach walks, discovering music, watching films with her husband, and spending time with their two cats.
Words that describe this painting: cloudscape, cloud, beach, coast, shore, summer, Marc Hanson...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A street in Chicago comes alive on a rainy afternoon. The wet pavement reflects the city lights, creating a shimmering effect as cars and pedestrians move thr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Evening descends on a desert canyon, lighting the formations, peaks, and desert plants with a golden glow. Cool blue, purple, and green shadows fall across the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero portrays his niece examining Jules Bastien-Lepage’s 1879 painting of Joan of Arc receiving her life-changing vision. Set within a room...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Maurice Dionne illustrates crowds of people walking along the street in an impressionistic representation. "Nimbus describes the luminous cloud or atmo...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley depicts a glade of autumnal aspens in a rustic woodland. Once a year, she takes her fall sojourn to the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains to s...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1910s Impressionist More Art
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Artist Comments
In her pared-down impressionist approach, artist Carey Parks illustrates three men walking on a sidewalk. Inspired by a photo refer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
This painting combines two of artist Onelio Marrero's interests: his love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and his fascination with observi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
People gather at small tables outside a café in Porto, Portugal, sharing stories over a late lunch beneath two patio umbrellas. Tall buildings rise behind them...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Yangzi captures a rainy evening on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. Streetlamps glow warmly against the cool reflections of the wet pavement. Figures with umbr...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A jewel-toned still life captures the warmth of seasonal celebrations. Ruby-colored candles glow amid fallen blossoms, while rich impressionistic brushstrokes e...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 1900s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
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
Artist Comments
Ivory flowers rise softly from a moody backdrop, while a burst of vibrant orange commands attention. This piece balances boldness and grace, proving that even i...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by the scenery of Monterey Bay in California, artist Lisa Elley captures a picturesque ocean view dotted with flowers in the foreground. California p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer captures the fleeting beauty of the sky in this coastal scene. Soft clouds drift above the horizon, golden sunset light receding in the distan...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Sherri Aldawood captures a peaceful moment from her trip to Marbella, Spain. Sunlight fills a narrow alleyway, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush pl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A woman stands in a sun-drenched field that stretches endlessly around her. Her vibrant red skirt contrasts beautifully with the golden grass, drawing the eye t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Autumn foliage surrounds a peaceful mountain landscape. Tall birch trees line the scene, their white trunks contras...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
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
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
Artist Comments
The interior of an eatery on the east side of Manhattan exudes an eclectic charm. Several Tiffany-style lamps hang overhead, casting a warm glow over the space....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
An assortment of flowers bursts from a vase in this predominantly cool composition of blues and greens. The swirling botanical pattern on the tablecloth echoe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Late 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Oil
1930s Impressionist More Art
Oil, Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight filters through the arches of a hidden courtyard in Seville, casting dappled shadows on the foliage and potted plants. The warm tones of the building...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A tropical summer unfolds along the banks of a quiet river. Palm trees dot the landscape, their fronds catching the bright sun. The lush foliage reflects on the...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Soft light glows across the shoreline in the calm of early evening. A person and their dog share a quiet moment in the surf, their bond gently framed by shimmer...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
An enchanting scene invites the viewer to walk along the Tiber River in Rome and marvel at the beautiful Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II. The impressionist style cap...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 1900s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A sparrow perches on a snow-dusted branch. The soft and misty background highlights the delicate brown and white of the bird's feathers. Artist Joanie Ford pa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Capturing the vast beauty of nature, this painting showcases endless fields gently rising and falling beneath an expansive sky. Lush, undulating meadows, golden...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A quiet street leads through the coastal town of Estepona, Spain, lined with houses resting in shadow. Further in, a sunlit building faces the viewer, its warm ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
1910s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
This cityscape captures traffic on a midtown Manhattan avenue at dawn. Rain softens the scene, creating misty reflections across the street and the surrounding ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Almond, cherry, and apple trees bloom across a French field in spring. Expressive strokes from a palette knife and brush bring the landscape to life with textur...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Reflections in the water capture the feel of morning light at a pond in Northern New Jersey. Water lilies in the shadowed foreground lead the eye to the edge of...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
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
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Linen, Oil
