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
427
3,250
1,857
1,079
730
2,717
2,163
480
2,215
980
1,110
550
555
Overall Height
to
Overall Width
to
7,195
6,364
5,412
2,132
606
524
498
457
381
322
222
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
4,012
4
13
26
43
88
213
212
212
130
84
65
64
59
58
3,372
3,095
1,800
1,261
1,069
Style: Abstract
'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition 2 of 10
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023
From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash. The charc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art
Located in New York, NY
Taro Yamamoto
Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, ca. 1957
Watercolor wash, drips & splatter on rice paper
Pencil signed on the front
12 × 16 inches
Unframed
Mid century mod...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor, Rice Paper, Pencil
Unbearable Lightness I, Original art, Oil pastel on paper, Landscape, Abstract
Located in Deddington, GB
Unbearable Lightness I by Richard Whadcock is a beautiful misty landscape depicting a golden translucent sky, brown translucent trees and a hint of orangy rust trees, giving the pain...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Oil Pastel
Composition in green and yellow, watercolor and gouache on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011)
Composition in green and yellow
Watercolor and gouache on paper
Signed lower left
Dimensions of the work: 50 x 65 cm
Dimensions of the frame: 60 x 80 c...
Category
1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor, Gouache
'Sunset Landscape', Hamburg, Rivne, Volhynia, Rivne Museum
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'G. Kosmiadi' for Georg Kosmiadi (Ukranian-German, 1886-1967) and dated, '66'; additionally signed verso, 'Georg Kosmiadi', inscribed with serial number and dated, '20/9/66'.
Georg Kosmiadi was a resident of Rivne before moving to Hamburg in 1940 where he worked as an art teacher. Kosmiadi exhibited at the Rivne Regional Museum and a regional art...
Category
1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Gouache
Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor Untitled - Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color
Signed & Dated 1962.
Framed and matted this painting would look great in any room.
Aubrey Penny Water Color Untitled
#2081, 1962 Untitled
Aub...
Category
1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
"Burst of Creativity"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period.
While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers whic...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Aubrey Penny Ink and Watercolor Drawing with Hidden Faces. Untitled, Unsigned.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Ink and Watercolor Drawing with Hidden Faces.
Untitled, Unsigned. 1970's
Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category
1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Ballpoint Pen
Mid Century Modern East Bay Abstracted Landscape
By Erle Loran
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic abstracted geometric landscape drawing of the East Bay California landscape by Erle Loran (American, 1905-1999), circa 1950. From a collection of esta...
Category
1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Laid Paper, Charcoal
Bursts of Harmony
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
Vintage Abstracted Expressionist Figurative Ink Drawing -- "How I REALLY Feel"
Located in Soquel, CA
Vintage Abstracted Expressionist Figurative Ink Drawing -- "How I REALLY Feel"
Wonderful and evocative abstract expressionist ink drawing of a off-center standing male with slap-das...
Category
1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, India Ink
Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Biological Structure Series - Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Water Color -Signed and Dated
Biological Structure Series 10-2098 F, 1962
Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in ...
Category
1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Where My Love Is, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
By Gesa Reuter
Located in Yardley, PA
An abstract contemporary mixed media watercolor on canvas. This painting shows lots of thin colorful layers, giving it a dreamy but powerful atmosphere. The colors are partly handmix...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
"The Vividness of Colors"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period.
While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers whic...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
"Summer table"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period.
While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers whic...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Fragments
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
"Summer bouquets and summer fruits"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period.
While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers and ...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Acrylic
Blue Addiction, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
By Gesa Reuter
Located in Yardley, PA
One of my new mixed watercolor paintings, done at the Baltic Sea, where we had a lot of changing lights, water, wind, clouds... This painting shows lots of thin shadowy layers, gi...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Untitled
By Peter Marks
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Circles)
Graphite on wove paper, 2007
Unsigned
Provenance: Estate of the Artist
Condition: Excellent
Sheet/Image size: 16 15/16 x 14 inches
Peter Marks (1935 -2010)
Pete...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Graphite
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing Signed and Dated 1973
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing and Dated October 1973.
Aubrey Penny Triomphe De Hasard Series
#7574 10-7574, 1973
Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative Calif...
Category
1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Archival Paper, Permanent Marker
The Art of Poetry
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
Playful Spirit. Fresh imprint of the impulse, Abstraction by Sve Gri
Located in Zofingen, AG
Shipping in a tube rolled.
This drawing is a fresh imprint of the impulse of the liveliness of the present moment. It is done on white watercolor paper using ink and two pastels.
Wh...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Oil Pastel, Ink, Graphite
Stormy Times, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
By Gesa Reuter
Located in Yardley, PA
One of my mixed ink and watercolor paintings done in the colors of Ukraine that I see everywhere now. The times are rough and demanding for us all with democracy being threatened, a ...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Power
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
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing Signed and Dated 1973
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing and Dated October 1973.
Aubrey Penny Triomphe De Hasard Series
#7573
10-7573, 1973
Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative Calif...
Category
1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Permanent Marker
Bursts of Creativity
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
Interconnections - colorful, contemporary, geometric abstract, paper collage
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This bold contemporary composition by Yvonne Lammerich is an intriguing exploration of colour and form. Origami-like folded shapes inter-connected by fine lines dance across this col...
Category
1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Gouache, Color Pencil
"Water lilies"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In my art practice I love to use bright colors which boldly contrast with complementary colors so I could get unusual original compositions and structures.
The objective of this ar...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Untitled (Inspired by a Chinese scroll painting)
By Peter Marks
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Inspired by a Chinese scroll painting)
Collage with ink on 6 paper elements
Unsigned
Provenance: Estate of the Artist
Condition: Excellent
Image size: 4 x 12 inches
Support...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Ink
Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color.
