Expressionist Figurative Paintings
EXPRESSIONIST STYLE
While “expressionist” is used to describe any art that avoids naturalism and instead employs a bold use of flattened forms and intense brushwork, Expressionist art formally describes early-20th-century work from Europe that drew on Symbolism and confronted issues such as urbanization and capitalism. Expressionist artists experimented in paintings and prints with skewed perspectives, abstraction and unconventional, bright colors to portray how isolating and anxious the world felt rather than how it appeared.
Between 1905 and 1920, Austrian and German artists, in particular, were inspired by Postimpressionists such as Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh in their efforts to strive for a new authenticity in their work. In its geometric patterns and decorative details, Expressionist art was also marked by eclectic sources like German and Russian folk art as well as tribal art from Africa and Oceania, which the movement’s practitioners witnessed at museums and world’s fairs.
Groups of artists came together to share and promote the themes now associated with Expressionism, such as Die Brücke (The Bridge) in Dresden, which included Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and investigated alienation and the dissolution of society in vivid color. In Munich, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), a group led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, instilled Expressionism with a search for spiritual truths. In his iconic painting The Scream, prolific Norwegian painter Edvard Munch conveyed emotional turmoil through his depiction of environmental elements, such as the threatening sky.
Expressionism shifted around the outbreak of World War I, with artists using more elements of the grotesque in reaction to the escalation of unrest and violence. Printmaking was especially popular, as it allowed artists to widely disseminate works that grappled with social and political issues amid this time of upheaval. Although the art movement ended with the rise of Nazi Germany, where Expressionist creators were labeled “degenerate,” the radical ideas of these artists would influence Neo-Expressionism that emerged in the late 1970s with painters like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francesco Clemente.
Find a collection of authentic Expressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.
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Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Style: Expressionist
"Morning Light" by Shana Wilson - Figurative Nude - Woman with Brown Hair in Bed
By Shana Wilson
Located in Carmel, CA
Shana Wilson (Canadian, born 1966)
"Morning Light" 2012
Oil Paint, Board
The artist signed the back of the painting.
About the Artist:
Shana Wilson, born in Edmonton in 1966, has ca...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
Dream Fountain, Neo-Expressionist Nude
Located in Austin, TX
This surreal neo-expressionist nude portrait is by Spanish artist Pep Suari and features a woman pouring water from a pitcher into the "Dream Fount...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
The Eyes and Mind - 21st Century, Contemporary, Impasto, Expressionist, Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery)
About ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
'In the Wind' by Via Li - Captivating Expressive Figurative Female Nude
Located in Carmel, CA
'In the Wind' by Via Li is a compelling 48" x 36" figurative acrylic painting that captures the essence of movement and emotion through a whirlwind of color and form. The canvas is d...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Men's Talk - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Impasto, Pop Culture, Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery)
About ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
'The Moment of Struggling' by Via Li - Bold Female Figurative - Expressionist
Located in Carmel, CA
'The Moment of Struggling' by artist Via Li is a compelling figurative acrylic painting on a 30" x 24" canvas that visually encapsulates the internal turmoil of emotional struggle. T...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Souvenir of Resilience 3 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait Fashion
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
Gob...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
'Pisces' by Via Li - Two Young Women in Delicate Pastels - Expressionism
Located in Carmel, CA
'Pisces' by Via Li is a captivating 30" x 40" figurative acrylic painting on canvas that embodies the dual nature of the Pisces zodiac sign through a stirring depiction of two women....
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Naked woman with white flowers"- Yellow ochre expressionist nude with flowers.
By E.C. Bell
Located in Miami, FL
Romantic and expressionist nude artwork on canvas.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
In Her Solace - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In such a world, so chaotic. Snares and spells revolving. Finding one’s peace can be very demanding. Living life, very.
Man cannot live without a pacifier, one that helps him recove...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Bird in a Blooming Garden
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I was moved by the serene beauty of nature, capturing a moment where a small bird perches amid blooming flowers. The brush strokes and oils allowed me to expl...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Untitled 4 - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube from Africa
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gall...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
She's Always Behind My Back -21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Love, Family
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The painting is about the human relationship between brothers and sisters, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. How they fought, stood, and supported each other with love, shari...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
'Torn' by Via Li - Strong Vivid Female Figurative - Expressionist Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
'Torn' by Via Li is a poignant 30" x 24" figurative acrylic painting that captures a deep and introspective emotion. The canvas is dominated by a striking image of a woman, her head ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Reunion" Expressionist Figurative Man and Woman
Located in Austin, TX
By Pep Suari
32" x 39.5" Acrylic on Linen
This figurative expressionist painting by Pep Suari depicts a man and a woman looking at each other with flowers between them. The colors o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Linen, Acrylic
"Morning Glory Gown" - Vertical expressionist female semi-nude with gown.
