Skip to main content

Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

ABSTRACT STYLE

Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.

Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.

Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.

Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.

Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.

Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.

155
to
439
3,250
1,858
1,079
730
2,718
2,163
480
2,216
980
1,110
550
555
Overall Height
to
Overall Width
to
7,208
6,405
2,135
609
525
498
456
381
322
221
196
77
74
252
206
155
138
118
114
73
69
57
55
55
52
40
38
37
36
36
32
28
28
4
1,396
4,013
4
13
26
43
88
213
212
212
130
84
65
64
59
58
3,373
3,096
1,800
1,261
1,070
Style: Abstract
Eggs
Located in Milano, IT
Eggs 2016 Acrilico e grafite su cartoncino CM 49x34 Con la mano e con fuoco, sul metallo. Con la mano e col pensiero sulla carta. Il disegno è inscindibile dalla scultura e non pu...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Graphite

Untitled - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva   in the 2014 Tempera on plywood Hand signed by the artist. Date, techinique and sign on the back. Author of numero...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Tempera

Tentativi - Drawing by Maurizio Gracceva - 2021
Located in Roma, IT
Tentativi is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva  in the 2021. Colored ink on paper.  Hand signed by the artist. Title, date, techinique and sign on the back. Auth...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Figure VII, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Nude figure of woman in loose, organic style. Charcoal and acrylic on archival quality 157 lb bristol paper. :: Drawing :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate o...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal

Mito
Located in Milano, IT
Mito 2015 Collage e acrilico su carta CM 70x50 Con la mano e con fuoco, sul metallo. Con la mano e col pensiero sulla carta. Il disegno è inscindibile dalla scultura e non può esse...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Glue, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Paper

Per lo più distesi - Drawing by Maurizio Gracceva - 2022
Located in Roma, IT
Per lo più distesi is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva  in the 2022. Ink on paper.  Hand signed by the artist. Title, date, techinique and sign on the back. Aut...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

ABSTRACT American Woman Abstract Non-objective Mid 20th Century Modern Drawing
Located in New York, NY
ABSTRACT American Woman Abstract Non-objective Mid 20th Century Modern Drawing Irene Rice Pereira (1902-1971) Abstract 12 x 6 1/2 inches Watercolor, gouache, and ink on black paper ...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

Quasi Fiori - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
Quasi fiori is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva   in the 2014. Colored acrylic and pastel on plywood Title, date, techinique and sign on the back. Author of nume...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Pastel, Acrylic

Clover, Black and neutral tones, graphic contemporary work on paper, black frame
Located in Dallas, TX
"Clover" is a graphic contemporary work on paper with black and muted tones. Part of Kazaan Viveiros' series titled "Passages", this artwork comes in a beautiful archival black frame...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper

Allontanamenti - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
Allontanamenti is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva  in the 2014.  Tempera on plywood.  Title, date, techinique and sign on the back. Author of numerous philosoph...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Tempera

Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series December 1973 #7580 12-7580, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

3 Sculture
Located in Milano, IT
3 Sculture 2012 Acrilico e grafite su carta CM 70x50 Con la mano e con fuoco, sul metallo. Con la mano e col pensiero sulla carta. Il disegno è inscindibile dalla scultura e non ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Graphite, Paper

Scultura elegante
Located in Milano, IT
Scultura elegante 2013 Collage e acrilico su carta CM 70x50 Con la mano e con fuoco, sul metallo. Con la mano e col pensiero sulla carta. Il disegno è inscindibile dalla scultura ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Glue, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series December 1973 #7591 12-7591, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Homage a Sam Francis, Folded Monoprint Mixed Media Splatter Painting Art Print
Located in Surfside, FL
This is a mixed media monoprint titled Homage a Sam (I first thought it was for Sam Gilliam but the artist told me it was for Sam Francis. He has done a number of these Homages as I ...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Handmade Paper, Monoprint

'Lilly in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition of 20
Located in London, GB
'Lilly in Charcoal' 2023 Abstract expressionism black and white photography of Charcoal abstract drawing and Lilly. Photograph shot using mid-century large format film camera Linhof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper

Two Metamorphosed Women with a Mythological Creature
Located in Belgrade, MT
This lithograph is part of my private collection. It is limited in edition artist signed lower right and is in very good condition. Walter Becker was a German artist. Another impress...
Category