Signed and Dated
Biological Structure Series 16-2098-E, 1962
Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist wh...
Category
1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Abstract Exploration
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
Acrylic, Paper
"Delicious fruits"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period.
While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer fruits which are full...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Sculpture', c. 2000 by David Ruth
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
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Space', 2022 by David Ruth
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
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
"Vibrant bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period.
While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers whic...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Untitled, 1980, gouache on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Andrée HONOREE (1945-1992)
Untitled, 1980
Gouache on paper
Signed and dated "1980" lower center
43 x 31.5 cm
Born in 1945 in Tourcoing, Andrée Honoré is one of the women sculptors w...
Category
1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Gouache
Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 by David Ruth
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
Untitled t-nail drawing, unique geometric abstraction hand signed framed
By James Siena
Located in New York, NY
James Siena
Untitled t-nail drawing (reference: two against two), 1999
Graphite on paper
Pencil signed, titled, annotated and dated on the reverse of the sheet (see photos)
also penc...
Category
1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Graphite, Pencil
'Beyond your brilliant mind’, watercolour, abstract philosophical quote
Located in Lahti, FI
Original artwork, watercolour and pencil on paper by the multifaceted Finnish artist and holistic interior architect Emmi Granlund, also known as EMMI IIDA for her music with healing...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
"Magic summer"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In my art practice I love to use bright colors which boldly contrast with complementary colors so I could get unusual original compositions and structures.
The objective of this ar...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Abstract Expressionist British Original Watercolor Painting Shapes Patterns
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition (c.2022)
by Robert Somerton, British, born 1972.
ink/ watercolor on art paper, unframed
size: 12.5 x 9.5 inches
condition: excellent
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Ink, Watercolor
Spring Rain, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
By Emily Redd
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor on paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Loc...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Abstract Expressionist British Original Watercolor Painting Shapes Patterns
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition (c.2022)
by Robert Somerton, British, born 1972.
ink/ watercolor on art paper, unframed
size: 9.5 x 12.5 inches
condition: excellent
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Ink, Watercolor
"Stripe Drawing #15" Contemporary Original Abstract Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
My drawings and paintings are an examination of three major elements - color, surface and mark making. These nonrepresentational pieces give me the freedom to concentrate on and inve...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Oil Pastel
Untitled-019 gouache and pencil by Vaclav Vytlacil
Located in Hudson, NY
Delightful petite abstract work by American abstract artist Vaclav Vytlacil.
About this artist: Born in 1892 to Czechoslovakian parents in New York, Vaclav Vytlacil and his parents ...
Category
1930s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Gouache, Cardboard, Pencil
Mixed Media and Watercolor Painting -- Untitled
Located in Troy, NY
This watercolor is a wonderful example of of an abstract southwestern landscape. The colors used in this piece evoke the warmth of the desert it depicts, consisting of a wide range o...
Category
1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Pastel, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Sumac, colorful Abstract Impressionist landscape gouache
Located in New York, NY
Sandy Litchfield found peace and inspiration in regular solitary walks through nature throughout the pandemic. Her most recent body of work diaristically documents her constitutional...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Gouache
'Recognise the emotion’, watercolour, abstract philosophical quote
Located in Lahti, FI
Original artwork, watercolour and pencil on paper by the multifaceted Finnish artist and holistic interior architect Emmi Granlund, also known as EMMI IIDA for her music with healing...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
"Woman sleeping on couch"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This painting dedicated to "Women" series is a special one since it is all about my strong deep personal transformation as an artist. This transformation was based on the expansion ...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
’Your purpose is revealed’, watercolour, elegant, abstract philosophical quote
Located in Lahti, FI
Original artwork, watercolour and pencil on paper by the multifaceted Finnish artist and holistic interior architect Emmi Granlund, also known as EMMI IIDA for her music with healing...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor, Pencil, Paper
Fire not lost, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
By Emily Redd
Located in Yardley, PA
Charcoal on paper, matte fix :: Drawing :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signa...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Charcoal
Cliffs, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
By Emily Redd
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor on paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Loc...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Corridor, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
By Emily Redd
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor on paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Loc...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Untitled 3 22, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
By Emily Redd
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor on paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Loc...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
’A child can teach you everything’, watercolour, abstract philosophical quote
Located in Lahti, FI
Original artwork, watercolour and pencil on paper by the multifaceted Finnish artist and holistic interior architect Emmi Granlund, also known as EMMI IIDA for her music with healing...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Untitled-052 mixed media on paper by John Von Wicht
Located in Hudson, NY
This abstract artwork is one of a group of over 100 pieces personally selected by the artist, and gifted to a close personal friend in 1969. Please note that this painting was never ...
Category
1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Paper, Mixed Media
Abstract Expressionist British Original Watercolor Painting Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition (c.2022)
by Robert Somerton, British, born 1972.
ink/ watercolor on art paper, unframed
size: 9.5 x 12.5 inches
condition: excellent
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
Ink, Watercolor
Invincible, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
By Emily Redd
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor on paper. Apologies about the 2nd photo, the image is correct on my end, but there aren't any options to rotate after uploading. Please contact me if other images are nee...
Category
2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Materials
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 AllMore Ways To Browse
Japanese Watercolor Panel
Bath Poster
Palm Tree Watercolor
Dior Top Mens
Gay Vintage Drawings
Thousand Of Nights
Basquiat Green
Russian Interior Watercolors
New Zealand Watercolor
Santa Fe Chairs
Bennett Tom
Antique Watercolour Box
Antique Watercolour Boxes
Antique Watercolor Boxes
Antique Watercolor Box
Antique Watercolour Box Boxes
Antique Watercolor Box Boxes
Joan Miro Watercolor