The notable painter known for their contributions to Impressionism is Claude Monet. He is credited with founding the Impressionist movement, characterized by his emphasis on capturing light and color through loose brush strokes. Monet's works, such as "Water Lilies" and "Impression, Sunrise," portray the essence of nature and momentary beauty. His innovative approach to painting influenced an entire generation of artists, reshaping the art world and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest painters in history.