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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.

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Style: Expressionist
American Modernist Oil Painting Gestural Landscape WPA Artist Group of 10
American Modernist Oil Painting Gestural Landscape WPA Artist Group of 10

American Modernist Oil Painting Gestural Landscape WPA Artist Group of 10

By Ben-Zion Weinman

Located in Surfside, FL

Born in 1897, Ben-Zion Weinman celebrated his European Jewish heritage in his visual works as a sculptor, painter, and printmaker. Influenced by Spinoza, Knut Hamsun, and Wladyslaw Reymont, as well as Hebrew literature, Ben-Zion wrote poetry and essays that, like his visual work, attempt to reveal the deep “connection between man and the divine, and between man and earth.” An emigrant from the Ukraine, he came to the US in 1920. He wrote fairy tales and poems in Hebrew under the name Benzion Weinman, but when he began painting he dropped his last name and hyphenated his first, saying an artist needed only one name. Ben-Zion was a founding member of “The Ten: An Independent Group” The Ten” a 1930’s avant-garde group, Painted on anything handy. Ben-Zion often used cabinet doors...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

'The Leopards' by Byron Z. Tripp - Large Striking Wildlife Leopard Painting
'The Leopards' by Byron Z. Tripp - Large Striking Wildlife Leopard Painting

'The Leopards' by Byron Z. Tripp - Large Striking Wildlife Leopard Painting

Located in Carmel, CA

‘The Leopards’ is a striking masterpiece that captivates the viewer with its dynamic interplay of black, white, and yellow. The artist’s exceptional use of color and line work transp...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Girl On A Hill
Girl On A Hill

Girl On A Hill

By Daniel Oguche Junior

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 Daniel Oguche...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil

Life is too short to not Shawarma
Life is too short to not Shawarma

Life is too short to not Shawarma

By Eyitayo Alagbe

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shawarma, a delicious culinary delight enjoyed by many, takes center stage in this artwork. The artist playfully emphasizes the word "Shawarma" on the tote bag, highlighting its significance as a symbol of enjoyment and pleasure. This whimsical representation serves as a reminder to relish the simple, gastronomic experiences that can bring moments of happiness and contentment to our lives. "You can't buy happiness, but buy shawarma." These words resonate deeply, encapsulating the idea that true happiness cannot be purchased, but it can be found in the small, fleeting moments of joy. The artwork encourages us to seek happiness in the every day and appreciate the simple pleasures that add flavor to our lives. By celebrating the act of indulging in a beloved food like shawarma, the artist reminds us to embrace the little things that bring us happiness. "Sometimes a sad day is a good day to enjoy life." This thought-provoking statement challenges our perspective on difficult times, suggesting that even in moments of sadness, we can find solace in the small joys that surround us. The artwork portrays a young woman, perhaps caught in a moment of contemplation, choosing to uplift her spirits through the simple act of enjoying shawarma. It serves as a reminder that even during challenging times, we can find solace and pleasure in life's little pleasures. "Life is too short to not Shawarma" serves as a gentle reminder to live fully in the present. It urges us to savor the flavors, experiences, and connections that make life beautiful. In a world that often rushes by, this artwork encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment, relishing the delicious tastes and sensations that bring us joy. Food has an incredible ability to bring people together, transcending cultural boundaries and creating moments of shared happiness. The artwork's focus on shawarma as a source of enjoyment underscores the significance of culinary delights in our lives. It invites us to celebrate the diverse flavors and experiences that the world of food offers, fostering connections and creating memories. "Life is too short to not Shawarma" is not just a whimsical artwork...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Mary and Her Little Lamb
Mary and Her Little Lamb

Mary and Her Little Lamb

By Theophilus Madaki

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"Mary and Her Little Lamb" is a well-known American nursery rhyme that has been enjoyed by generations of children. The rhyme has inspired many artists to create works of art depicting Mary and her beloved lamb, and one such artwork is the painting by Theophilus Madaki...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Days of Promise -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Memories
Days of Promise -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Memories

Days of Promise -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Memories

By Oluwaseun Ojebiyi

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

There was a time when love carried no doubt. The couple in the background shares a moment that feels simple yet full of meaning. Their laughter, their closeness, and the soft light a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Helen Howells, Coastal Reflections, Original Expressionist Seascape Painting
Helen Howells, Coastal Reflections, Original Expressionist Seascape Painting

Helen Howells, Coastal Reflections, Original Expressionist Seascape Painting

By Helen Howells

Located in Deddington, GB

Coastal Reflections [2021] Original Seascapes Oil on Canvas Image size: H:91 cm x W:91 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:91 cm x W:91 cm x D:3.5cm Sold Unframed Please note that i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

