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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Under the glow of a lamp, a venerable professor attentively reads and evaluates student submissions. The composition is one of artist Onelio Marrero's many port...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil, Panel
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A sweeping lake view shimmers beneath a bright blue sky, where radiant orange clouds glow in the early morning sun. Artist Drew Noel Marin, a native of Michigan...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Artist Carey Parks illustrates a crowd of pedestrians crossing the street. She captures the image on a bright and sunny but cold Saturday in New York City. "T...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A fountain flows in the center of an elegant garden in artist Sherri Aldawood's impressionist piece. "My dream came true when I visited the home and garden of one of my favorite artists of the past, Joaquin Sorolla, in Madrid," shares Sherri. Channeling her knowledge from studying Sorolla's masterful paintings, Sherri portrays the morning light and colors with soft illumination. The sunlit foliage gleams majestically in the background, sharpening the dimension and bringing the viewer's eye toward the rear of the scene.
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
Early 2000s Impressionist More Art
Tapestry
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Artist Onelio Marrero often strolls along the beaches in New Jersey, enjoying the sight of people walking along the shoreline. In this painting, he depicts a wi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Joanie Ford created this pastel artwork using high quality pure pigment pastels. A sailboat glides across calm water, its silhouette reflected in the shi...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Pastel
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A sweeping mountain range stretches across the horizon, depicting the rugged beauty of Wyoming and the American West. In the foreground, a high desert field p...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A sunlit meadow bursts with vibrant orange and yellow wildflowers, filling the foreground with warmth. A towering leafy oak surrounded by lush trees stands prou...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Fernando Garcia presents a sweeping landscape of vibrant yellow fields with farmhouses dotting the distance. He uses the rain on the plains as the main...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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Artist Benjamin Thomas depicts a luminous sky with tonal hues of grey with soft purple accents. Finally, he paints his favorite color in a sky painting. "My d...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Set during an evening on Wacker Drive, the artwork offers an atmospheric view of Chicago, featuring the iconic Tribune Tower and surrounding buildings. The st...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Early evening colors reflect on a peaceful lake, painting its surface with soft purple hues. Aquatic plants pick up different tones as they recede into the sh...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Three sisters sit closely together on a couch, their fashion evoking the feeling of vintage Hollywood style. A black furry dog sits on the floor and enjoys th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
I was on a rooftop parking garage looking for the last space to park, in a hurry for a meeting with friends, when I saw this sky. Yes, I was late getting together with my friends, and my wife was patient while I recorded all the colors and shapes. After I painted this she was happy with the painting, and so was I, for it worked out as a balanced canvas of real and abstract. My friends were ok too after I bought a round. Enjoy!
About the Artist
Benjamin Thomas has been painting since the late seventies, however for most of this time he was not exhibiting his work. About twelve years ago, Benjamin and his wife were at a gallery show for a friend and as they were leaving Ben’s wife, aka “The Muse,” told him to go back in. “Your work is as good as that--maybe even better,” she said. That night, Benjamin obeyed The Muse (lucky for us!). The impressionistic sweeps of sky and cloud in Benjamin’s paintings capture more than just an atmospheric quality, but also a heavenly interpretation of the landscape. There is a classical, mature style to the paintings, reminiscent of J.M.W. Turner. Benjamin is often inspired while bicycling, walking or motorcycling, taking in the scenery of Pittsburgh, PA. He takes photos of the scene and then works out the concept back in his studio. The large scale of the work matches the impression and mood that each scene conveys, and the light and shadow are carefully balanced to capture something mercurial and nostalgic. The work feels very measured and contemplated, but also full of passion, as if each piece is in pursuit of the joy of painting and the representation of natural beauty.
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A charming bungalow in Cape May, New Jersey, nestles among lush greenery. Its warm yellow and green tones blend harmoniously with the surrounding foliage. Pai...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A majestic pronghorn antelope buck sits at the heart of a darkening prairie. The rich, warm tones and subtle background details emphasize the animal’s disti...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Soft evening colors highlight the beauty of the American desert. A gentle and warm palette creates an airy feeling that suggests an open space. The quiet energy...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Tangerines rest on a cobalt blue table, their warm, vibrant tones contrasting against the cool background. Bold brushstrokes add energy, making the fruit appear...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Colorful flowers spill from a pitcher, with lush green foliage serving as the backdrop. The quick, energetic brushstrokes capture the rapidly changing light. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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On a recent painting trip to Europe, artist Faye Vander Veer visited the Rodin Museum in Paris, where a sense of calm contrasted with the city's bustling ener...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A eucalyptus tree stands sentinel along the edge of the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, a beloved landmark on California’s central coast. Rendered in oil on a cradled wood panel, the composition invites viewers into a sunlit landscape where clouds drift above the calm Pacific Ocean. The brushwork conveys both the tranquility and vitality of this coastal haven, evoking the gentle warmth of a clear day and the timeless beauty of nature.
