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.
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Expressionist Composition with Electric Blue, Yellow, & Black
Located in Soquel, CA
Textured and energetic abstract expressionist composition with electric blue, yellow, and black, by an unknown artist. Signed and dated "Carol 98" in the lower left corner. Unframed,...
Canvas, Oil
"Song of Gold" (2024) by Leigh Ann Van Fossan, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Song of Gold" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a large field with a cloudy sky during golden hour. Van Fossan was born in Vail, Colo...
Board, Oil
Two Under the Rain Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Two Under the Rain" captures a profound connection amidst solitude. This original oil painting features two figures sharing an intimate moment under the rain. The artist's expressio...
Oil, Canvas, Cardboard
The white bench
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.
Oil
Green day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Flowers in the morning dew The most beautiful flowers are in the early morning. When the dawn just dawned, the petals began to gradually bloom, with the water lily, the lotus in ...
Acrylic
Fantasy with Flowers 60
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 ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Boy With Dream in His Eyes -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Modern People
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In a world that often silences hope, he dared to dream. With nothing but fire in his heart and vision in his eyes, the boy stood tall against the storms of doubt and fear. He had no ...
Canvas, Acrylic
CATS
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant composition, I've joyfully blended impressionism with pop art, using acrylic and oil to bring to life these charming feline figures. The piece captures the warmth of ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,037Sale Price|20% Off
Pond with pink lilies
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this painting, I sought to capture the tranquility and ephemeral beauty of nature. Each brushstroke is a tender embrace of the lilies' delicate dance on the water's refle...
Canvas, Oil
Star Gazing, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman lies under a vibrant night sky, the stars and planets illuminating her form. Bold colors and energetic directional brushwork add a hypnotizing energy to the composition. This piece is artist Diana Elena Chelaru's personal interpretation of the vast space.
About the Artist
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru creates vibrant expressionist works that explore human emotion and the cosmos. “Art is a means of communication, a way to express my thoughts, hopes, and joys,†says Diana. She uses form, lines, and color to bring her imaginative compositions to life, with inspiration drawn from Byzantine mosaics and Gustav Klimt’s decorative patterns. Diana received her BFA in Painting from George Enescu Art University and an MA in Art History from Queens College. Diana’s creative process is fluid and intuitive, guided by her emotions in the moment, with music as a constant companion. Her studio, located in the basement of her home, is kept clean and organized. When she’s not creating, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Words that describe this painting: Universe, stars, sky, night, meditation, celestial, space, flow, movement, planets, reclining, expressionism, nature, people, acrylic painting, blue
Star Gazing...
Acrylic
Fantasy with Flowers 50
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 ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Red poppies 40Х40 oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've poured my passion into every brushstroke, capturing the wild spirit of nature through a vibrant dance of reds and subdued background hues. My expressionist...
Canvas, Oil
"Erste Beruhrung" First Stirrings
By Ernst Neuschul
Located in Brecon, Powys
Oil on canvas, signed and dated 'EN [19]63' lower right, titled and dated to stretcher, numbered 33 and with paper label 34 to stretcher, From the family of the artist by direct des...
Canvas, Oil
Poppy meadow 50X70
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I have captured the wild spirit of a meadow, brimming with vibrant poppies. My brushstrokes dance with expressionism and impressionism, while fine art technique...
Canvas, Oil
$4,999Sale Price|20% Off
Interior with fruit . Colorful Expressionist Still-life Oil painting
Located in Segovia, ES
Interior with fruit (Interior con frutas). Expressionist Colorful Oil on wood panel Still life with view in the background, Author: Aracely Alarcón. Me...
Oil, Wood Panel
$2,422
To Return. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea at dusk Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
Moody skies over the sea. Richard K Blades’ To Return is a captivating artwork that captures the vastness and drama of a seascape, where earth and sky blend in a mesmerizing dance. ...
Oil, Board
Montull Patio Terrace Garden Flowers oil canvas expressionist painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Patio. Original oil canvas expressionist painting
Oil
Scilla in the morning park Original impasto Miniature oil painting landscape
Located in Zofingen, AG
I poured my heart into capturing the delicate dance of morning light filtering through the trees, awakening the blue blooms below. This original oil painting embraces both vibrant ex...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Don Quixote
Located in New York, NY
Bernard Lorjou (1908-1985 Fr.) Don Quixote is from the Bull Fighter series from the period of 1960 and was in one collection till recently. In 1948, he sh...
Oil
Field poppies 60X70 oil on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured the wild vibrancy of nature and the ephemeral beauty of blooming flowers. Each stroke conveys raw emotion and the dynamic interplay of color and t...
