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.
Evening Approaches, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
As the autumn sun sets over Greer, Arizona, a slight chill settles across the landscape. The warm light bathes the stream winding through a grove of trees. The ...
Oil
Majestic Cafe of Porto, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Elegant patrons of Majestic Cafe in Porto, Portugal, await their lunch. A server brings a round of sparkling wine. They sit quietly, enjoying the moment as chan...
Oil
$4,354
India Oil on Board Modern 1967 Signed H Lall Impressionist Bombay Progressives
Located in Norfolk, GB
Harkrishan Lall (1921 - 2000) Untitled Oil on board, 1967 Board size: 51 x 40.5 cm Frame Size: 62.5 x 53.2 cm Signed bottom right and dated 67 In original frame Provenance: Priva...
Oil, Board
A Day of Discovery, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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 p...
Oil
Receding Tide, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Decisive brushwork and subtle color shifts bring magic to this winter New Jersey beach scene. Artist Onelio Marrero contrasts the expanse of climbing clouds wit...
Oil
Autumn Goodies
Located in Zofingen, AG
Autumn Goodies This still life was painted from life. Soft, diffused daylight fills the space, gently interacting with transparent glass, matte surfaces, and textured fabric. The r...
Canvas, Oil
Bistro on South Street, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Beachcombers, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A mother watches as her child searches for small treasures in the sand as the golden afternoon light shines across the shore. She savors this timeless scene of ...
Oil
Finds and Replicas, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Harbor Reflections, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The quiet glow of evening light drifts across a peaceful marina. Warm sunlit sails and softened colors shimmer in the still water, while a crescent moon rises g...
Oil
Eleven More at 11:11, Original Painting
By Sally Adams
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A crescent moon casts a gentle glow over a group of small birds perched on two parallel wires. The gold leaf on their wings catches the light, twinkling when ...
Acrylic
A Window to Italy, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Learning from Rembrandt, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Mystic Traveler, Original Painting
By Sally Adams
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Acrylic
The Path at Glendalough Monastery, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting portrays one of the paths at the Glendalough Monastery in Ireland. The concealed monastery hosts numerous ruins of chapels and burial sites, wit...
Oil
The Brighter Corner, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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 ...
Oil
$2,000
'Jossing Fjord' by Norman Harper, Framed Oil on Canvas, c. 20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 32" x 32.75" x 3" oil painting on canvas by Scottish artist Norman Harper depicts a serene mountain valley with a body of water at its center. Towering mountains frame a dramati...
Canvas, Oil
Olympic Jumper, American Impressionist Tapestry by LeRoy Neiman
By LeRoy Neiman
Located in Long Island City, NY
LeRoy Neiman, American (1921 - 2012) - Olympic Jumper, Year: 1989, Medium: Tapestry, signed and dated, Size: 84 x 60 in. (213.36 x 152.4 cm)
Tapestry
Soft Evening of the Desert, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Oil
Sea of Clouds, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Rain on the Farm, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Acrylic
Chauncey Foster Ryder Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting with Trees
Located in Milford, NH
A fine New England impressionist landscape with trees in tones of brown by American artist Chauncey Foster Ryder (1868-1949). Ryder grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, studied in Chic...
Canvas, Oil
$480Sale Price|20% Off
'European Street Scene', by an Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 25.5" x 29.5" oil on canvas painting is by an unknown artist; the signature in the bottom right corner reads as 'Pilou' which is a common European surname. The painting depicts ...
Canvas, Oil
Splash, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sky and the sea appear to merge through shifting shades of blue. Brown tones in the foreground suggest the sand beneath the shallow water. White strokes cap...
Oil
Sunny forest cardboard/oil, 90x70cm
Located in Riga, LV
Sunny forest cardboard/oil, 90x70cm
Oil, Cardboard
Victorian Landscape Watercolour of a Venice Street Market scene style of Turner
Located in ludlow, GB
Victorian Landscape Watercolour of a Venice Street Market scene very much in the style of Turner Anyone who is a fan of Hercules Brabazon Brabazon will love this painting! Venice ...
Watercolor
$3,810
Late Afternoon Light Oil Painting, original Impressionist Landscape, 90x120 cm
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet ...
Canvas, Oil
Louis Emiel Chappel (1888-1963) "Floral Still Life II" Original Painting c.1950
By Louis Emiel Chappel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis Emiel Chappel (1888-1963) floral still life II oil painting, circa 1950s Beautiful full basket bouquet of flowers on a pedestal by listed artist Louis Chappel. Original oil o...
Canvas, Oil
Monet's Garden II
Located in Atlanta, GA
Claude Monet's painting of his lily pond at Giverny is transformed into this beautiful dramatic jacquard tapestry woven in Belgium. Monet painted many scenes from his home at Givern...
Tapestry
Sunlit Cactus, Original Painting
By David Forks
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of cacti bask in the warm afternoon light near Del Rio, Texas. The radiant sun highlights their prickly exteriors and vibrant colors. Contrasting wi...
Acrylic
Softly Gathered, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Poppies fan out from a round vase, their white petals and yellow centers catching the shifting light. Painted with a palette knife, the composition builds a ric...
Oil
Sunset, Lake Rideau, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
For the past three years, I have spent many lovely summer days at my friend’s cabin on Lake Rideau in Ontario, Canada. Spending time in nature brought back my passion for landscape...
