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 beach in San Sebastian, Spain, is a chaotic paradise. People fill the sand and water, walking around to show off their stylish beachwear, and playing betwee...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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An intense chess match unfolds in a sun-drenched courtyard. The late afternoon sun casts intricate patterns across the players' fingers and clothing, as well as...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Fiery clouds streak across the sky, gently illuminating the dark landscape below. In the distance, hints of cobalt blue contrast sharply with the red-orange g...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A goldfinch balances on a sunflower head. Its brilliant yellow-green features contrast with the flowers' warm tones, while the gradient purple background comple...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A skull rests on a clear case. Muted gray and white background enhances the focus on the subject. Artist Sara Sisun drew inspiration from Dutch painter Vilhelm ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A vibrant, loosely rendered landscape captures a serene and expansive rural scene. In the foreground, bright green fields with varied shading create depth and t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Lisa Elley shows her signature palette knife trees textured with deep impasto strokes. The foliage exhibits subtle movement and richness in colors. Lis...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A still life features an arrangement of a rose, a knife, and a peach. Loose strokes and muted colors give textural variation to the composition. During the summ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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"One of my favorite neighborhoods is the East Village in New York City," says artist Carey Parks. She paints three women taking a l...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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This impressionist painting captures the vibrant and energetic spirit of summer. People rest under the shade of colorful umbrellas or swim in the refreshing wat...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Linen, Oil
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Artist Catherine McCargar painted this land and sky panorama from a mix of photos and memory. It captures a stunning summer evening in Northern California, when...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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Artist Onelio Marrero paints a majestic sunrise on Long Island with vibrant colors and rich brushwork. "I am always up early to witness the morning skies wher...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Colorful umbrellas, playful figures, and calm waters come together to evoke memories of carefree beach days. Vivid brushstrokes and bright colors create a sense...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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In mid-August, locals and tourists alike soak up the perfect weather in San Sebastian, Spain. They stroll or lounge along the beach, enjoying the warmth and sof...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Bluebonnet flowers grow on the side of the road on a hilltop plateau near Carta Valley, Texas. Their petals show a vibrant contrast to the lush greens of the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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The sun filters through a grove of trees, casting cool shadows on the ground. Brown, green, and pale green trunks provide varying visual points, creating quiet ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Gentle waves lap on a quiet beach. The palette knife strokes mimic the soothing motion of the waves, complemented by the softness of the clouds and the wispy ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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On a beautiful sunny morning, sunlight strikes the corner of a quiet stone house. A palm tree rises on the side, its fronds casting delicate shadows across the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A weathered yet sturdy barn stands quietly in a grassy landscape. Artist Judy Mudd captures the regenerative spirit of spring and the enduring rhythm of farm li...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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A raccoon stands against a soft blue background, its curious gaze full of life. Artist Karen Barton was inspired by the animal’s charm and cleverness. Using b...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Artist Carey Parks paints four people crossing paths in a city park. "This photo was captured on a busy Saturday morning in Union S...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A bowl of pears and oranges, along with two pottery pieces, rests on a wooden table. A landscape painting hangs on the wall, adding charm to the still life. The...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Warm morning light bathes the desert of Big Bend National Park, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The iconic Mule Ear Peaks rise prominently from the de...