Canvas, Oil
RUN
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've captured the vibrant essence of freedom and movement against a backdrop of majestic mountains and an expansive sky. The bold strokes of acrylic and oil blend a...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
Fishing Port
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've melded acrylic and oil to capture the vibrant, ever-moving essence of the fishing port. Inspired by expressionism and impressionism, the thick, intentional str...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Towel 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Blue Towel" is an artistic composition that demands our attention. The woman wrapped in the titular blue towel stands as a metaphor for the delicate nature...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Lost is a Lovely Place to Find Yourself
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I realized nobody is coming to save you unless you save yourself! Light at the end of the tunnel awaits only those who dare to try again each time they fail 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 IDORENYIN UMANA...
Canvas, Oil
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Fragment of a sea wave
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this painting, I sought to capture the essence and vitality of the sea. With each brushstroke, I instilled the raw power and restless spirit of ocean waves. This piece, c...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
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...
Photographic Film, Magazine Paper
$18,000
Upright Bass, Expressionist Portrait of Musician by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Upright Bass" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 40" x 34" oil on board group portrait of a musician is painted...
Oil, Board
Trees landscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
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 ene...
Acrylic
Sea of Blues N10, Abstract Blue and White Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Style
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us and reminds us of its natural beauty and the importance of its preservation. Details: Title: Sea of Blue N10 Medium: Mixed Media on Paper Size: 63 x 90 cm (28.4 x 35.4 inches). Year: 2021 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped carefully rolled and packaged in a tube. * Certificate of Authenticity provided. Enric Servera (Ciutadella de Menorca, 1970) lives and works between Barcelona and Menorca, Spain. His works explores the colors and forms of the ocean, inspired by the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea. His work has shown in galleries across Spain, and is part of several public and private collections. Words that may describe this series of artworks are: Mediterranean-inspired art, abstract sea...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Coral Poppies 30Х21
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vivid oil painting, I've captured the wild essence of poppies swaying with a liveliness that echoes the pulse of nature itself. Employing strokes influenced by impressionism ...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled 5 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Women
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 Born in 1993 in...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,040Sale Price|20% Off
Almost Arrived -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Realism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting is a metaphor for a blessing on its way. Also, it captures the quiet edge between waiting and receiving; the moment when nothing has changed, but everything feels diffe...
Canvas, Oil
The Back of Beyond, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Rural farm buildings serve as the focal point for this colorful Fauvist painting. The structures' forms connect with other compositional elements, each shaped a...
Acrylic
$4,062Sale Price|30% Off
The Yellow Pitcher
Located in London, GB
'The Yellow Pitcher', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1939). A prolific painter of bouquets, the artist created dozens of tableaux with flowers as sub...
Canvas, Oil
$2,352Sale Price|30% Off
Blooming garden by the pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I poured my soul into capturing the enchanting interplay of light and shadows, where blooms dance above tranquil waters. Merging realism with impressionistic t...
Canvas, Oil
"Reverie" (2024) By Jill Soukup, Original Oil Painting on Board
By Jill Soukup
Located in Denver, CO
Jill Soukup's "Reverie" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a horse kicking up dirt while in motion on an abstracted background. About the artist: Jill Soukup...
Oil, Board
Fantasy with Flowers 23
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 ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$1,415Sale Price|20% Off
Houses in Twilight: Expressionist Landscape Oil Painting, c. 1950
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Author: Francisco Salès (Barcelona, 1904 – Paris, 1976) Title: Houses in the Twilight Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 50 x 73 cm (19.7 x 28.7 in) Dimensions with frame: 58 x 81 ...
Canvas, Oil
Expression with sunflowers 50X50
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this vibrant piece, I embraced the vivid, passionate essence of sunflowers. My brushstrokes carry the emotion of raw energy juxtaposed with the gentle dance of light, hop...
Canvas, Oil
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Thread of Becoming (Meditating) -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Nature
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The beauty of life can be captured through the silent dialogue between past and future—an intergenerational bond woven through time. Their intertwined silhouettes and warm, fluid mot...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Evening in purple." Original Oil Painting by Liliya Volskaya
Located in Zofingen, AG
The paintings are drawn with oil on the hardboard (back side made of the double cardboard). Evening in purple. This dream scene uses hues of purple, pink, blue, and blue. A gorgeous...
Canvas, Lacquer, Oil
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
Fela The Black President -21st Century, Contemporary, Africa, Activism Democracy
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Fela’s Demonstration Of Craze: Nothing has changed since Nigerian Afrobeat music pioneer, Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, known professionally as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, or simply Fela, gave his own epic and hilarious breakdown of Democracy [1980]. As Nigerians all over the world remember and celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, yearly. Fela described Democracy as simply Demonstration of Craze. Looking at it critically, it makes all the sense that there is to be derived from the word. Nigerians have not only been crying from time immemorial, it is not a different scenario today as the same hands are still running the cabal. Nothing has changed, despite the ‘change’ mantrum. Here’s what he said, “Now I mentioned Democracy. In English, an English man...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Women
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 Born in 1993 in...
