Expressionist 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.
Style: Expressionist
Color: Gray
Portrait of a Stylish 1960's Lady, Signed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Stylish Lady
French School, Mid 20th Century
Oil painting on canvas, framed
Signed by the artist on the lower right hand corner
Frame size: 26.5 x 22 inches
Stylish ex...
Category
Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Bouquet of Peonies with blue background
Located in New York, NY
This painting is in excellent condition with no cracks in the paint, it is not relined and the canvas has been cleaned and in excellent condition. It also has a new 23 K. gold leaf ...
Category
1960s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Old Town Streets, Mid Century Modern Chilean Village Figurative Landscape
By Luis Valenzuela
Located in Soquel, CA
Old Town Streets, Mid Century Modern Chilean Village Figurative Landscape
Vibrant and expressive mid century modern figural landscape oil painting by Luis Valenzuela (Chilean, 20th Century), 1965. Small silhouetted figures stroll down the colorful yellow and blue city streets of old Santiago, Chile at night. The artist uses loose, painterly brushstrokes and dots the canvas with warm red highlights, giving this piece a sense of exuberance and life.
Signed "Luis Valenzuela 1965" lower left.
Presented in a carved period giltwood frame.
Board size; 20"H x 24"W.
Luis Valenzuela was born in Santiago de Chile. He studied his elementary and middle school in Victorino Lastarria (Providencia). At age 17 he started in the oil painting arts, where his innate talent flows. It was perfected in the Palace of Fine Arts (1964, 1965), receiving instruction from teachers Carlos Pedraza, Reinaldo Villaseñor, Matilde...
Category
1960s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Cardboard, Canvas, Oil
Le port de Sète (South of France) - Oil on canvas, 66x92 cm., framed
Located in Nice, FR
Oil on Canvas by François Desnoyer, not framed. It depictes the port at Sète, in Occitanie, France.
François Desnoyer, né à Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne) le 30 septembre 1894, et mort...
Category
1950s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
The Parade Ring at the Races
By Maurice EMPI
Located in London, GB
'The Parade Ring at the Races', gouache and pastel on art paper, by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s). The Parade Ring, otherwise known as the paddock, is the pla...
Category
1970s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Paper, Pastel, Gouache
Milford Sound
Located in Chicago, IL
In one of the most exotic places on earth, in the mountains of New Zealand, a lake is formed by a glacier - a fjord. The stillness of this place is otherworldly. Indeed, supernatural...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Pigment
Chuguyevo, birthplace of Ilya Repin
Located in Bayonne, NJ
This oil on canvas, framed painting is an absolute masterpiece. It was published in a catalogue of The Ukrainian Institue of America for the first exhibition of Yuriy Savchenko in Ne...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Road to Village
Located in Bayonne, NJ
A great expressive painting with heavy impasto, oil on canvas in a museum quality frame by Yuriy Savchenko. It is in excellent condition.
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Bouquet of dry flowers
Located in Bayonne, NJ
This is a remarkable oil on canvas painting by Yuriy Savchenko, a Ukrainian artist well known for his expressive compositions. It was purchased directly from the artist when he lived...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Expressionist Figurative water color painting- Series Bath NO.1
Located in Beijing, CN
Artist Biography
Zhang Chunyang was born in 1975 in Changchun, Jilin. She earned her B.F.A at Jilin University of Arts in 1999, and studied at Central Acadamy of Fine Arts, Beijing ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Inspiration Catcher
Located in Oslo, NO
In my work, emotions and energy flow with every brush stroke. The painting shows a young woman completely immersed in her inner world. She seeks inspiration for her creative flight. ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Pastel, Acrylic
Musical Fantasy
Located in Oslo, NO
The picture was painted as the second part of the “Musician” diptych. The violin's music gains weight and visual expression, mixing with autumn leaves and notes and it all becomes an...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
County Mayo Beach
Located in Chicago, IL
This painting is one of the finest examples of Tom's painting style and materials. Color and paint burst across the canvas, imbued with movement of clouds, sun and water. From a distant shore, County Mayo...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Pigment, Canvas
'Salisbury Plain' No3 ' , Mixed media, original painting signed c 2010
Located in Frome, Somerset
'Salisbury Plain No 3'. Mixed media painting on paper, circa 2010, signed,
dry mount size : 53cmx52cm
painting: 33cmx32cm
A piece from a series of paintings by Gradwell of walks on ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
Dusk Wolf
By John Defeo
Located in Denver, CO
Johnny Defeo’s work belongs to the concept of souvenir, attempting to capture the experiences he has in the natural world, where he feels free and most at home. His paintings and rug...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Panel, Acrylic
Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting framed
MIQUEL was an artist focused on the art of realism. His structured works on his great mastery of drawing, are romantic and tran...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Pastel
le rêve bleu, nude woman, blue figurative modern, oil on canvas, collage, France
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Nude painting by artist Sophie Dumont, titled "Blue Dream," captures a portrayal of the female form through a blend of collage and oil on canvas. In this evocative piece, a nude wom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Large Mid Century French Expressionist Signed Oil Horse Racing Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Horse Race
French expressionist artist,
mid 20th century
signed oil on artist paper, unframed
artist paper: 20 x 25.5 inches
provenance: private collection, France
condition: ov...
Category
Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Garden Blossoms-Original abstract floral landscape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
"Garden" by Valery Khattin, a captivating original abstract landscape painting that brings the beauty of nature to life on canvas. Created with mastery and flair in oil, this artwork...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Echo Earth II - Original Acrylic Abstract Landscape on Paper
Located in Columbus, OH
Lyrical dreamlike abstract landscape in soft quiet colors. Original acrylic painting on paper.
Artist bio:
Born in Hong Kong, China in 1964, Lun Tse grew up in a bustling family. On...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Still Life with Jug, Oil Paint On Canvas, Interior, Still Life
Located in Deddington, GB
Still life with Jug is an Original Painting by Eleanor Woolley. Painted in her Gloucestershire Studio this painting depicts a little rectangular jug, a maquette of an acrobat on their head and a bowl of fruit. Items selected by the Artists to make this quirky still life...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Echo Earth I - Original Acrylic Abstract Landscape on Paper
Located in Columbus, OH
Lyrical dreamlike abstract landscape in soft quiet colors. Original acrylic painting on paper.
Artist bio:
Born in Hong Kong, China in 1964, Lun Tse grew up in a bustling family. On...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
'Amalfi Cove, Italy' mixed media circa 2005
Located in Frome, Somerset
'Amalfi Cove, Italy.' by Andy Gradwell circa 2005. Watercolor and pastel on paper. signed.
Glazed oak wood frame 43cmx53cm
Dry mounted painting 27cmx38cm
A capriccio view of one of...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
If Only I Could-original abstract figurative landscape painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
"If Only I Could" by Iryna Yermolova is a captivating abstract figurative painting that invites viewers into a world of introspection and contemplation. Executed with expressive stro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
SKULL DOG
Located in CÓRDOBA, ES
Mixed media on paper
by artist Daria Kusto
Shipped well protected, rolled in a tube, unframed
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Aleppo to Kyiv Windows to the World - No.1
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This painting is one of ‘Aleppo and Kyiv Urban Landscape No.1’ series featuring many windows gazing at the world. This is a collection of different neighborhoods in Aleppo city that ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Provencal Landscape Poppy Fields Original Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning mid 20th century French Expressionist oil painting on canvas. The work depicts this gloriously vibrant and colourful landscape in Provence - we are told by the former owner it represents the Luberon Valley region in Provence, in the fields around Cucuron.
We acquired the painting from a private collector in the heart of Provence who had owned the painting for many years. The work is unsigned but very, very close in every respect to the Corsican born artist PIERRE AMBROGIANI (1907-1985) and further research in this direction could be fruitful.
Condition and Size:
The painting is in good condition. The paint has begun to split in places as one would expect with such thickly applied oil paint.
The canvas, unframed is 38cm x 55cm.
Pierre Ambrogiani was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, although he was brought up in Marseille, where he continued to live and work for the rest of his life. He was an Expressionist painter of Provençal landscapes...
Category
Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Dancing with Friends, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting shows a happy moment between friends dancing with each other. They close their eyes and lift their hands, fully immersing themselves in the experi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Lonesome October Night, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"Inspired by Paul Klee, I reimagined a quiet October evening with heavily textured colors and an emphasis on simplified linear elements," says artist Robert Hof...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
New Born
Located in Ridgewood, NY
Most mornings we wake up to a physical reality of sharp contrast and clear-cut edges. Defined outlines help us navigate everyday life and the world around us. But the blurry fringes ...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Acrylic
Large landscape watercolour by Cornish artist Fred Yates of sunrise over forest
By Fred Yates
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A beautiful and serene watercolour painting by Cornish artist Fred Yates. This large example of his work highlights his ability to balance colour and light in an expressive manner. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
'Venice, Lagoon in morning Haze', mixed media on paper. Circa 2007.
Located in Frome, Somerset
View of the Guideca looking at the Ducal Palace and Saint Marks in morning haze light.. A Capriccio mooded piece to capture the essence of experience of Venice. Gradwell's raison d'e...
