29 Impressionist Paintings That Leave an Erm Well Impression ...

By Neecey6 Comments

My favorite art movement is Impressionism and I can happily spend hours in museums and galleries looking at impressionist paintings. It's an art movement that is hugely popular today, far more popular than it was contemporaneously. At the time it completely rewrote the rules of painting - creating "impressions" through light and shade and color, rather than defined lines and shapes. There are modern impressionists but I've compiled a small selection of impressionist paintings from the classic era of the 1860s to the early 1900s for you to enjoy.

1 Water Lilies - Monet

Water Lilies - Monet Via Claude Monet - Water Lilies, ...

It's hard to say the Water Lilies is my favorite impressionist painting because it is in fact a collection of eight huge paintings that stand floor to ceiling. They hang in a dedicated room in the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. When you see pictures of it online and in books etc, you're only seeing small sections.

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One of the most iconic and beloved collections of impressionist paintings is Claude Monet's Water Lilies. This series of eight large-scale paintings can be found in the dedicated Water Lilies room at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. Each painting depicts a different view of Monet's water garden, capturing the peaceful and dreamy atmosphere of the lily pond. These paintings were created over a period of 20 years and are considered to be some of Monet's most famous works. The Water Lilies have been a major source of inspiration for other artists and continue to captivate viewers with their vibrant colors and serene beauty.

Frequently asked questions

2 Woman at the Garden - Renoir

Woman at the Garden - Renoir Via Favourite paintings

Along with Monet, Sisley and Bazille, Renoir was one of the founders of the Impressionist movement. He generally liked to include at least one person in his paintings.

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Renoir's "Woman at the Garden" is a prime example of his signature style, showcasing his use of vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes to capture the essence of the moment. This particular painting depicts a woman leisurely strolling through a lush garden, surrounded by blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. Renoir's inclusion of a person in his paintings was a departure from traditional art at the time, as he sought to capture the beauty and spontaneity of everyday life. This painting, along with many others by Renoir, helped to establish the Impressionist movement and its focus on capturing the fleeting moments of life through art.

3 Lilacs in a Glass - Manet

Lilacs in a Glass - Manet Via Manet- Lilacs in a Glass

With just small brush strokes and masterly use of color, a bouquet is created.

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Edouard Manet, often a forefather to the Impressionists, captures the fleeting nature of reality in his work "Lilacs in a Glass". The painting's vibrant lilacs seem to dance against a muted backdrop, exuding an aroma of freshness and spontaneity so treasured by the Impressionist movement. Manet's genius lies in his ability to imbue such simple subject matter with remarkable depth, transforming the ordinary into the sublime. It's no wonder that this exquisite piece continues to enchant art lovers, effortlessly bridging the gap between traditional themes and modern techniques.

4 The Bathing Beauty - Cucuel

The Bathing Beauty - Cucuel Via American Impressionist Painter - Edward ...

Cucuel was an American impressionist who lived and worked in Germany.

5 Dance in the City - Renoir

Dance in the City - Renoir Via Art_Impressionism

The fluid movement of the dance captured beautifully.

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Renoir's Dance in the City is a celebration of Parisian life, depicting a sophisticated couple engaged in a dreamlike waltz. The woman's white dress swirls around her as she's tenderly led by her suave partner, symbolizing the era's romance and elegance. With its soft, dappled light and bursts of vibrant color, this piece is a quintessential example of the Impressionist fascination with capturing the fleeting moments of joy and intimacy. Renoir's masterful depiction of texture and fabric adds a tangible warmth to the scene that invites viewers to hear the music and feel the rhythm of the dance.

6 Dancers in Blue - Degas

Dancers in Blue - Degas Via Edgar Degas ~ Impressionist painter ...

Degas' favorite subject was ballerinas. He painted and sculpted them.

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Degas' painting Dancers in Blue is a perfect example of his work as an impressionist painter. The painting portrays a group of ballet dancers in a rehearsal room with the focus on the central figure. The painting captures the gracefulness of the dancers and the atmosphere of the rehearsal room. The painting is an example of the use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and movement. Degas often used pastel colors to create his works and this painting is no exception. Dancers in Blue is a beautiful example of Degas' work as an impressionist painter and is sure to leave an impression on anyone who views it.

7 The Umbrellas - Renoir

The Umbrellas - Renoir Via Umbrellas - Pierre-Auguste Renoir - ...

