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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
Baltic seacoast
Baltic seacoast

Baltic seacoast

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In my creation, I've imbued the serene yet powerful essence of the seaside. The brushstrokes embody the dynamic nature of the waves, contrasting with the steadfastness of the shore. ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Green Garden, Janet Keith, Original Abstract Forest Artwork, Affordable Art
Green Garden, Janet Keith, Original Abstract Forest Artwork, Affordable Art

Green Garden, Janet Keith, Original Abstract Forest Artwork, Affordable Art

By Janet Keith

Located in Deddington, GB

Green Garden by Janet Keith [2020] original acrylic paint on heavy watercolour paper Image size: H:100 cm x W:70 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:100 cm x W:70 cm x D:0.10cm Sol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

Acrylic on Canvas Titled: "Little Rita”
Acrylic on Canvas Titled: "Little Rita”

Acrylic on Canvas Titled: "Little Rita”

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Robert was born in 1949 to Dominick and Antoinette Catapano in Brooklyn New York. He is a self taught artist. He began drawing and painting as a child. He says he did it as a way of ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Still-life with lilac
Still-life with lilac

Still-life with lilac

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this piece, I sought to capture the delicate dance of light and shadow, the gentle caress of the blossoms, and the tranquility that comes from nature's beauty. As I chose my palet...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Sunny atumn day. 1978. Oil on cardboard, 68x93 cm
Sunny atumn day. 1978. Oil on cardboard, 68x93 cm

Sunny atumn day. 1978. Oil on cardboard, 68x93 cm

By Edgars Vinters

Located in Riga, LV

Edgars Vinters (1919-2014) Edgars Vinters is working in oil, watercolor and monotype techniques. He paints landscapes in different seasons and flowers. In 1970 the significant place...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Scarlet Sails
Scarlet Sails

Scarlet Sails

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

As an artist, I poured my spirit into this artwork, invoking the raw feelings of freedom and adventure with each stroke. The vivid hues emanate a sense of hope and endless possibilit...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Sunflower
Sunflower

Sunflower

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this piece, I've captured the vibrant essence of nature's optimism. The sunflower exudes warmth and energy, its golden petals reaching towards the light. The expressive brush stro...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Dandelions
Dandelions

Elena LukinaDandelions, 2014

$362Sale Price|26% Off

Dandelions

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this artwork, I've aimed to capture the transient beauty of nature, an expression of life's fleeting moments. Employing gentle strokes and a harmonious palette, I convey the delic...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

UmmHummm, colorful spiritual energetic mystical figure
UmmHummm, colorful spiritual energetic mystical figure

UmmHummm, colorful spiritual energetic mystical figure

By Janet Morgan

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Watercolor, mixed media, using resists. Janet Morgan’s explosive art captures the exuberance and deep wisdom we humans yearn to experience. Her sense of humor and spiritual depth s...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

By Bernard Herzog

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935) signed and stamped verso with catalogue number photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed overall paper: 25.5 x 20 inches Highly unique ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Photographic Film, Magazine Paper

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

By Bernard Herzog

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935) signed lower corner signed and stamped verso with catalogue number photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed overall paper: 25.5 x 20 in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Photographic Film, Magazine Paper

Boats at Low Tide in Blakeney, Rachael Dalzell Acrylic Paint on Paper, Unframed
Boats at Low Tide in Blakeney, Rachael Dalzell Acrylic Paint on Paper, Unframed

Boats at Low Tide in Blakeney, Rachael Dalzell Acrylic Paint on Paper, Unframed

By Rachael Dalzell

Located in Coltishall, GB

Blakeney staithe with boats at low tide Rachael’s works on paper are particularly organic. Diluted paint is allowed to migrate on a damp surface, sticks are used to daub and scratch...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

West Wind, Oil Painting
West Wind, Oil Painting

West Wind, Oil Painting

By George Peebles

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Tall beach grass stretches across the foreground, with a small pool of water reflecting the sky. In the distance, layers of sand and sea stack into soft, hori...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

An Angel's Gift
An Angel's Gift

An Angel's Gift

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this artwork, I've poured my heart into capturing the essence of serenity and divine grace. Through soft brushstrokes and a tranquil palette, the angel embodies a celestial presence, her gaze offering comfort and the apple in her hands symbolizing the gift of life and knowledge. The flowing robes and gentle clouds convey a sense of peace, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect. It's a piece that carries a comforting energy, ready to instill a sense of calm and contemplation in any home. Author's giclee of the original oil painting by Elena Lukina "An Angel...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Portrait of Boo Radley
Portrait of Boo Radley

Portrait of Boo Radley

By Anthony Leone

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 Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper

Gentle roses
Gentle roses

Gentle roses

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this piece, I've captured the tender essence of blooms, imbuing the canvas with a sense of serenity and timeless beauty. Each stroke embodies the dance between light and shadow, c...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Beautiful Rose Garden by the Sea
Beautiful Rose Garden by the Sea

Beautiful Rose Garden by the Sea

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In crafting this serene seascape, I layered vibrant oils to capture the tranquil interplay of rose-laden breezes with the gentle splash of distant sails. I aimed to express a synthes...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Morning garden with rhododendrons
Morning garden with rhododendrons

Morning garden with rhododendrons

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I've merged the vivid, emotive strokes of expressionism with the subtle, light play of impressionism, all grounded in realism's tangible forms. Using oil paints, I ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Venice in night lights
Venice in night lights

