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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
Untitled, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

Untitled, 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 Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Cascading Waves of the Caribbean, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Cascading Waves of the Caribbean, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Cascading Waves of the Caribbean, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In this dynamic oil painting, I've captured the power and grace of the sea, blending impressionism with touches of realism to evoke the raw beauty of nature. The vibrant hues and exp...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Vagues, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Vagues, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Vagues, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

My painters group from Waterloo has a Water theme for this summers symposium. That inspired me to paint some waves lightly splashing the coast of California on a bright day. Loos...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Banksy trinity"
"Banksy trinity"

"Banksy trinity"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Painting as a prophetic thought. A philosophical perspective on the sum of humanity's essence and the future of the entire race.A painting as a prophetic thought. A philosophical per...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Gladiators"
"Gladiators"

"Gladiators"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

The painting reflects the philosophy of human impact on the planet. Gladiators, the first fighters for democracy, freedom, and justice. Sports. This is a new global art movement....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

sunny winter days, Painting, Oil on Canvas
sunny winter days, Painting, Oil on Canvas

sunny winter days, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Sunny winter days landscape in oil on Belgian linen canvas. "It is the artist's business to create sunlight when the sun goes down." Romain Rolland :: Painting :: Expressionism :: Th...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Lumberjack's Dream" - Textured Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
"Lumberjack's Dream" - Textured Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas

"Lumberjack's Dream" - Textured Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Soquel, CA

"Lumberjack's Dream" - Textured Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Textured abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Brigh...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Sunflower time, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Sunflower time, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Sunflower time, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In this vibrant oil painting, I poured my heart into capturing the fierce beauty of sunflowers standing tall. Each stroke embodies the energy and warmth these flowers exude, blending...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sea. Sailboat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Sea. Sailboat, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Sea. Sailboat, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Inspired by love for the sea, the sunny coast of Jurmala, where I live. Painting in positive colors, uplifting and ready to be in any interior. High-quality professional oil pain...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

spheres, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
spheres, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

spheres, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Jorge Calero

Located in Yardley, PA

Spheres are conceived as a hologram of growing fruits, turning branches and invisible forces taking place in the inner quantic space where marvelous animals strive to survive, a remi...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Punk - German Expressionist Pastel Portrait Painting
Punk - German Expressionist Pastel Portrait Painting

Punk - German Expressionist Pastel Portrait Painting

By Dina Gardner

Located in Boston, MA

Punk 8.0 x 8.0 x 1.0, 3.0 lbs Pastel on wood Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "I'm having the best time in my studio doing a self-exploration of the German Expression m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Pastel

"Kazimir Malevich Ukraine"
"Kazimir Malevich Ukraine"

"Kazimir Malevich Ukraine"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

A series of abstract paintings. I like to paint instinctively, without thinking about what I'm doing. These paintings are filled only with feelings and emotions. The painting is...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Blueprint, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Blueprint, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

Blueprint, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

By Christel Haag

Located in Yardley, PA

"Blueprint" is an expressive acrylic painting on thick paper. It is a modern abstract painting, the choice of colors reduced to shades of blue, black and white. The work of art is dy...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Nantes  Seaport
Nantes  Seaport

Nantes Seaport

By Robert L.P. Lavoine

Located in Pasadena, CA

Robert L. P. Lavoine is a French painter born in 1916 and dead in 1999. Known for his sea landscapes and urban landscapes, he is associated with the expressionist current of the twe...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Cat Scratching Table, " Oil Painting on Canvas Interior signed by Nicolas Dreux
"Cat Scratching Table, " Oil Painting on Canvas Interior signed by Nicolas Dreux

"Cat Scratching Table, " Oil Painting on Canvas Interior signed by Nicolas Dreux

By Nicolas Dreux

Located in Milwaukee, WI

"Cat Scratching Table" is an original oil painting on canvas by Nicolas Dreux. The artist signed the piece lower left. It depicts a cat and a bird in a pastel-colored interior. 18" x 14" art 27 1/4" x 23 1/4" frame Nicolas Dreux was born on March 10, 1956 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He began to paint as a student of painter Calixte Henri...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Spring Parade, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Spring Parade, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Spring Parade, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Inspired by my Dads garden, I remember watching my dad tend to the flower borders in our garden with love and care. I have painted "Spring Parade" with the same passion my dad has fo...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

'Dusk, BulBarrow, Dorset',  Original oil painting, signed  c2004.
'Dusk, BulBarrow, Dorset',  Original oil painting, signed  c2004.