Oil
Orange Fireworks, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The warm light from a candle passes through orange slices and a whiskey glass in this still life painting. The glow casts long, flickering shadows across the su...
Oil
Poppies Aflutter, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar illustrates alluring red flowers in a background of white. She captures the delicacy and transparency of gorgeous poppies she noticed in a local public garden. She creates a somewhat stylized arrangement of blooming stems. "It is punctuated by the addition of the buds as they dangle before bursting forth the seed capsules that remain after the petals drop," says Catherine.
About the Artist
Impressionist Catherine McCargar expresses her deep admiration of nature through landscape paintings of Northern California...
Watercolor
Fishing, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Gray and orange tones spread across the sky and water, framing two fishermen at dawn. The sun, hidden behind clouds, cast a hint of light on the lake. The pair ...
Oil
The Broadway Theatre, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The scene takes place inside Manhattan's Broadway Theatre, where audiences are starting to fill the box seats. Artist Onelio Marrero deliberately contrasts the ...
Oil
Cedar Vista, Original Painting
By David Forks
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Cedar trees, bluebonnets, and cacti grace a hilltop near Willow City, Texas. A body of water peeks through the edge of the grass-covered ground. The painterly...
Acrylic
The Life of a Flower, Oil Painting
By Mary Pratt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lavender and yellow roses bloom from a shiny black vase. Loose brushwork and warm, muted tones create a sense of movement and quiet drama. In this still life pa...
Oil
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Florence, Italy - Inlaid Woodwork
Located in Soquel, CA
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Florence, Italy - Inlaid Woodwork Inlaid woodwork depicting the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, Italy. The top of the Cathedral is the ...
Wood, Wood Panel
Early Morning at the Irish National Stud Farm, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
While visiting the United Kingdom, artist Onelio Marrero explored the Irish National Stud Farm, known for breeding thoroughbred horses. The farm boasts breath...
Oil
By the Fireside, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A mother and child sit in front of a cozy fire, basking in the warmth it provides. The scene captures the miracle of childbirth and the intimate bond between th...
Oil
Pink Peonies, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Large pink peonies bloom, their bright yellow stamens adding a vibrant contrast. Deep green leaves curl around each blossom, enhancing their lush beauty. Painte...
Acrylic
Arm in Arm, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The artwork depicts a warm summer day in Montmartre, Paris. An older couple walks arm in arm across the street while people dining al fresco bask in the afterno...
Oil
What Is to Come, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A young girl sits on a red cushioned stool, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her slip white dress illustrates her innocence, while her expression hints ...
Oil
Salty Sea Breezes, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
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. Painted with oil on linen, Aruna Rao set out to capture the feeling of open space and the quiet sense of peace it brings.
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: beach, shoreline, sea, coast, summer, Marc Hanson...
Oil
Zinnias in a Blue Mug, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Acrylic
Gathering, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sky and clouds can be unpredictable, offering no certain forecast for the weather ahead. A gathering of dark clouds may hint at rain or a refreshing cooln...
Acrylic
Jazz Rehearsal, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A jazz rehearsal takes shape inside a weathered building. The musicians assemble beneath a lone overhead light spinning from a ceiling fan. They play with such ...
Acrylic
"Boats Moored at Secret Beach" 2023 impressionist plein air landscape in NY
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting of boats at rest as seen from Secret Beach in Sag Harbor. "Secret Beach" is the name Ben Fenske has given to his favorite painting spot in Sag Harbor, NY. A place he ...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Tapas Night in Seville III, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two friends discuss their current life events over wine and tapas on a weekend night in Seville, Spain. Warm, earthy tones dominate the scene and reflect the ...
Oil
Serendipity III, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
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....
Oil
Vermithor, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A laptop displays a scene from House of the Dragon, an HBO television series. A lone figure stands before a dragon named Vermithor. Warm lights glowing in the b...
Oil
Trees in the Park, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Autumn starts early in a suburban park. A ray of sunlight illuminates the landscape, casting a warm glow on the trees and grass. Painted with a palette knife an...
Acrylic
Peony II, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
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...
Oil
Michigan Avenue: Where Light Meets Rain, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Oil
Lake Giverny Monet Inspired Tapestry
Located in Atlanta, GA
Claude Monet's painting of his lily pond at Giverny is transformed into this beautiful dramatic jacquard tapestry woven in Belgium. Monet painted many scenes from his home at Giverny...
Tapestry
Modern Impressionist Oil of Ballet Dancers in Tutus by listed British Artist
Located in ludlow, GB
A Modern and traditional Impressionist Oil Painting of Ballet Dancers dressed in Tutus backstage before a performance. A Signed Oil on Canvas, mounted on stretchers and Framed in a ...
Oil
Collectibles, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this warm impressionist painting, artist Onelio Marrero captures his love of antiques and collectibles. He depicts the eclectic clutter of an antiques store ...
Oil
White Jockey, Oil Painting
By Judy Mackey
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold strokes capture a partially nude woman against a deep, muted background. Artist Judy Mackey uses minimal detail, intentionally leaving the face blank to ...
Oil
Williamsburg VA in Spring
Located in Milford, NH
A fine spring scene in historic Williamsburg, Virginia with the Governor’s Palace in the background by American artist Guy Carleton Wiggins (1883-1962). Wiggins was born in Brooklyn,...
Canvas, Oil