Exploring Expressive Realism in Painting: A Dance Between Perception and Emotion

Shaw’s Cove - oil on linen panel - 9 x 12 inches - plein air painting by Kimberly Scott

In the world of art, labels and styles often help us navigate the vast and diverse ocean of creativity. Yet, for those of us who immerse ourselves in the act of painting, these labels can sometimes feel limiting, even over-simplified. Today, I want to share some thoughts on a style that’s close to my heart—expressive realism. It’s a term that, for me, beautifully captures the balance between what we see and what we feel, a dance between perception and emotion.

At its core, expressive realism is about more than just capturing the likeness of a subject. It’s about breathing life into the canvas, infusing it with the artist’s emotional response to the world. It’s where reality meets imagination, and where the lines between them blur just enough to create something that feels both familiar and new.

When I think about expressive realism, I’m reminded of the works of artists like Andrew Wyeth, Lucian Freud, Alice Neil, and Antonio López García. And, while these artists’ works are much different than mine, they masterfully blend the precision of realism with a deeply felt emotional undercurrent. Their work often captures the subtle, sometimes haunting, beauty of ordinary moments, imbuing them with a sense of quiet intensity.

For me, painting in this style is an invitation to explore my own perceptions. I start with what’s in front of me—a landscape, a figure, a moment in time—but I allow myself to be guided by my emotions, by the colors that call to me, and by the movement of the brush across the canvas. There’s a freedom in this approach, a willingness to let go of perfection and embrace the imperfections that make a piece truly alive.

In expressive realism, the colors we choose matter. They are not merely reflective of the external world but are also a window into our inner landscape. Vibrant hues can convey joy, passion, or even turmoil, while muted tones might speak of quiet reflection or melancholy, but even this is not always true. Vibrant colors can also participate in serene moments and solitude. The interplay of light and shadow, the boldness of a line, or the softness of a curve—each element works together to tell a story that is as much about the artist as it is about the subject.

What I find most interesting about expressive realism is its ability to evoke a sense of calm and introspection while still maintaining a vibrant, energetic quality. It’s a style that invites viewers to pause, to look beyond the surface, and to connect with the piece on an emotional level. In a world that often feels rushed and superficial, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating and experiencing art that encourages us to slow down and truly see.

As artists, we are constantly evolving, experimenting, and refining our vision. Expressive realism offers a space where we can play with the boundaries of realism and abstraction, where we can honor the reality of our subjects while also giving voice to our own unique perspectives. It’s a style that allows us to be both grounded and free, to be true to what we see while also embracing the emotions that bubble beneath the surface.

In my own work, I strive to capture this balance, to create pieces that resonate with both the eye and the heart. I want my paintings to be more than just images on a canvas—I want them to be experiences, moments frozen in time that invite viewers to step into my world, to feel what I felt, and to see the world through my eyes.

Expressive realism, for me, is not just a style—it’s a way of seeing, of being present in the moment, and of expressing the full spectrum of human emotion. It’s a journey of discovery, both of the world around us and of ourselves, and I’m grateful to be on this path, sharing it with you.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of expressive realism. I hope it inspires you to look at the world a little differently, to see beyond the surface, and to find the beauty in the balance between reality and emotion.