August Strindberg (1849–1912) Sweden

August Strindberg is one of Sweden’s most famous and prominent authors and playwrights, but he was also a distinguished painter. His breakthrough as an artist came long after Strindberg was recognized as an author. He had no formal art training and his paintings are often improvised and reflect his sometimes tempestuous emotional life. Strindberg’s recurring motif is the sea, almost always stormy with wind-driven waves and dramatic skies. His artistic style is close to Impressionism and Expressionism. Nowadays, Strindberg’s paintings draw attention in both Sweden and internationally, commanding high prices. His works are represented at Nationalmuseum and the Thielska galleriet in Stockholm.