About the Artist
Artist Elizabeth Garat paints impressionist landscapes, seascapes, and scenes from her travels that reflect her deep connection to the natural world. “Exposure to nature early on planted the seed of landscape painting in me,†says Elizabeth. Raised between California and Colorado, she spent her formative years outdoors—exploring her grandfather’s sheep ranch, walking beaches with her grandmother, and discovering California Impressionism in the galleries of Laguna Beach. She later studied with noted photographer MacDuff Everton at UC Santa Barbara and trained in plein air painting with Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson in Italy. Elizabeth works from a bright studio converted from her home’s detached garage, complete with barn wood walls, a skylight, and a Dutch door...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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In the style of impressionism, artist Judy Mudd presents a harmonious pastoral landscape. She paints an Amish farm in Pennsylvania nestled in lush foliage. "I...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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A peaceful rural scene unfolds in Pennsylvania Amish country. Artist Judy Mudd captures the calm and tradition of the Amish lifestyle, evident from the clothe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Onelio Marrero presents an impressionist scene of ducks wading by a river. "I went to a nearby lake to observe ducks in order to paint this scene of Pe...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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While walking through the gardens of the Royal Alcázar in Seville, Spain, artist Sherri Aldawood encountered a woman sitting on the edge of a fountain. She cap...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Boats rest gently in the harbor of a quaint fishing village in Nova Scotia. Cozy homes and shacks dot the coastline, their windows glowing warmly in the fadin...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Sunlight bathes the facades and rooftops of Florence in warm, golden hues, creating a striking contrast against the cool purples and blues of the distant hills....
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Wood, Wood Panel
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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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An abundance of sunflowers blooms across a sprawling field. Their golden petals glow beneath the summer sun. Towering mountains rise in the distance, as the mis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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As night approaches, the colors of the sky reflect on the pond, with the silhouette of trees filtering the fiery sunset. Water lilies pick up different hues a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A path slopes upward toward the mountains in the French countryside. Spontaneous and bold strokes suggest movement among the foliage as if rustling with the win...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A cluster of farm structures nestles within a vast green field. Scattered figures add subtle life and context without disrupting the calm atmosphere, enhancing ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
1950s Impressionist More Art
Lithograph
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil, Panel
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Artist Onelio Marrero presents a fellow artist working outdoors. Bold shades of green permeate the lush spring foliage surrounding him. "I was out in a park w...
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
Artist Comments
Two kids play at a beach in California. The boy pours sand into a green bucket while the girl sits beside him, both deeply engrossed in their play. The bright...
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
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Artist Onelio Marrero and his wife enjoy having a home near the New Jersey shore, where they can spend time with family on the beach. Onelio especially loves wa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
From this perch on one of Sedona's trails, one can view neighboring cliffs and the lush green valleys in between. The surrounding landscape showcases the vibr...
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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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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"It suggests a beautiful fall day in the mountains with the colorful changing leaves on display," shares artist Lisa Elley. Lisa's signature impasto trees com...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Pedestrians stroll through the streets of downtown Chicago, passing the iconic lion statues at the Art Institute of Chicago. Autumn hues fill the scene as tal...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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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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The sun shines brightly over a farmland, drawing the eye to two hay bales resting on a golden field. In creating this piece, artist JoAnn Golenia reflects on th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A young man sits under the shade of trees, sketching intently en plein air. The composition features artist Onelio Marerro's former student engaged with natur...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Golden light filters through the forest canopy, casting dappled shadows along a winding path. Leaves transform into shades of orange, celebrating nature’s f...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Cafe patrons sit under the shade of umbrellas, avoiding the direct sun while they sip their cortados. The impressionistic strokes capture the warm, inviting a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman presents a view of an old swinging bridge over a quiet river. The image plays with the viewer's imagination and challenges them with their personal insight. "The wonder of what is on the other side of the tree and what may be in the distance," says Shela. She skillfully balances the relationship between light and shadow to depict the depth and dimensions of the scene.
About the Artist
Words that describe this painting: bridge, landscape, river, tree, fog, mist, riverbank, water, impressionism, oilpaint, perspective, impressionism, nature, oil painting, brown
Bridge Over the River...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The evening sun bathes the historic village of Obidos, Portugal, in warm golden light, casting soft shadows on whitewashed buildings. A winding cobblestone stre...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Three young dancers style their hair, racing against time before a show. The vibrant brushwork and colors portray the lively and intense energy of dance prepa...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A weathered log farmhouse stands near the start of the Blue Ridge Trail, which stretches from southern Pennsylvania to Georgia. Autumn foliage surrounds the str...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints three little girls splashing in the surf. His execution gives evidence of the influence of Sorolla's paintings of similar subject...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