Venice in night lights

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this piece, I've poured my soul into capturing the ephemeral beauty of twilight dance on water, embracing the blend of expressionism and impressionism. The vibrant colors intertwi...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Mountain flowers
Mountain flowers

Mountain flowers

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this vibrant oil painting, I aimed to capture the serene vitality of a mountain landscape juxtaposed with the delicate beauty of blooming flowers at its base. Expressive brushstro...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

More than a thousand words
More than a thousand words

More than a thousand words

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this piece, I delved deep into the soulful presence of the equine form, decorating it with elements of nature to symbolize purity and renewal. The oil mediums allowed me ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Japanese Spitz puppy
Japanese Spitz puppy

Japanese Spitz puppy

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this vibrant oil painting, I've captured the playful essence of a joyous Japanese Spitz puppy, set against a soothing backdrop. Its exuberant spirit and infectious smile are expre...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Lion.King.
Lion.King.

Lion.King.

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In crafting this piece, my brushes danced with oils to express the majestic aura of sovereignty. It's a tribute to the wild, untamed spirit that resides within us all—capturing the e...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Vanishing Point, Oil Painting
Vanishing Point, Oil Painting

Vanishing Point, Oil Painting

By Kristen Brown

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Deep blue tones envelop a blurred San Francisco cityscape, evoking a dreamlike memory of a fleeting moment. The triangular panel enhances the composition’s un...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Double Feature

Double Feature

By Jackie Felix

Located in Buffalo, NY

An original expressionist oil on canvas painting by American female artist Jackie Felix.

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Giselle
Giselle

Giselle

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this oil painting, I sought to capture the delicate balance of strength and grace in ballet. The dancers, enveloped in a tender embrace, convey a narrative of love and de...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sunflower
Sunflower

Sunflower

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil on canvas, I've poured my soul into capturing the vibrant essence of life. With bold strokes and vivid hues, I've embraced expressionism and realism to evoke a sense of w...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Invocation
Invocation

Invocation

By Mark Lavatelli

Located in Buffalo, NY

An original oil on canvas (shaped diptych) measuring 71” X 78 1/4” by American contemporary artist Mark Lavatelli. Mark Lavatelli is a Western New York painter, educator, and free...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm
Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm

Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm

By Aleksandr Rodin

Located in Riga, LV

Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Sa...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard, Canvas

Silent Conversation with Buddha
Silent Conversation with Buddha

Silent Conversation with Buddha

By Olga Nikitina

Located in Zofingen, AG

Silent Conversation with Buddha" - Original Oil Painting on Stretched Canvas This evocative oil painting captures a moment of profound stillness and introspection. The silhouette of...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil

Fresh look
Fresh look

Fresh look

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this vivid oil painting, I've poured my soul into capturing the raw intensity of human emotion through a close-up of the eye. The piece blends expressionism's vivid emotionality w...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Girl with apples
Girl with apples

Girl with apples

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil painting, I've immersed myself in capturing the simple joy of an abundant harvest. The vibrant, impressionistic brushstrokes convey the lushness of nature and the warmth ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jasmine
Jasmine

Jasmine

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil painting, I passionately fused expressionism with realism to capture the serene yet compelling presence of a figure that speaks to the viewer's soul. The textured brushst...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Field melody
Field melody

Field melody

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

Crafted with oil on canvas, my expression of nature's symphony comes alive. The essence of pastoral serenity is captured through an impressionistic touch, as the stillness of the hay...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Golden tree
Golden tree

Golden tree

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this expression of nature’s vibrant dance, I bring to life an enchanted forest bathed in golden light. Through vigorous oil strokes, the painting captures the dynamic interplay of...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Flower charm
Flower charm

Flower charm

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil painting, I've explored the delicate interplay of color and light, capturing the ethereal beauty of blooms. My strokes convey passion and emotion, creating a dance betwee...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Roses in a vase
Roses in a vase

Roses in a vase

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this passionate oil painting, I've blended expressionism with hints of impressionism to capture the ethereal beauty of roses in a vase. The vintage aura evokes a sense of timeless...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Under the Blue Sky, Original Painting
Under the Blue Sky, Original Painting

Under the Blue Sky, Original Painting

By Diana Elena Chelaru

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Two figures bask in the light of the cosmos, their curvaceous forms mirroring the flow of celestial bodies. The varying blue tones represent the sky before nigh...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Tree Glyph #14
Tree Glyph #14

Tree Glyph #14

By Mark Lavatelli

Located in Buffalo, NY

An original Encaustic & collage over oil on panel by American contemporary artist Mark Lavatelli from the artist's Tree Glyph series created in 2006.

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Encaustic, Oil, Panel

Apricity
Apricity

Apricity

By Helen Howells

Located in Deddington, GB

Apricity [2022] original Oil on Canvas Image size: H:76 cm x W:122 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:76 cm x W:122 cm x D:3.5cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu images are p...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tender love
Tender love

Tender love

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil painting, I poured my soul into capturing the intimate moment between these majestic beings. The language of their gentle nuzzle transcends words, speaking to the univers...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Bouquet of lilacs
Bouquet of lilacs

Bouquet of lilacs

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil on canvas, I've poured my soul into capturing the delicate dance of lilacs, their colors bursting with life. Each stroke represents an emotion, a breath of passion. I mel...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Early spring
Early spring

Early spring

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

This painting is inspired by early spring, early April. When it is still cool, but the grass is already green and the trees are slowly overgrown with buds and the first green leaves,...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, 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.