Expressionist Art and Paintings for Sale

Expressionism and Abstract Expressionism are two art movements that tell stories of human emotions and psyche. Both strayed from realism and prioritized subjectivity above all else.
Expressionism emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. The rise of psychoanalysis influenced artists to explore psychological realities and subjective experiences in their art. Two groups from Dresden and Munich defined the style of Expressionist art. Die Brücke (The Bridge), led by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, expressed emotional sensitivity to German society at the time. These artists primarily painted human figures. They used intense colors, distorted forms, and exaggerated lines to convey intense and often dark themes, such as anger, alienation, and sadness. Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Horse), founded by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, focused on the spiritual. They leaned toward a more lyrical aesthetic with organic shapes and softer edges, mostly depicting animals and nature. Caught between the political conflicts of the time period, these two groups disbanded; however, their philosophies became a cornerstone of Abstract Expressionism.
Abstract Expressionism took root in New York in the 1940s. It drew from Expressionist ideas but abandoned recognizable forms entirely. Artists used gestural marking and non-objective imagery to express emotions and explore the unconscious mind. Two main approaches defined the style: action painting and color field painting. Action painting involves expressive paint handling. Like Jackson Pollock’s technique of pouring and flicking paint, the composition emerges from the artist’s physical movements rather than a conceptualized design. Color field painters like Mark Rothko focused on large areas of flat, solid color. By the 1950s, Abstract Expressionism lost dominance as Pop Art emerged.

Expressionist artwork embodies the depth and complexity of human emotions. Choosing the right piece for your space can create an atmosphere that captures your personality and feelings.
Dark and moody compositions convey deep emotions, while vibrant and busy paintings evoke curiosity. Paintings like these are ideal for workspaces as they inspire reflection and creativity.
Animal paintings exude innocence and a connection to nature. These kinds of artworks make spaces feel alive and display well in communal areas like living rooms and hallways.
Emotionally charged portrait paintings convey passion, while dreamy seascapes exude a calming presence. Both types of work go well in bedrooms as they foster love and relaxation.
Whether it is a traditional acrylic and oil painting or a print on paper, select an expressionist artwork that reflects who you are.

Ronald Lauder is a businessman, philanthropist, and renowned art collector. Born in New York City to Joseph and Estée Lauder, founders of the famous Estée Lauder cosmetics company, Ronald and his brother grew up exposed to art and refined aesthetics.
At the age of 14, two notable events sparked Lauder’s journey into collecting art. Both involved Expressionist paintings. His first art acquisition was an Egon Schiele watercolor painting purchased with his allowance. The same year, he saw Gustav Klimt’s Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907) for the first time. Lauder found the painting captivating and made it a point to visit it whenever he was in Vienna.
Studying at the University of Paris and the University of Brussels deepened Lauder’s fascination with European art. His diplomatic role as the U.S. Ambassador to Austria also strengthened his interest in Austrian and German art.
In 2006, after almost five decades of admiring the Adele Bloch-Bauer I painting, he seized on an opportunity to buy the piece. He paid $136 million, setting a new record as the most expensive painting ever purchased. The dramatic history of the artwork and its acquisition inspired several books and movies.
In 2001, Lauder co-founded the Neue Galerie in New York to share his collection with the public. His prized Klimt and other important Expressionist works hang on the walls.