I saw this at an exhibition which had x-rays that showed the various large scale alterations Renoir made before settling on his final arrangement of people. His original attempt was quite different.

8 Canal in Venice - Martin

Canal in Venice - Martin Via Canal in Venice - Henri ...

I'm not very familiar with his work but I'm going to find out more!

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Henri Martin's Canal in Venice is a captivating visual melody, blending vibrant hues with a serene harmony that is quintessentially Impressionistic. Though less known than Monet or Renoir, Martin's brush strokes evoke a dreamlike quality that truly embodies the essence of the movement—capturing the fleeting moments of light and reflection with a gentle, almost ethereal touch. It's easy to lose oneself in the tranquil waters and soft pastel buildings that seem to float along the canvas, beckoning viewers into the tranquil world of a Venetian dreamscape.

9 The Stroll – Monet

The Stroll – Monet Via The shadows in the Impressionism

What a magnificent impression created with so few colors.

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Monet's mastery of light and shade truly dances across the canvas, the dappling effect almost makes you feel the gentle breeze. "The Stroll," also known as "Woman with a Parasol," superbly depicts Monet's own wife and son amidst the fluid landscape. The delicate brushwork and the harmonious pastel palette evoke a fleeting, tranquil moment that is so characteristic of Monet's work. It's like peering through a window to a serene, sun-drenched past afternoon.

10 Catching Neptune - Manet

Catching Neptune - Manet Via Manet - Catching Neptune - ...

I'm such a water baby and this appeals to me so much.

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The serene blues and fluid strokes truly capture the essence of the sea, making it almost palpable. It feels like you could dive right into the canvas and swim alongside the mythical Neptune himself. The impressionistic style allows for a sense of movement within the waters, almost as if the waves are lapping at the edge of the painting. Manet's genius lies in his ability to evoke emotion through simplicity and color, and this piece is a testament to his mastery. It's a siren's call to all who find solace in the ocean's depths.

11 The Boulevard Montmartre on a Winter Morning - Pissarro

The Boulevard Montmartre on a Winter Morning - Pissarro Via Camille Pissarro | The Boulevard ...

Pissarro is considered the "Dean of Impressionist Painting" for the way he held the group together.

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Pissarro's mastery of the Impressionist style is vividly showcased in this enchanting depiction of the bustling Parisian street. The painting breathes life into the cool winter air and captures the dynamic movement of the city with delicate brushstrokes. His innovative use of color and light reflects the vibrancy of urban life, despite the chill of winter. This piece is a testament to Pissarro's influence and a visual delight that encapsulates the essence of Impressionism with its spontaneous yet thoughtful representation of the moment.

12 Girl with a Sailboat - Tarbell

Girl with a Sailboat - Tarbell Via It's About Time: Beach

Tarbell was one of the infamous Ten American Painters

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Edmund C. Tarbell, hailed for his impressionist style, beautifully captures the essence of coastal leisure in "Girl with a Sailboat." As a prominent member of the Ten American Painters, also known as The Ten, he broke away from the traditional academic standards of the time, embracing a more vivid and spontaneous approach to painting. Tarbell's work often features serene moments, dappled sunlight, and soft, harmonious colors that sing with the subtleties of everyday life. His paintings invite viewers to pause and appreciate the tranquil scenes of domesticity and recreation that were a hallmark of his artistic vision.

13 The Swing -Renoir

The Swing -Renoir Via Pierre-Auguste Renoir: The Swing (La ...

The way Renoir has captured shadows and light is amazing.

14 Morning News - Turner

Morning News - Turner Via Helen M. Turner (1858-1958) American ...

American Helen M. Turner's paintings had four themes: interiors, women in nature, portraits of women, and landscapes.

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Turner's brushstrokes capture the delicate play of light and shadow, transporting viewers to a serene world where the gentle nuances of everyday life are celebrated. Her vision of femininity and domestic tranquillity resonates with a warmth that feels both timeless and intimate. Each canvas, a testament to the unsung moments that make up the rich tapestry of women's experiences, offers a quiet reflection on the beauty found in the ordinary. Her adept use of color and composition creates not just a visual feast but an emotional connection that lingers long after one has walked away.

15 On the Balcony - Morisot

On the Balcony - Morisot Via a man with a past

Frenchwoman Morisot was described as one of "les trois grandes dames" of Impressionism alongside Marie Bracquemond and Mary Cassatt.

16 View of the Old Port, Saint-Tropez - Bonnard

View of the Old Port, Saint-Tropez - Bonnard Via urgetocreate

So evocative of a Mediterranean scene.

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Pierre Bonnard captures the quintessential tranquility of the Mediterranean with a masterful blend of color and light. His portrayal of the Old Port invites viewers to bask in the lazy afternoon sun, as it dances on the water encompassing Saint-Tropez. With a flair for atmospheric effect, Bonnard's work is not merely a visual treat; it's a sensory journey to the French Riviera — effortlessly seductive and steeped in a warm, golden nostalgia. Each brushstroke seems to echo the gentle lapping of the waves and the serene hum of coastal life, brilliant yet soothing to the soul.

17 The Garden at Giverny - Monet

The Garden at Giverny - Monet Via Claude Monet: Oil on canvas ...

If you're ever in France visit Monet's garden at Giverny.

18 Pont Neuf -Pissarro

Pont Neuf -Pissarro Via All sizes | Camille Pissarro ...

The Impressionists brought very familiar sights to life in a
new way.

19 The Yellow Parasol - Cucuel

The Yellow Parasol - Cucuel Via flickr.com

I just adore Cucuel's women.

20 Rouen Cathedral- Monet

Rouen Cathedral- Monet Via Rouen Cathedral, Morning Sun, Blue ...

Monet painted the facade of Rouen Cathedral more than 30 times. Each time it was a different composition of light and shade, inspired by different periods of the day.

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Claude Monet's series on Rouen Cathedral is nothing short of an ode to the ethereal dance between light and architecture. Captured in varying weather conditions and at different times of day, each canvas presents a unique mood and story. It's as if Monet was smitten by the cathedral's allure, seeking to unravel its mystery through his masterful brushstrokes. And for us viewers, each iteration invites us to gaze anew, discovering nuances that may have escaped us before; a remarkable testament to Monet's dedication and the ever-changing beauty of light.

21 The Room of Flowers - Hassam

The Room of Flowers - Hassam Via Ill Seen, Ill Said

The use of strong and bold colors makes this stand out among other impressionist paintings.

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Chassam encapsulates the vibrancy of an indoor garden with strokes that dance across the canvas. The flower-filled interior invokes a sense of comfort and tranquility, while also showcasing Hassam's masterful play with light and shadow. With petals seeming to shimmer in the diffused sunlight, it feels as if one can almost smell the blossoms. This piece is a testament to the artist's ability to merge the domestic and the natural into a symphony of colors, making it a true feast for the senses. The Room of Flowers resonates with the joys of spring and the simple pleasures of home.

22 Loch Ard Gorge - Streeton

Loch Ard Gorge - Streeton Via Blog of an Art Admirer: ...

Streeton was a leading member of the Heidelberg School, aka Australian Impressionism

23 Lilacs in a Window - Cassatt

Lilacs in a Window - Cassatt Via Mary Cassatt: Lilacs in a ...

American Mary Stevenson Cassatt often painted images of the social and private lives of women, particularly focusing on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. But she did just pretty pictures of flowers too!

24 Along the Road - Homer

Along the Road - Homer Via ALONGTIMEALONE

Winslow Homer is considered one of the foremost painters in 19th-century America and a preeminent figure in American art.

25 Blossom at Dennemont - Conder

Blossom at Dennemont - Conder Via Blossom at Dennemont - Charles ...

Many impressionist paintings rely on subtle and delicate strokes and colors.

26 Snow at Louveciennes - Sisley

Snow at Louveciennes - Sisley Via Crashingly Beautiful

English artist Alfred Sisley focused on landscapes and figures were only incidental to the scene.

27 Garden Path in Louveciennes -Sisley

Garden Path in Louveciennes -Sisley Via wikipaintings.org

And like Monet, Sisley believed in the importance of presenting the same landscape/subject through the seasons and different times of day.

28 Deauville Pier - Boudin

Deauville Pier - Boudin Via 50 pinturas impresionistas - el ...

I really enjoy the impressionist paintings that make you
work a little to discern all the components in a scene.

29 The Watering Place - Robinson

The Watering Place - Robinson Via Theodore Robinson - The Watering ...

Theodore Robinson was one of the first American Impressionists. He was inspired by a visit to Monet's garden at Giverny.

There are some magnificent Impressionist paintings. I enjoy them all but love Monet's Water Lilies most. What your art passion?

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