Mid-19th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor Triomphe De Hasard Series December 1973 #7594 12-7594, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who wo...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) Watercolor, Biological Structure Series Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor, Signed and Dated. Biological Structure Series - 10-2098-G, 1962 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who ...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstracted Nude Figure Drawing, Signed Shapiro
Located in Larchmont, NY
Untitled, c. 20th Century Acrylic on paper 20 x 16 1/4 in. Matte: 24 x 20 in. Signed center: Shapiro
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Laid Paper

Nature Morte
Located in Belgrade, MT
This colorful lithograph is part of my private collection. It is a limited edition , 1 print available, signed and numbered 25/150. It is in very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

shades of silver
Located in London, GB
Painting:oil on paper Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork Painting composed of two drawings 29x41x0,1 cm each ( 90x55 cm size of composition with frames) Paintings are sold without frame...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Untitled Abstraction
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Abstrraction Gouache, watercolor and pigments on paper, c. 1960 Signed lower right in pencil (see photo) Image: 17 x 22 inches Sheet: 25 1/4 x 29 3/4 inches Frame: 25 1/4 x ...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Cteno Drawings set of ten abstract ink drawings by David Knudsvig
Located in New York, NY
David Knudsvig Cteno Drawings 1989 Set of ten ink drawings 33 x 26 in. / 83.8 x 66 cm The artist and sculptor David Knudsvig (1947-1993) was a prominent AIDS activist and was the partner of artist David Nelson...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor, Biological Structure Series Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor. Signed and Dated. Biological Structure Series 10-2098-H, 1962 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who wo...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled
By Ray Mead
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Although Ray Mead (1921-1988) was born in the UK, studied at the famed Slade School of Art, and served in the Royal Air Force during the war, his artistic career was established and ...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Graphite

Starfall. Item 6
Located in Zofingen, AG
The series of drawings is called Starfall. I was inspired by space, the starry sky, clouds and natural phenomena. I also like to play with linear rhythms and spots of color. Paintin...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color

Starfall. Item 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
The series of drawings is called Starfall. I was inspired by space, the starry sky, clouds and natural phenomena. I also like to play with linear rhythms and spots of color. Paintin...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color

William Jacobs "Untitled", original pastel on paper
Located in Glenview, IL
"Untitled" by noted Chicago painter William Jacobs (1897 - 1973) is an abstract expressionist pastel on paper created in 1969. The artwor...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel

Halloween- earth tone color circular abstract geometric watercolor drawing
By Richard Garrison
Located in New York, NY
Richard Garrison collects information from typically overlooked aspects of daily life. Observed data from places like big box stores and parking lots are systematically transformed i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite

Abstract Composition Inspired by Bach, Framed Abstract Watercolor Painting, Pink
Located in Denver, CO
Original vintage watercolor painting by twentieth century San Francisco woman artist, Hildegarde Haas (1926-2002). "Bach - English Suite No.2 in A Minor...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Starfall. Item 5
Located in Zofingen, AG
The series of drawings is called Starfall. I was inspired by space, the starry sky, clouds and natural phenomena. I also like to play with linear rhythms and spots of color. Paintin...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Digital

Asphalt Jungle, black and white, interior, crime scene, narrative
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dramatic imagery from FILM NOIR series of black and white monotypes, blending surreal mindscapes with stark realism About Tom Bennett: With quick brushstrokes, Tom Bennett creates r...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Paper, Monotype

Starfall. Item 4
Located in Zofingen, AG
The series of drawings is called Starfall. I was inspired by space, the starry sky, clouds and natural phenomena. I also like to play with linear rhythms and spots of color. Paintin...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Digital

Starfall. Item 3
Located in Zofingen, AG
The series of drawings is called Starfall. I was inspired by space, the starry sky, clouds and natural phenomena. I also like to play with linear rhythms and spots of color. Paintin...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color

Starfall. Item 1
Located in Zofingen, AG
The series of drawings is called Starfall. I was inspired by space, the starry sky, clouds and natural phenomena. I also like to play with linear rhythms and spots of color. Painting...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color

