Expressionism

Expressionism as a general term refers to art in which the image of reality is more or less heavily distorted in form and colour in order to make it expressive of the artists inner feelings or ideas about it. In expressionist art colour in particular can be highly intense and non-naturalistic, brushwork is typically free and paint application tends to be generous and highly textured. Expressionist art tends to be emotional and sometimes mystical. It can be seen as an extension of Romanticism. It then went on to create abstract expressionism.
Tate Galleries (date unknown) Tate http://www.tate.org.uk/collections/glossary/definition.jsp?entryId=48 (31/03/11)

Fig. 1. Schmidt-Rottluff, Karl (1912) Two Women [Oil on Canvas] At: http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=13179 (Acessed on 31/03/11)

Fig. 2. Kokoschka, Oskar (1910-12) Dr. Fannina W. Halle [Drawing on Paper] At:
http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=7815 (Acessed on 31/03/11)

Fig. 3. Kandinsky, Wassily (1910-11) Cossacks [Oil on canvas] At: http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=8185 (Acessed on 31/03/11)