By E.C. Bell
Located in Miami, FL
Romantic and expressionist nude artwork on canvas.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Happy bullfinches
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece celebrates the vivacious spirit of nature, captured through the vibrant, energetic strokes of oil paint. By blending elements of impressionism with a touch of realism, I a...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
‘Father Series No. 8' Portrait Oil Painting Contemporary Textured Art by Duan
By Duan Zhaonan
Located in Carmel, CA
'Father Series No. 8' by Duan is a compelling addition to the 'Father Series,' skillfully capturing the essence of a man with a profound portrayal. In this piece, the subject, seemin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
cold snap, strange character dressed for winter, red coat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on wood
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil
2Pac and Snoop
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"2Pac and Snoop" by James Ogamba Tochukwu is a striking artwork that pays homage to the iconic figures of 2Pac and Snoop Dogg, two influential fi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of Boo Radley
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original acrylic on paper by emerging contemporary artist Anthony Leone which was featured in the artist's solo exhibition Grape Farm.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Archival Paper
Acrobats bright tropical colors man and toucan birds humorous narrative
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on canvas signed and dated on reverse. Part ot a human and animal series by the artist
ABOUT Stephen Basso
Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Charles V (after van Dyke) classical contemporary bold horse colorful brushwork
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A richly painted, expressionist homage to Van Dyke. Active, movement in an equestrian portrait based on a baroque painting. Oil on board.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
David's Journey
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"David's Journey" by Joshua Salami is a captivating artwork that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of a young man embarking on a profound voyage of self-discovery, passion, and vis...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Priest dark muted color somber religious subject figure human condition theme
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Although painted 10 years ago the artist feels it is an appropriate image for these troubled times.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Uomo alla finestra (sbarre)" by Enzio Wenk, 2018-Acrylic, Oil, Expressionism
By Enzio Wenk
Located in Bresso, IT
Translated title: "Man at the window (barriers)".
Acrylic paint and oil paint on canvas.
The artist sells the handmade, original and one-of-a-kind piece, but he reserves the right...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
Guy in Hat - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Acrylic Drip, Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected crater from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Woman Seated" - Vertical expressionist female semi-nude in cool colors.
By E.C. Bell
Located in Miami, FL
Romantic and expressionist nude artwork on canvas.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Iris Mosaic
Located in Miami, FL
Her work with signs, symbols and esoteric spirituality reflects her passion for the ancient past and represents a symbolic return to the ground from which we emerged. Her work create...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Famiglia" by Enzio Wenk, 2019 -Acrylic Paint on Canvas Figurative Expressionism
By Enzio Wenk
Located in Bresso, IT
Acrylic paint on canvas.
It features a painted wooden frame.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Wood
"Fantasy escapes the canvas" - Vertical expressionist painting in cool colors.
By Luis Filcer
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastic scene where the characters leave the canvas empty.
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Masonite, Acrylic
"The Golden Hour" Modern Expressionist Figurative
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
"The Golden Hour" is am epic painting from Sandra Jones Campbell's recent Summer collection, a series that displays her unique vision of the world and is informed by her current soc...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Culture 4
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
FREE Shipping Worldwide
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Basket in Red. Oil on panel. Expressionist Still-life with abstract background
Located in Segovia, ES
Basket in Red (Canasto en rojo). Aracely Alarcón oil on panel. Expressionist Still-life on abstract background.
Dimension art : 38 x 46 x 03 cm.
Dimen...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Man, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
My work is about dealing with the real world and above all using the images that surround us in everyday life. I often search for the unexpected. An ironic turn to images or things y...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Ballerina 4
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I immersed myself in the fusion of expressionism, impressionism, and pop art to capture the dynamic spirit of a ballet dancer. With acrylic and oil, I layered...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
Afterthoughts Sergio Moscona Contemporary art painting colour human comedy
Located in Paris, FR
Acrylic paint and ink on paper pasted on canvas
Hand-signed by the artist
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paper, Ink, Acrylic
Boubou - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Plants, Women, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube.
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
Josue M Pierre ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Ballerina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured a moment of serene introspection, portraying a ballerina in a quiet, meditative state as she prepares her shoes. The soft blend of colors and gent...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Vibrant 'Lyrical Expressionist' Portrait Painting on Canvas by Steve Balkin
Located in Hudson, NY
Steve Balkin (1938-2023)
This painting was purchased from Balkin's estate. It came from his home in upstate NY. It is titled "She's Always on my Mind", da...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Sun. Sea. Beach.