'Dusk, BulBarrow, Dorset', Original oil painting, signed c2004.

Located in Frome, Somerset

'BullBarrow at Dusk' by Jan Howarth Jones. circa 2002. oil on board. Oak glazed frame 52.5 cm x 52.5cm Painting 31cmx 34cm. A fine study of light and landscape in her native count...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

untitled, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
untitled, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper

untitled, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper

Located in Yardley, PA

Emotions are important. For example, when I look at a picture that caught my attention, I get in a certain mood that I think is very important. A starting point for the works are oft...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Pencil

"Evening on Kyiv Sea" Kyiv Ukraine, Painting, Oil on Canvas
"Evening on Kyiv Sea" Kyiv Ukraine, Painting, Oil on Canvas

"Evening on Kyiv Sea" Kyiv Ukraine, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Instagram: @chebotaru.a "Evening on Kiev Sea," painted in 2022 at the Kiev Reservoir, captures the ambiance of a summer evening slightly touched by a storm. In the distance, waves ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Nude with cat, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Nude with cat, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

Nude with cat, Painting, Acrylic on Paper

Located in Yardley, PA

My artwork is my emotions. The starting points for my work are often my personal memories and experiences as well as reflections on reality, but also photographs that I find in newsp...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Caribbean waves at noon, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Caribbean waves at noon, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Caribbean waves at noon, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Caribbean waves at noon - Impressionism oil. acr. CANVAS,, 70CM x 80CM, 27.5" x 31.5" in. 2023 No wonder they say - you can look at the water endlessly. And sitting by the s...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Bright sunset", Painting, Oil on Canvas
"Bright sunset", Painting, Oil on Canvas

"Bright sunset", Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

One of a kind original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska - Canvas painting stretched and ready to hang (NOT FRAMED. The sides are painted with acrylic. ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Thin red line 3., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Thin red line 3., Painting, Oil on Canvas

Thin red line 3., Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Igor Shulman

Located in Yardley, PA

I already have 2 works with the same title. But they are about something else. But what is this line about? The same thing it's always been about. The line between the real and the ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Little Things (Original)

The Little Things (Original)

By Todd White

Located in Toronto, ON

10” x 6” Unframed Original Acrylic on Canvas Board Hand Signed by Todd White Todd white captures restaurant, night and Hollywood scenes with contrasting colors serving the viewer’...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Two Men Fighters Figurative Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed, 1992
Two Men Fighters Figurative Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed, 1992

Two Men Fighters Figurative Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed, 1992

By Erwin Guillermo

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Two Men Fighters 1992 Artist signed and dated lower left, also signed and titled on verso. Erwin Guillermo was born in Guatemala City in 1951. He is one of the best representatives of Guatemalan Art...

Category

1990s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

'Sardinian Cove, Evening Light' original painting c2003 signed
'Sardinian Cove, Evening Light' original painting c2003 signed

'Sardinian Cove, Evening Light' original painting c2003 signed

Located in Frome, Somerset

Sardinian Cove in evening light, Costa Smeralda by Andy Gradwell circa 2003. Mixed media on paper 31cm x 32cm Silver giltwood glazed frame by Academy Framers ( Royal College of Arts, London) 52cm x56cm. 'Water and Dreams' .A semi abstracted romanticised view of a bay on the Mediterranean Island using expressive color.. Fluid lyrical forms and line work expessive of the flora and mountainous backdrop and ocean...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Artdoggy, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Artdoggy, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Artdoggy, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

I only make original works. Each is a one of a kind so you will have the only one! My artwork is my emotions and you can see that emotions on the canvas - You can experience it each...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

'Venice, Lagoon in morning Haze', mixed media on paper. Circa 2007.
'Venice, Lagoon in morning Haze', mixed media on paper. Circa 2007.

'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

Trumpet-Original Oil on Unstretched Canvas, Signed by Artist
Trumpet-Original Oil on Unstretched Canvas, Signed by Artist

Trumpet-Original Oil on Unstretched Canvas, Signed by Artist

Located in Chesterfield, MI

Original Oil on Unstretched Canvas. Image-25 x 20.25 in; with unstretched canvas border-27.25 x 23 in. Signed by Artist. Excellent/Good Condition.

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Maximilien Luce La Cueilleuse de Fruits
Maximilien Luce La Cueilleuse de Fruits

Maximilien Luce La Cueilleuse de Fruits

By Maximilien Luce

Located in Dallas, TX

Maximilien Luce (French, 1858-1941) La Cueilleuse de Fruits oil on newsprint laid down to board signed Luce (lower right) Sight: 13 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (34.3 x 16.5cm) Frame: 17.5 x 10 I...

Category

1880s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Newsprint

At the Lake Side, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
At the Lake Side, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

At the Lake Side, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Geesien Postema

Located in Yardley, PA

This is a large statement piece of art. It is painted in a gestural and loose way mainly in blue and green hues. Inspiration was found at the side of Lake Geneva in Montreaux. Along the side of the lake were many beautiful flowers and trees. These are always an inspiration for the artist. Pictures were taken and -together with her memories- they were the source this painting emerged from. The artist always paints her impressions in her own way, and that is how it becomes a more or less abstract painting. This painting comes with a certificate of authenticity. Sides are painted as part if the painting and it is ready to hang. In situ pictures are for a display purpose only and might not show the painting at real scale...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Mid 20thCentury Modernist/Expressionist Still Life oil c1960
Mid 20thCentury Modernist/Expressionist Still Life oil c1960

Mid 20thCentury Modernist/Expressionist Still Life oil c1960

Located in Frome, Somerset

A fine mid 20th century Modernist/ Expressionist Still life oil circa 1960 Oil on canvas 47cmx 66cm Gallery frame 50cmx 66cm Wonderful bright expressionist palette painted with bold ...

Category

1960s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Peter Jones, the King's Road, London
Peter Jones, the King's Road, London

Peter Jones, the King's Road, London

Located in London, GB

Executed with a palette knife, this painting by Henry Dawnay depicts the iconic King’s Road, with the Peter Jones, the famous superstore. The King’s Road was originally King Charles II’s private road, which he would use to travel between his palaces in St James’ and Hampton Court. Until the 1800s, access was only allowed for members of Royalty, courtiers and the aristocracy. The road become a hub of the Swinging 60s, with fashionistas, including the famous fashion designer Mary Quant, using it as a global hotspot. In the 1970s Led Zeppelin established their record label at number 484, and Vivian Westwood and Malcolm McClaren opened up their infamous ‘Sex’ clothing...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Thank You for Your Love, Expressionist Acrylic Painting, 2010s, New
Thank You for Your Love, Expressionist Acrylic Painting, 2010s, New

Thank You for Your Love, Expressionist Acrylic Painting, 2010s, New

Located in Torino, IT

Jiri Hauschka (1965, Czech Republic) lives and works in Prague. Jiri Hauschka, born in Sumperk, Czechia in 1965, is an acclaimed painter whose work balances abstraction and magic re...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Street lights, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Street lights, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Street lights, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska In this vibrant oil painting, I've captured the essence of energy and movement within an urban landscape. ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Majestic Mountains, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Majestic Mountains, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Majestic Mountains, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

I was inspired to paint these majestic mountains from Glenorchy, New Zealand because of a painting class I took online. The scene lends itself almost perfectly to a balanced perspec...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman

By Erich Waske

Located in Wien, 9

Deling with the work of Erich Waske today, one encounters first of all a number of reasons why this outstanding artist has fallen into such undeserved oblivion. In addition to the de...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Idea!, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Idea!, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Idea!, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

The new work of the artist from the new series "George Alamanou coast". The picture is laconic - the color of the sea and chalk cliffs tell us that Ludmila loves this magical place i...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

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.