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Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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.

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Style: Abstract
Period: 20th Century
Untitled Fabric Design
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Fabric Design Gouache on paper, 1920-1935 Signed with the Atelier Stamp verso (see photo) Numbered with the Atelier Litt Archive number verso (see photo) No. 05535 ...
Category

1930s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Untitled Fabric Design
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Fabric Design Gouache on paper, 1920-1930 Signed with the Atelier Stamp verso (see photo) Numbered with the Atelier Litt Archive number verso (see photo) Condition: E...
Category

1920s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Untitled Fabric Design
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Fabric Design Gouache on paper, 1920-1935 Signed with the Atelier Stamp verso (see photo) Numbered with the Atelier Litt Archive number verso (see photo) No. 37365 ...
Category

1930s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Untitled Fabric Design
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Fabric Design Gouache on paper, 1920-1935 Signed with the Atelier Stamp verso (see photo) Numbered with the Atelier Litt Archive number verso (see photo) No. 24680 Co...
Category

1930s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Untitled Fabric Design
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Fabric Design Gouache on paper, 1920-1935 Signed with the Atelier Stamp verso (see photo) Numbered with the Atelier Litt Archive number verso (see photo) Condition: E...
Category

1930s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Untitled Fabric Design
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Fabric Design Gouache on paper, 1920-1935 Signed with the Atelier Stamp verso (see photo) Numbered with the Atelier Litt Archive number verso (see photo)No. 26190 Con...
Category

1930s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Pierre Montheillet, Composition in grey, gouache and wash on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011) Composition in grey Gouache and wash on laid paper Signed "Montheillet" lower right Dimensions of the work: 24 x 32 cm Dimensions of the frame: 40 x 50...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

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

20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Blue & Yellow Abstract Watercolor
Located in Soquel, CA
Blue & yellow abstract watercolor by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). From the estate of Les Anderson in Monterey, California. Signed on verso and unframed. Image...
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Untitled, abstraction, Italian art, minimalism, landscape, 1959
Located in Milano, IT
Antonio Calderara, Untitled, 1959, Watercolor, 20 x 15.5 cm Exhibitions: Calderara, Casentini, Iacchetti, Lombardi, Painting-Perception, curated by A. Daffra, Glenda Cinquegrana Art...
Category

1950s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Gray constellation B, abstraction, Italian art, minimalism, 1974
Located in Milano, IT
Antonio Calderara, Gray Constellation B, 1974, Watercolor, 13.5 x 13.5 cm, Signed "AC" and dated on the front. Exhibitions: Calderara, Casentini, Iacchetti, Lombardi, Painting-Perce...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Green + red constellation
Located in Milano, IT
Antonio Calderara, Green + Red Constellation, 1974, Watercolor, 13.5 x 13.5 cm, Signed "AC" and dated on the front. Exhibitions: Calderara, Casentini, Iacchetti, Lombardi, Painting-...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Gray constellation A, abstraction, Italian art, minimalism 1974
Located in Milano, IT
Antonio Calderara, Gray Constellation A, 1974, Watercolor, 13.5 x 13.5 cm, Signed "AC" and dated on the front. Exhibitions: Calderara, Casentini, Iacchetti, Lombardi, Painting-Perce...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

In the square square, abstraction, Italian art, minimalism 1972
Located in Milano, IT
Antonio Calderara, In the Square Square, 1972, Watercolor on cardboard, 13.5 x 13.5 cm, Signed "AC" and dated on the front. Exhibitions: Calderara, Casentini, Iacchetti, Lombardi, P...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Manner of Markey Robinson - 20th Century Watercolour, Potato Pickers
Located in Corsham, GB
Signed illegibly to the lower left. Presented in a dark wooden frame,
Category

20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Robert Motherwell 1965 Abstract Ink
Located in San Francisco, CA
Robert Motherwell: 1915-1991. One of the most important and well listed American abstract painters of the 20th century. He has Auction records well into the millions of dollars for h...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

Unique signed pastel & graphite work Geometric Abstraction Minimalist painting
Located in New York, NY
Charles Hinman Untitled Geometric Abstraction (Hand Signed), 1980 Pastel & Graphite painting on Paper Signed and dedicated to "Michael and Rene" in graphite by the artist on the fron...
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Pencil, Graphite

Ammersee #2
Located in New York, NY
Walter Darby Bannard Ammersee #2, 1975 Watercolor and acrylic painting on paper Signed, titled and dated lower recto This is a unique work Frame included: elegantly floated and frame...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor, Graphite

Untitled
Located in Barcelona, ES
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Lithograph

