I can't say I have a favorite, but I like passionate paintings - things that show a lot of emotion and make me wonder why they seem to be feeling the way they do.  Then, I usually end up creating an imaginary story to go along with the painting lol - silly but fun 

 

JustWandering, you might enjoy looking at John Singer Sargent's "El Jaleo". It is the original painting upon which the painting in your post is based. (it's in Google images but I'm too technically illiterate with my mac to figure out how to copy it sans mouse and right clicking).

My favorite artists: Richard Diebenkorn, Robert Motherwell, Francis Bacon, Marsden Hartley, Matisse, Andre Derain, Modigliani some. The first four have excellent senses of balance of objects, that's why I like them. Matisse, well, there's a lot to like but I especially like his use of black outlines and pallet knife brushstrokes. Derain, I enjoy his exuberance. Modigliani, the faces say so much, it's a commentary. Bacon's just a nut & he's saying what we all know to be true. Hartley's colors are so vibrant and manly.

JerseyCity, thanks for the suggestion. That one is beautiful :-)

My favourite artist is Gustav Klimt, I love how hw has his own, unmistable style. I also thought it was clever how he painted people naked and then painted the clothes...as if he was dressing them. And I'm also a fan of Alphonse Mucha's work. I like the whole Art Nouveau theme, so beautiful.
I also like Gillian Wearing's work. It's always thought provoking and a huge reason why I'm an admirer of her work is because she's often misunderstood. I like people who challenge our perception of human beings...but that seems to offend most people...hence why she is misunderstood.

Paul Gauguin's work appeals to me the most. The richness of all the colors is just breathtaking... it's like seeing the world through special glasses that make everything more saturated. His ability to compose landscapes so that they are unusual and immediately of interest is fantastic! I feel that he must have been as much of a naturalist as me because I really sense his connection with the natural world in the work. He sees more than just what is before him... more than the average person. It pulls me right in every time.