Canvas, Acrylic
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...
Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper
Copons LANDSCAPE OF MALLORCA original realist acrylic almond trees
By Joan Copons
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work by the Spanish artist Joan COPONS. Oil on canvas . Perfect state
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$2,400
'Massacre of Tlatelolco', Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Mexican Olympics, Rio MAM
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower center with artist monogram, 'B.S.' for Benjamin Silva (Brazilian, born 1927) and dated with roman numerals, 1968; additionally signed, verso, dated and titled. A dram...
Canvas, Oil
$1,768
The landscape.Red mountains in the style of Paul Gauguin" original painting by L
Located in Zofingen, AG
The landscape.Red mountains in the style of Paul Gauguin" original painting by Lilia Volskaya.Size:55x75 cm. Cotton canvas, mineral pigments, natural environmental paints. Painting i...
Canvas, Oil
$2,159Sale Price|50% Off
Lunch at Chez Louis
By Roland Dubuc
Located in London, GB
'Lunch at Chez Louis', oil on canvas, by Roland Dubuc (circa 1970s). The outdoor terrace at restaurants and cafés in France goes back centuries as they have always been a gathering place for intellectuals to meet and debate philosophical issues; for the Avant Garde set to display their works; for artists to compare and exchange ideas and for writers to drown their sorrows over their artistic anguish or melancholy. Even the freedom fighters of the French Revolution and later the French Resistance would meet in cafés to plot their course. Regular people of course also enjoy these venues. A very delightful feature of these French institutions is that there is always room for quiet book readers, romantic couples, business meetings and lively groups of friends sharing a bottle of wine. The artist Dubuc captures a slice of this lovely aspect of French culture in this smile-inducing depiction painted in vivid oils. With a background of greenery, the patrons enjoy the outdoors protected from the intense sun by the table's parasols. Ah, the life. The artwork is in good vintage condition, is framed and signed by the artist in the lower left hand corner. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video may be provided. About the Artist: Roland DuBuc (1924-1998), French artist, the sixth of 13 children and son of a construction worker. The very precariousness of the family's financial situation forced him to go to work at the age of 14. In extreme poverty, he moved to Rouen where he was lodged by the Salvation Army. During that time he struck up friendships with several artists who gave him advice and taught him techniques of drawing. He moved to other cities later where he met painters including, among others, Fred Pailhès...
Canvas, Oil
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Courageous Spirit
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Tunde Bakare, a visionary artist with an uncanny ability to infuse profound emotions into his works, has risen to prominence for his powerful portrayal of marginalized voices and the...
Canvas, Oil
1970’s Huge French Expressionist Green Landscape Avenue of Trees, signed oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Avenue of Trees French Expressionist School, signed front and back Dated 1974 oil on canvas, framed framed: 37 x 44 inches canvas: 32 x 39 inches private collection, France the p...
Canvas, Oil
$2,500
“Crossroads, c. 1940” WPA Polish-American Expressionist Modernist Oil Signed
By Sol Wilson
Located in Yardley, PA
“Crossroads, c. 1940” by Sol Wilson (Polish-American, 1896-1974). This expressive painting by Wilson depicts a moody village crossroads rendered with his signature textured brushwor...
Oil, Board
Bird on a branch (Cyornis rubeculoides)
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, infused with expressionism and realism, I captured the vivid essence and delicate poise of a small bird perched on a branch. The soft, blended background in gre...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Tulips Yellow 3, Expressionist Pastel on Paper, 2025
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured raw emotion into vibrant yellow tulip forms, blending oil pastel and colored pencil to create energetic motion. The expressive strokes capture a spontaneous d...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$450
Beyond The Pretty Faces 10 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative Portrait, Women
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
Gladiolus
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this energetic piece, I've unleashed a symphony of vibrant colors and passionate strokes to celebrate life's vivacity. Merging expressionism with a touch of pop art, I've used acr...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Satin Paper
Meneses coast. Marine. original watercolor paper expressionist
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Majorca II original watercolor paper expressionist painting. This Catalan painter, settled for years in Mallorca, offers a series of landscapes in which the natural is treated in th...
Watercolor
Fantasy with Flowers 66
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 ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Heart Expanding" (2025), Nude Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Kirsten Savage is one of Colorado’s top representational artists. As an avid world traveler and experienced mountaineer, Kirsten spends her time seeking out beautiful spaces where th...
Oil, Panel
A fated meeting in the rain Original impasto Miniature oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures a chance encounter on a rainy city street. The artist's skillful brushwork blends expressionism with realism, depicting a fleeting moment of conn...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard