What is an Expressionist Painting? A Look at the Artist's Work
Ane Howard @ The International Art Museum of America July 2021. Photo credit Peter Lyons.
Art can come in many forms, but few convey emotions as powerfully as an expressionist painting does. Inspired by raw emotions rather than just physical depictions, Ane Howard’s original artworks are a perfect example of modern expressionism in the art community. Below we’ll be sharing the main characteristics of this heartfelt creative movement. Read on to find out exactly what an expressionist art style is.
What Are The Defining Characteristics Of An Expressionist Painting?
Expressionism is an art style that focuses on capturing emotions and feelings above all else. An expressionist painting may have a clear location or subject, but it will be a secondary detail to the general ambiance of the piece. Artists that follow the expressionism style apply vivid colors and bold strokes to exaggerate their emotions and feelings.
An expressionist painting isn’t just a portrayal of the outside world; it’s a deeply personal creation that comes from within the artist. Someone admiring an expressionist painting will immediately notice the artist’s sense of self within the image. This style of art influences admirers to question their relationship with nature, their bodies, and their spirits.
Some classic expressionist painters include Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh, and Wassily Kandinsky. These iconic artists paved the way for modern expressionist artists like Ane Howard. You can see similar artistic elements throughout Ane’s paintings, characterizing her work as expressionist.
An elongated silhouette, distorted slopes, vibrant shades of yellow and blue evoke a sense of mystery and grandeur in Ane Howard’s Man Walking Away from the Golden Gate Bridge expressionist oil painting.
Swirls of coral and cerulean blue are contrasted with sharp black and white strokes in the remarkable Weeping Gaia mixed media oil painting. Strategic shadowing gives Gaia’s image a poignant expression of melancholy.
Intense hues of yellow and red stand out against a stark black background in the impassioned Koi On Fire oil painting. Profound swirled brushstrokes take the eyes and the soul on a mystical journey that stirs a connection with nature.
A Brief History of Expressionism
This visceral art form is a European modernist movement from the early 20th century. A wave of expressionist painters emerged across the continent as a response to the idyllic nature of Impressionism and the bourgeoisie. While Impressionist artists created idealistic reinterpretations of their surroundings, Expressionist artists portrayed their vulnerability and innermost sensations in their works.
Expressionism was considered a revolutionary movement at the time of its inception. After centuries of realistic or idealized art movements, expressionism was a way of perceiving the world on a more spiritual level. It instilled a sense of authentic creativity within artists which continues to this day. An expressionist painting will always come from the soul.
Add a compelling display of emotions to your art collection with an Ane Howard expressionist painting. Contact the artist to find the perfect piece for your home today!