One warm day
One warm day

One warm day

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this piece, I let emotions guide each stroke, capturing the quiet energy of a secluded path, the dance of warm light through leaves. The blend of styles speaks to fleetin...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Trees landscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Trees landscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Trees landscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By LE ANH TUAN

Located in Yardley, PA

In this piece, I embraced nature's renewal, channeling the vibrant vitality of spring through my brush. Employing acrylics, I layered hues and textures to convey the blossoming e...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Summer Bouquet View From The Balcony, Expressionist Oil Painting
Summer Bouquet View From The Balcony, Expressionist Oil Painting

Summer Bouquet View From The Balcony, Expressionist Oil Painting

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

View From the Balcony With Summer Bouquet Oil on canvas singed lower right corner, canvas 36x28"5, framed 48x39x2. Yolande Ardissone (born June 6, 1927) is a French painter. Born in ...

Category

1960s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Carnival Night 70X70
Carnival Night 70X70

Carnival Night 70X70

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

Carnival Night Venice, Carnival, masks, ladies in hats, Masquerade! What could be better to be in Venice on a festive Carnival night! Medieval costumes and dresses, beautiful ladies,...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Venice. Evening 4
Venice. Evening 4

Venice. Evening 4

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I've captured the enchanting essence of Venice at dusk. Using a blend of acrylics and oils, I employed expressionistic strokes to evoke the fluidity of the water an...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Fantasy with Flowers 19
Fantasy with Flowers 19

Fantasy with Flowers 19

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures)   paper 59x42cm  On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

Fantasy with Flowers 18
Fantasy with Flowers 18

Fantasy with Flowers 18

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures)   paper 59x42cm  On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

Fantasy with Flowers 16
Fantasy with Flowers 16

Fantasy with Flowers 16

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures)   paper 58x41cm  On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

"Untitled Female"
"Untitled Female"

"Untitled Female"

By Richard Wilson

Located in Detroit, MI

“Untitled Female" is a colorful piece by Richard Wilson that has meaning for native Detroiters through use of the blues and oranges - their "Tiger" baseball team's colors and the "D"...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Paul Manes - Palaz of the Hoon, Painting 2008

Paul Manes - Palaz of the Hoon, Painting 2008

By Paul Manes

Located in Stamford, CT

Paul Manes was born May 4, 1948, in Austin, Texas. He began his professional career in New York City in the early 1980s. His art has been widely exhibited in America and Europe and h...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Oil

Truro Hill, Original, Landscape
Truro Hill, Original, Landscape

Truro Hill, Original, Landscape

By Eleanor Woolley

Located in Deddington, GB

Truro Hills is an Original Painting by Eleanor Woolley. This painting depicts the lovely rolling hills of Truro, Devon. A beautiful sunset with it's stripes of lemon yellow, magenta ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Odalisque yellow" Oil , cm. 40 x 50 1937  free shipping
"Odalisque yellow" Oil , cm. 40 x 50 1937  free shipping

"Odalisque yellow" Oil , cm. 40 x 50 1937 free shipping

By Giulio da Milano

Located in Torino, IT

Odalisque ,yellow,orange, orient Giulio DA MILANO (Nizza, 1895 - Torino, 1990) Giulio Da Milano was a Giacomo Grosso's disciple and he was very close to the artists that used to patronize La Coupole de Montparnasse (from Kisling to Pascin, from Derain to Vlaminck). He is considered one of most representative exponents of the Turin’s artistic scene in the ‘30s-‘40s, close to the Gruppo dei Sei. His works can be found in the following museums: Turin, Modern Art Gallery...

Category

1930s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting copy. 2000. Oil on сanvas, 73x60 cm
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting copy. 2000. Oil on сanvas, 73x60 cm

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting copy. 2000. Oil on сanvas, 73x60 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting "La Goulue, together with two women" Moulin Rouge "" copy - Unknown artist, oil on сanvas, 73x60 cm

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Colorful water lily, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Colorful water lily, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Colorful water lily, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By LE ANH TUAN

Located in Yardley, PA

In a fervent dance of color and texture, I've brought to life the serene beauty of nature's gentle floaters, the water lilies. Through energetic brush strokes in acrylics, my vision ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Bloom - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Women, Floral
Bloom - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Women, Floral

Bloom - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Women, Floral

By Olaniyi Timothy

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 Ola...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Woven Identities 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa

Woven Identities 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa

By Faith Gbadero

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Woven Identities is a body of work that explores the intersection of indigenous African heritage and modern global culture. In these paintings, I focus on hairstyle, tribal marks, dr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

The roofs of Tukums
The roofs of Tukums

The roofs of Tukums

By Dzidra Bauma

Located in Riga, LV

The roofs of Tukums Paper, watercolor, 47x62 cm Dzidra Bauma (1930) Dzidra Bauma works in watercolor technique. She paint figural compositions, portraits, landscapes, flowers and s...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

The white bench

The white bench

By André Brasilier

Located in New York, NY

Here the artist captures his wife leisurely sitting on a bench while in NYC and from his paintings of New York.