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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Birch trees stand tall with thick texture, their trunks marked by expressive strokes. Flowers bloom densely in the foreground while a reflective pond winds in...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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This painting draws inspiration from the architecture of quintessential Italian villages. The sunlight accentuates the stone walls and shutters, while a pot o...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A crocus plant blooms in brown soil, its vibrant purple petals contrasting against the earth. Artist Jay Jensen shares that seeing these fragile flowers stirs h...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
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A mountain goat and its kid stand tall against the rugged peaks of Glacier Park, their thick fur ruffled by the wind. Sunlight catches on their coats. Behind th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Palm trees and desert vegetation frame a road stretching into the distance. At the horizon, purple mountains rise under a sky filled with multicolored clouds. A...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Parisian rooftops stand out with their distinctive charm, making the city's skyline instantly recognizable. The architecture, rich with patina, blends turquoise...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Rendered in bold strokes and a vivid, expressive palette, this acrylic painting captures the focused intensity of a horse mid-match. The cropped composition dra...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A solitary, weathered cabin stands on the shore, its peeling paint catching the light of a pastel sunset. Neglect whispers from its broken windows. The scene ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Viewed from Union Station, the rain creates a romantic and cozy atmosphere in downtown Denver. Cars park on both sides of the road while a cycle rickshaw crosse...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A grassy field dotted with trees stretches beneath a moody sky. The lake flows with quiet serenity, while a distant mountain stands still on the horizon. Arti...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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This scene captures a quiet moment inside an antiques shop. A man pauses mid-step, drawn to two framed water lily paintings. As any regular shopper knows, the t...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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An array of colors presents itself before the sun dips behind the mountains. Shadows drape the landscape in cold blues and violets while the water reflects th...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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This painting combines palette knife and brush techniques, using heavy impasto to create a richly textured surface. Vibrant pink, magenta, and green hues are ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Soft, loose brushstrokes depict a curved path winding through olive trees under a bright, clear sky. The scene takes inspiration from a dusty road artist Jane...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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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
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A pale, winding path curves gently through a grassy expanse. Subtle textures and layered brushwork suggest motion and a soft atmospheric depth. Hues of green, b...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The scene captures the powerful movement and elegance of a polo player mid-game. Rich, textured brushstrokes convey the energy and immediacy of the moment. Bold...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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Fresh, crisp air overtakes the remnants of fall in this impressionistic painting. The soft, filtered light of sundown paints the riverbanks in golden hues. Caug...
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
Artist Comments
A tranquil seascape captures the golden glow of sunset as it reflects across tidal pools and wet sand. Soft waves ripple toward the horizon, while distant islet...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Tall trees with lush green foliage create an archway over a narrow waterway. A small boat with a blue hull docks along the water, adding a focal point to the ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer depicts a busy market day in Aix-en-Provence. Towering sycamore trees cast cool shadows, while warm, dappled light illuminates the scene...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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A vibrant hummingbird perches on a branch, its jewel-toned feathers catching the light. The soft, textured strokes create an energetic display of colors. The ...
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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Lily pads and lotus flowers float weightlessly on a pond. The vivid blues evoke a refreshing coolness, accentuating the vibrant colors of the aquatic plants. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero presents an impressionist piece exploring ponds, koi, and goldfish—part of his ongoing series focusing on freshwater fauna. "Koi and Goldfish are considered lucky because, despite their bright colors attracting predators, they have useful survival instincts," shares Onelio. These fish take advantage of reflections of the sky and trees on the water's surface to hide from predators. Onelio capitalizes on the effects of the clear sky and silhouetted trees reflected on the pond to partially mask the exotic fish.
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: koi, goldfish, water, pond, lake, swim, reflection, liquid, rocks, pebbles, animal, oilpaint, impressionism, impressionism, animals, oil painting, green
Hidden Gems...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Two trees stand under the sun and cast cool shadows onto the grass. The trunks and foliage catch the light, making the scene glow and feel alive. Painted with a...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
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A robin lifts its wings, absorbed in the quiet, timeless work of building a home. The soft, dreamlike background, touched with hints of green, suggests the firs...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 20th Century Impressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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Spring blooms brightly on the Edwards Plateau, northwest of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. A meadow bursts with yellow, red, and orange flowers, while o...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Karen d'Angeac Mihm traveled to Corfu with her family and fell in love with the landscape and the island's beautiful blue water. This particular painti...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
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Vibrant activity fills the scene as people enjoy a sunny day at an outdoor café on Pearl Street. On the left, a couple is engrossed in conversation and savor...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Bluebonnets bloom beneath the shade of a sturdy, timeworn tree, their petals contrasting with the greens and browns of the landscape. Wide branches cast dappl...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A charming vintage home nestles among rows of grapevines, surrounded by the golden and green hues of harvest season. Artist Catherine McCargar painted the scene...
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art
Watercolor