Pink & Purple Abstract Watercolor
Located in Soquel, CA
Pink & purple abstract watercolor by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). From the estate of Les Anderson in Monterey, California. Sign...
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Pierre Montheillet, Composition in yellow, watercolor and gouache on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011) Composition in yellow Watercolor and gouache on paper Signed lower left Dimensions of the work: 50 x 65 cm Dimensions of the frame: 60 x 80 cm Pierre ...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

Two women dancing indoors
By Jose Caballero
Located in Genève, GE
Work on paper Golden wooden frame with glass pane 68.5 x 57.5 x 4 cm
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Modern British drawing of abstract forms by Arthur Berridge, 1950
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Arthur Berridge (British, 1902-1957) Abstract forms, circa 1950 Pastel and black crayon 13.1/4 x 17.1/2 in. (33.7 x 44.4 cm.) Born in Leicester in 1902, Berridge attended Goldsmith...
Category

20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon, Pastel

Modern British drawing of abstract with reds by Arthur Berridge, 1950
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Arthur Berridge (British, 1902-1957) Abstract with reds, circa 1950 Crayon 13.1/4 x 17.1/2 in. (33.7 x 44.4 cm.) Provenance: David Lay, Penzance Born in Leicester in 1902, Berridge...
Category

20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon

Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color - Untitled, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Untitled Signed, Dated, and Numbered 2204, 1962 Untitled Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worke...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Abstract Piece - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media Watercolor by John Bolam
Located in Watford, Hertfordshire
John Bolam was born in 1922 in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. He originally studied painting at Hornsey School of Art and furniture design at High Wycombe School of Art. He subsequently ...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor

1980s "Yellow and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Yellow and Black" 1980s 19.75"x12.5" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980's Cubist "Orange, Brown, Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Orange, Brown, Black" 1980s 11.75"x10" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Signed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980's "Mint, Orange, Yellow, Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen Mint, Orange, Yellow, Black 1980s 11.75"x10.5" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Signed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980's Cubist "Yellow, Blue, Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Yellow,Blue, Black" 1980s 12.75"x10" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980s "Rust and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Rust and Black" 1980s 18.5"x 13" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980s "Olive Green and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Olive Green and Black" 1980s 19.75"x12.5" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980's Cubist "Pink, Blue, Mint, Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen Pink, Blue, Mint, Black 1980s 12.75"x9.75" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1981 "Orange and Blue" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Orange and Blue" 1980s 11.75"x9.75" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed and dated in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

Detail Sketch from January 1986, Pure pigment collage, acrylic painting; Signed
Located in New York, NY
Robert Petersen Detail Sketch from January 1986, 1991 Pure pigment collage, acrylic painting and drawing Hand-signed by artist, Hand signed, hand initialed, annotated, dated by hand ...
Category

1990s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Graphite

Preliminary drawing for a sculpture
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Preliminary drawing for a sculpture Black crayon on paper, 1959 Signed and dated middle right (see photo) A rare 1950's AbEx drawing. Provenance: Estate of the artist Michael and Ala...
Category

1950s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon

Irene Rice Pereira Modernist Gouache Drawing Painting Abstract Expressionist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
Irene Rice Pereira, Mixed Media on Paper (American, 1902-1971) Titled "The East Wind Carries the Seed" Hand signed l.r. "I. Rice Pereira". Paper: 14.1/8"h x 18.25"w Irene Rice Pe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Abstract Expressionist Gestural Oil Pastel Drawing Women Figures Anthony Triano
Located in Surfside, FL
Anthony Thomas Triano (1928–1997) was an abstract expressionist painter, sculptor, illustrator and teacher. His works feature natural forms, especially the human form, and tend towar...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Untitled Floral Still Life
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful floral still life by American artist Jane Piper (1916-1991) . Pastel, oil crayon and pencil on tracing paper. Image measuring 13 x 15.5 inches in original frame measuring 2...
Category

1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Parchment Paper, Crayon, Pastel, Pencil

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Watercolor on paper, c. 1971 Unsigned From the collection of Ileana Sonnabend (1914-2007) Laddie John Dill, a Los Angeles artist, had his first solo exhibition in New York C...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Mixed Media, Handmade Paper, Monoprint

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Charcoal

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Lithograph

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Graphite

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Composition in Blue (mid century modern Abstract Expressionist signed/N, Unique
Located in New York, NY
Hans Hofmann Composition in Blue, 1952 Color silkscreen with unique hand painted gouache additions Hand signed and numbered 76/120 on the front in ink (each example is a unique varia...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Gouache, Screen, Graphite

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

'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 Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Abstract abstract drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract abstract drawings and watercolors 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 abstract drawings and watercolors 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 abstract drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for abstract drawings and watercolors 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 $1,502.

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