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sun, Sails, Sea
Sun, Sails, Sea

Sun, Sails, Sea

Located in Zofingen, AG

NOT STRETCHED. You'll receive it rolled, in a TUBE. Ready for stretching. I recommend stretching your painting in a local custom framing shop or gallery. It will be the most affordab...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Night fragrance XVII, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Night fragrance XVII, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Night fragrance XVII, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Ludmila Budanov

Located in Yardley, PA

The new work of the artist continues a series of works called "Night Flavors". This is the 17th work in this series. Plants, flowers, recognizable and sometimes unreal, created by th...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Reminding on flowers, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Reminding on flowers, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Reminding on flowers, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Eva Hoffmann

Located in Yardley, PA

In this oil painting, expressionism and impressionism merge with symbolic elements. I have passionately applied every brushstroke to depict emotions and memories. The powerful splash...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Colourful Abstract Sunset Sky, French Expressionist Original Painting
Colourful Abstract Sunset Sky, French Expressionist Original Painting

Colourful Abstract Sunset Sky, French Expressionist Original Painting

By Akos Biro

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolor/ gouache size: 7.5 x 10.5 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ French painte...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Gouache

Bradley Chance Hays "Dance of the Wild" Modern Watercolor Horse Equine Painting
Bradley Chance Hays "Dance of the Wild" Modern Watercolor Horse Equine Painting

Bradley Chance Hays "Dance of the Wild" Modern Watercolor Horse Equine Painting

By Bradley Chance Hays

Located in Saratoga Springs, NY

"Dance of the Wild" is a 29.5x21.5 (framed dimensions) 21 x 15 (unframed dimensions) original a mixed media ink and watercolor painting by Bradley Chance Hays. An expressive waterco...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Ink, Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Watercolor

Sailing at Sunset By Kate Heiss
Sailing at Sunset By Kate Heiss

Sailing at Sunset By Kate Heiss

By Kate Heiss

Located in Deddington, GB

limited_edition Oil based inks on 300gsm Somerset Velvet Paper Edition number 50 Image size: H:30 cm x W:30 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:40 cm x W:40 cm x D:1cm Sold Unf...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Bromoil

Haydn Suite II, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Haydn Suite II, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

Haydn Suite II, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

By Karin Goeppert

Located in Yardley, PA

A floral painting on aged reclaimed yellowed music paper. This work needs to be framed. The sheet is about 30 x 23 cm / 12 x 9 in :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece com...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Under the sun with mother
Under the sun with mother

Under the sun with mother

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I sought to capture the intimate and serene connection between a mother horse and her foal amidst a splendid golden field. The use of oil enhances the luminosity an...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sharron Evans Gold Leaf Horse Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting
Sharron Evans Gold Leaf Horse Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting

Sharron Evans Gold Leaf Horse Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting

Located in Denver, CO

A striking and highly collectible contemporary expressionist painting by Sharron Evans, this luminous equine composition combines oil painting with genuine gold leaf to create a powe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

"Florence in the winter" oil on canvas by Masri
"Florence in the winter" oil on canvas by Masri

"Florence in the winter" oil on canvas by Masri

By Masri Hayssam

Located in Carmel, CA

Masri is a passionate Italian, US-based artist whose work has been exhibited in USA, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Italy and Norway. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Scituate Harbor, Original Painting
Scituate Harbor, Original Painting

Scituate Harbor, Original Painting

By Robert Hofherr

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
The setting sun illuminates a group of Massachusetts workboats in this colorful seascape painting. Inspired by artist Robert Hofherr's personal photo, the piece...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Morning in Mid May, Original Painting
Morning in Mid May, Original Painting

Morning in Mid May, Original Painting

By Robert Hofherr

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Tall spring trees partially border a northeastern pond. Low sunlight illuminates the foliage, bringing out bright yellows, golds, greens, pale olives, and dusty...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Harbor Side, Original Painting
Harbor Side, Original Painting

Harbor Side, Original Painting

By Robert Hofherr

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Inspired by André Derain's London series, this view of Scituate Harbor moves away from naturalistic color in favor of bold, intense tones. In the foreground, p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Expressionist Colorful Oil Paint Still-Life: Aves del Paraíso
Expressionist Colorful Oil Paint Still-Life: Aves del Paraíso

Expressionist Colorful Oil Paint Still-Life: Aves del Paraíso

By Chico Montilla

Located in Segovia, ES

Aves del Paraíso, Oil on linen by Chico Montilla. Measurements in centimeters (H) 100 x (W) 81 x (D) 2 cm. / In inches 39.37 x 31.89 x 0.79 " Expressionist interior corner whith fl...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

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.