Category
20th Century Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Large, fresh landscape watercolour by Cornish artist Fred Yates or summer garden
By Fred Yates
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A beautiful and serene watercolour painting by Cornish artist Fred Yates. This large example of his work highlights his ability to balance colour and light in an expressive manner. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
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 Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Fire Ball by Anna Taganzeva-Kobzeva - Painting, oil on canvas, 2023
Located in Basel, BS
The painting Fire Ball by contemporary artist Anna Taganzeva-Kobzeva was shown at the group exhibition "Floral & Machine" at St. Paulus Church in Basel in 2023. The exhibition delves...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Watchful Eyes, Original Painting
By Kip Decker
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker presents a vibrant portrait of five Native Americans on horseback. They collectively look out and watch for the unforeseen, surrounded by colo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
The Nap, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic work on archival quality paper. Depicting a baby sleeping. there is something captivating in watching a baby sleep. Such a sweetness and innocence. :: Painting :: Expression...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
In The Room #5 by Katya Tsareva - Expressionist painting, oil on canvas, 2021
Located in Basel, BS
The Room #4 is the 4th work in "In The Room" series by contemporary artist Katya Tsareva. In this series the artist continues to analyze the difficult re...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
In The Room #4 by Katya Tsareva - Expressionist painting, oil on canvas, 2021
Located in Basel, BS
The Room #4 is the 4th work in "In The Room" series by contemporary artist Katya Tsareva. In this series the artist continues to analyze the difficult re...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Hudson Freeze at Bear Mountain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tony Khawam is an established contemporary artist known for his semi-abstracted work of the New York urban and industrial landscape and recently of South Florida. He holds a BFA from...
Category
Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Portrait of Truman Capote" by John MacWhinnie
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: John MacWhinnie, American (1946 - )
Title: Portrait of Truman Capote
Year: 1968
Medium: Mixed Media on Board (Oil and Pencil), signed and dated l.r.
Size: 23.5 x 18 inches
Fr...
Category
1960s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Mixed Media, Board, Pencil
Always August, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents his interpretation of fall at its finest. The tree, adorned with red, orange, and yellow leaves, stands towering amid an expansiv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Summer Still Life with Flowers, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Alix Palo renders an expressive still life of colorful flowers within a glass vase. The dynamic brushstrokes breathe life into the piece, capturing the b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Peace, unity and harmony, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, t...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Loves Stranger, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Depiction of Love :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Spotlight, seated female figure with plants warm and cool green combinations
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an oil on linen painting signed and dated on reverse.
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
Inspired, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This piece blossomed from a profound appreciation of all things floral," says artist Alix Palo. The rich corals and warm greens, set against the cool blues, cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Shallow Water #2, Original Painting
By Kip Decker
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker portrays a poignant scene of Native Americans on horseback. The group explores a shallow water source after a recent rain. The iridescent hues...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
THINKING IT TWICE, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A very expressive face, as the inner thoughts define the outer form :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Aux Confins du Dire
Located in Miami, FL
Evelyne Ballestra's 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....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
‘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 Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Sneak A Peek, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Sharon Sieben creates a stern portrait of a man who, despite his attempt to appear disinterested, finds himself unable to resist the allure of curiosit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
'Bridge of Jianchuan' Contemporary Landscape Painting by Duan
By Duan Zhaonan
Located in Carmel, CA
'Bridge to Jianchuan' by Duan transports us to a tranquil world where history and nature converge in harmony. In this masterful composition, the artist's brush conjures an old Chines...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
The Scouts, Original Painting
By Kip Decker
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker captures a dreamlike scene of Native Americans on horseback, pausing to survey their onward journey. Their graceful silhouettes stand out prom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Evening Rain, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents a mesmerizing expressionist vision of a gentle nighttime shower in a vast countryside setting. The sun's distant light glows fain...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Abstract landscape 2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic on canvas. Signed front and back. Textured. Expressive. Certificate of Autenticity. The sides are painted. Vernished. Ready to hang. Shipping included. :: Painting :: Express...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Female Nude Study Watercolor Drawing by Rotislaw Racoff
By Rotislaw Racoff
Located in Atlanta, GA
1940s nude study, watercolor, and ink on paper painting by Polish/Russian artist Rotislaw Racoff (1904 - 1982).
This is a fine study of a young woman, probably Asian, sitting back. T...
Category
1940s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Abstract landscape 3, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Series: Abstract landscape. Acrylic on canvas. Signed front and back. Textured. Expressive. Certificate of Autenticity. The sides are painted. Vernished. Ready to hang. Shipping incl...
Category
2010s Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Expressionist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist 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 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, orange, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Iryna Kastsova, Maria Asuncion Raventos, Masri Hayssam, and Evelyne Ballestra. 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.
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