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I immerse the viewer in the depths of a summer atmosphere, where the sea's dynamic caress and the vibrant warmth of sunlight meet. The textures and colors in oil empha...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary expressionist vivid watercolor painting paper " Beachside serenity"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid expressive painting, "Beachside Serenity', was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Using watercolor paints on heavyweight, professional acid-free paper...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Les Deux Soeurs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Born in 1951, François Legrand was introduced to painting as a teenager by Philippe Lejeune in Etampes.
In 1973, he moved to Loiret. From 1974 to 197...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
Home Longing (Life Within) -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Nature, Blue
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Home Longing reflects the universal yearning for connection and belonging. The painting combines a surreal landscape with a figurative image, symbolizing the intersection of identity...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Le Col Rogue - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube from Africa
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gall...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Force de Vie
Located in Miami, FL
Her work with signs, symbols and esoteric spirituality reflects her passion for the ancient past and represents a symbolic return to the ground from which we emerged. Her work creates a commentary about “beginnings” and the transmission of signs and emotions through visual elements evoking a spiritual essence to our scientific notion of etymology. After studying under Rolf Dürig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
'Under the Water' by Via Li - Vivid Emotional Female Figurative Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
'Under the Water' by Via Li is a compelling 48" x 36" figurative acrylic painting on canvas that captivates with its raw emotional intensity and vivid color palette. The artwork feat...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
'In My Corner' by Via Li - Figurative Woman in Repose - Vibrant Expressionist
Located in Carmel, CA
'In My Corner' by Via Li is a deeply emotive figurative acrylic painting that captures a poignant sense of vulnerability and introspection. This 40" x 30" canvas utilizes a soft yet ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist spiritual acrylic painting paper " When Angels Near"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This semi-abstract expressive spiritual piece "When Angels Near' was created by the French artist Natalya Mougenot, who delves into the theme of spirituality with a profound sense of...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Curious - Joanna Flatau, Contemporary art, Expressionist painting
Located in Paris, FR
A tribute to Amy Winehouse
Acrylic paint on canvas
Signed
Unique work
Joanna Flatau was born in Varsaw, Poland.
She graduated from Varsaw History of Arts University and from the F...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Secret supper in the Kuril Islands, in search of Pokemon Painting"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This is not my first picture dedicated to the biblical theme "The Last Supper". It reveals a long-standing dispute between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Contemporary Intricate Abstract Women Forms in Muted Dark Earth Tones Painting
Located in ALCOY/ALCOI, ES
Title: «Orgia número 7»
Collection: Muses
Description: Acrylic on canvas, figurative, dark, love, gestural, modern
Symbolism of the number 7: love. This image tells us an erotic story about goddesses who embark on a soft and passionate orgy. Seven naked and uninhibited women in a paradisiacal setting."
Based on this description, the artwork in question is likely an erotic depiction of goddesses engaging in a sensual and passionate orgy. The symbolism of the number 7, which represents love, adds an additional layer of meaning to the artwork. The artwork is described as paradisiacal, suggesting that the women are enjoying themselves in a lush and idyllic environment. The image may be highly sensual and erotic, with a focus on the beauty and sensuality of the female form. The story being told is one of uninhibited pleasure and eroticism, with the goddesses embracing their sexuality and engaging in a free and passionate sexual experience.
Victoria Tsemka...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Swan
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I imbued the canvas with the spirit of grace and resilience embodied by a dancer. Through a blend of expressionism and realism, I sought to capture the precise ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Her Shattered Heart - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A soul that finds happiness after a broken heart and she decides to be single for the rest of her life. She wanted to travel, live abroad, gain new experiences and didn’t want to sta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
The mermaid buoy Julien Wolf Contemporary art painting expressionnist red yellow
By Julien Wolf
Located in Paris, FR
Oil paint on canvas
Hand signed on the back by the artist
“At first glance, we are invited to a colorful carnival. Everything is movement here! As if Julien Wolf had tried to captur...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Isabelle's Garden" Modern Expressionist Figurative
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
"Isabelle's Garden" is from Sandra Jones Campbell's recent Summer collection, a series that displays her unique vision of the world and is informed by her current social observation...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Snow White and Redhead 80X80 oil
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I strove to capture the essence of companionship and the gentle intimacy shared between two majestic beings. The warm, soft hues and delicate brushwork express ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Virtuous Woman -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Africa Woman with Flower
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Ink, Oil
Expressionist figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add figurative paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Evelyne Ballestra, Julien Wolf, Stephen Basso, and Bernard Harmon. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.