Whisper the Word watercolor on paper
By Michele Zuzalek
Located in Washington, DC
"Whisper the Word" is a delicate and evocative watercolor painting that invites viewers into a world of soft whispers and subtle emotions. The dominant colors of pink, fuchsia, and g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Ink, Watercolor, Graphite

In my garden, all hierarchies have been suppressed, Painting, Watercolor on Pape
Located in Yardley, PA
Instinctual and gestural semi abstract work. An intricate garden is sprouting without a gardener that forces plants to grow in a certain way. A colourful mess mixes color drips, brig...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Benoît Gilsoul "The Cruelties of Life", original watercolor & charcoal on paper
Located in Glenview, IL
"The Cruelties of Life (Le Cruautés de la Vie)" by Belgian artist Benoît Gilsoul an abstract watercolor and charcoal on paper representing several contorted human figures juxtaposed...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Charcoal

Monhegan Wharf, Maine Coast, Island, Harbor, Watercolor, Abstract
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Born in Czechoslovakia, Yolanda Fusco came to the United States in 1930. With a full scholarship, Fusco attended the Art Students League in New York where she studied with Vaclav Vyt...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abbe Morel, Untitled, composition in black, orange, green and plum
Located in PARIS, FR
Maurice MOREL said l’abbé Morel (1908-1991) Untitled, composition in black, orange, green and plum Mixed media on glossy paper (cut-out magazine page) Signed on reverse 23 x 10 cm So...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

Untitled
Located in New York, NY
Untitled, 1950 Ink on paper 10 1/4 x 13 3/8 in. (26 x 34 cm) Unique Signed and dated
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Untitled 7 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 7 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Untitled 8 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 8 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Cathedral Woods, Monhegan Island, Maine Coast, Yolanda Fusco, Abstract
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Born in Czechoslovakia, Yolanda Fusco came to the United States in 1930. With a full scholarship, Fusco attended the Art Students League in New York where she studied with Vaclav Vyt...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled 9 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 9 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Red Picking - abstract nature inspired minimal collage of clay on paper
Located in New York, NY
The new works of Mylinh Nguyen designed from polymer resin, bring us into a nature whose refinement commands admiration. From the physiognomy of living or extinct plant species, the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Clay, Polymer

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Biological Structure Series 10-2097 - U, 1962 Signed, dated, and numbered. Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstra...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled 10 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 10 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds,...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Gentle Current - abstract nature inspired white minimal collage of clay on paper
Located in New York, NY
The new works of Mylinh Nguyen designed from polymer resin, bring us into a nature whose refinement commands admiration. From the physiognomy of living or extinct plant species, the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Clay, Polymer

Untitled (unique) signed gouache painting (Framed) renowned Provincetown artist
Located in New York, NY
James Balla Untitled gouache painting, 1992 Mixed Media Oil on Linen Signed and dated on the front of the work; the verso of the frame bears the UFO (Albert Merola) gallery label. F...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Gouache, Pencil

FICTION NO 305
Located in New York, NY
A leader in experimental ink painting, Pan Ying was born in Beijing in 1962. Her father is the famous oil painter, Pan Shixun, while her mother is the Chinese...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series, Signed & Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Biological Structure Series 10-2098-B, 1962 Signed, dated, and numbered. Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

1990s Mixed Media "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing"
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing " 1990's Pastel, pencil charcoal on illustration board Site measures 3"x3" silver wood frame 9.75"x10.75" Unsigned came from artist's ...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Pastel, Illustration Board, Pencil

1990s Mixed Media "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing II"
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing II" 1990's Pastel, pencil charcoal on illustration board Site measures 3.5"x2.5" silver wood frame 10.5"x10.5" Unsigned came from arti...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Pastel, Illustration Board, Pencil

Dialogue
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

"Abstract Composition" Watercolor painting 10" x 14" inch by Shaker El Maadawy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Abstract Composition" Watercolor painting 10" x 14" inch by Shaker El Maadawy signed & dated Shaker El Maadawy graduated from the Faculty of Fine ...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Abstract drawings and watercolor paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract drawings and watercolor paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add drawings and watercolor paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, purple, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Martin Reyna , Mila Akopova, Jaanika Peerna, and Sumit Mehndiratta. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract drawings and watercolor paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for drawings and watercolor paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1 and tops out at $400,000, while the average work sells for $1,408.

Recently Viewed

View All