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Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

MODERN STYLE

The first decades of the 20th century were a period of artistic upheaval, with modern art movements including Cubism, Surrealism, Futurism and Dadaism questioning centuries of traditional views of what art should be. Using abstraction, experimental forms and interdisciplinary techniques, painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers and performance artists all pushed the boundaries of creative expression.

Major exhibitions, like the 1913 Armory Show in New York City — also known as the “International Exhibition of Modern Art,” in which works like the radically angular Nude Descending a Staircase by Marcel Duchamp caused a sensation — challenged the perspective of viewers and critics and heralded the arrival of modern art in the United States. But the movement’s revolutionary spirit took shape in the 19th century.

The Industrial Revolution, which ushered in new technology and cultural conditions across the world, transformed art from something mostly commissioned by the wealthy or the church to work that responded to personal experiences. The Impressionist style emerged in 1860s France with artists like Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne and Edgar Degas quickly painting works that captured moments of light and urban life. Around the same time in England, the Pre-Raphaelites, like Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, borrowed from late medieval and early Renaissance art to imbue their art with symbolism and modern ideas of beauty.

Emerging from this disruption of the artistic status quo, modern art went further in rejecting conventions and embracing innovation. The bold legacy of leading modern artists Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Piet Mondrian and many others continues to inform visual culture today.

Find a collection of modern paintings, sculptures, prints and other fine art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Modern
"Sketch for the Spinner" Alexander Calder, Preliminary Drawing for Mobile
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder Preliminary drawing for the Spinner, 1966 Signed lower right Felt tip pen on paper Overall 27 x 15 1/2 inches Individual sheets 8 x 10 1/2 inches Alexander Calder ...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Felt Pen

EXPLOSION OF FLOWERS - Watercolor on paper signed Gibor, Italy 1970
Located in Napoli, IT
Watercolor on brightly colored paper, signed Gibor, with wooden frame mis.cm.h.65x56
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Composition
Located in Zug, CH
Abstract composition on paper by Karl Peter Röhl.
Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

India Ink, Watercolor

A Fabulous, 1951 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Male Portrait by Harold Haydon
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fabulous, 1951 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Male Portrait by Noted Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Artwork size: 12 x 9 1/2 inches. Artwork is unframed, matted / f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

'Cubist Still Life', Italian School (circa 1940s)
Located in London, GB
'Cubist Still Life', gouache on paper, from the Italian School of artists (circa 1940s). Surely this very attractive piece was inspired by Juan Gris (1887-1927) and Georges Braque's ...
Category

1940s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Clinton Hill, (Nude #5), 1951, drawing, figure/abstraction
Located in New York, NY
Clinton Hill (1922-2003), created quintessential mid-century images, but figures are unusual in his work. This is from a very early period. From 1949 to 1951 Hill attended the Brookl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Clinton Hill, (Nude #1), 1951, drawing, figure/abstraction
Located in New York, NY
Clinton Hill (1922-2003), created quintessential mid-century images, but figures are unusual in his work. This is from a very early period. In 1951 Hill studied at the Academie de la...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

"Through the Trees" Watercolor Mid-20th Century Modern Excellent Provenance
Located in New York, NY
"Through the Trees" Watercolor Mid-20th Century Modern Excellent Provenance Arthur Dove (1880-1946) "Through the Trees" 5 x 7 Watercolor on paper, 1938 Singed lower center Framed: 1...
Category

1930s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

EXPLOSION OF FLOWERS - Watercolor on paper signed Gibor, Italy 1970
Located in Napoli, IT
Watercolor on brightly colored paper, signed Gibor, with wooden frame mis.cm.h.65x56
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Clinton Hill, Paris, Oct., 1951 (France), mid-century abstract gouache drawing
Located in New York, NY
Clinton Hill (1922-2003), created quintessential mid-century images. He lived in SoHo, New York, and was a frequent Gallery visitor. Born in Idaho and raised on a working ranch, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Framed Early Modern Black & White Abstract Drawing Studies of Animals and Birds
Located in Houston, TX
Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...
Category

1980s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Pencil

Purple and Black Modern Gestural Abstract Ink and Watercolor Drawing
Located in Houston, TX
Modern abstract ink and watercolor drawing by Houston born artist Arthur Turner. The work features energetic black lines accented with blocks of purple. Signed and dated along the ri...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

A Fabulous, 1951 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Portrait of a Man by Harold Haydon
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fabulous, 1951 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Portrait of a Man by Noted Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Artwork Size: 12 x 9 1/2 inches. Artwork is unframed, matted ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

Alexander Calder, Handwritten, signed letter, from Sache near Tours, France
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder Handwritten, signed letter, 1956 Ink on paper: 2 page handwritten and hand signed letter Hand signed by Calder at the end of the letter on the second page. Unique 11...
Category

1950s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Paper

'Still Life with Strings', Italian School (circa 1940s)
Located in London, GB
'Still Life with Strings', ink and pencil on paper, from the Italian School of artists (circa 1940s). This gallery acquired this artwork with two similar works for which this one may...
Category

1940s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Pencil

Early Modern Black & White Abstract Study Drawing of Native American Figures
Located in Houston, TX
Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pencil

"NY Street Signs" Mid-20th Century WPA 1938 Modernist Abstract Realism Pop Art
Located in New York, NY
"NY Street Signs" Mid-20th Century WPA 1938 Modernist Abstract Realism Pop Art Stuart Davis (American, 1892-1964) "Street Signs" Modernist gouache and traces of pencil on paper in the proto-pop art style Davis is celebrated for, 1938, signed to lower right, framed. Image: 11 1/4 x 15 1/4 inches. Frame by Bark: 18 1/2 x 22 inches. LITERATURE: A, Boyajian, M. Rutkowski, Stuart Davis, A Catalogue Raisonne, Vol. 2, New Haven, Connecticut, 2007, vol. II, p. 632, no. 1232, illustrated. EXHIBITIONS: ACA Galleries, New York American Artists' Congress: Group Exhibition of Paintings and Sculpture, Dec. 3-16, 1939 (SDAB I, 12/3/39, p. 129). Outlines Gallery, Pittsburgh, Stuart Davis, Mar. 3-16, 1946. Coleman Art Gallery, Philadelphia, 5 Prodigal Sons: Former Philadelphia Artists: Ralston Crawford, Stuart Davis, Charles Demuth, Julian Levi, Charles Sheeler, Oct 4 - 30, 1947 (pamphlet), no. 12. PROVENANCE: The artist; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bowles, New York, Apr. 3, 1956; thence by descent, Private Collection, New York. NOTES: According to the Catalogue Raissonne, "the title 'Street Signs' is recorded in the artist's account books...
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1930s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache, Pencil

Horse and Tree
Located in Buffalo, NY
You are viewing a modernist American watercolor painting by Robert Noel Blair Robert Noel Blair (American, 1912-2003) was an American artist, painter, sculptor, printmaker and te...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Ink, Paper, Watercolor

Polish French Judaica Watercolor Gouache Painting Original Bauhaus Yiddish Art
Located in Surfside, FL
Moses Bahelfer BAGEL (1908-1995) Moses Bagel (born Moshe Bahelfer) was a Polish-born Jewish artist and graphic designer associated with the original Bauhaus and then the School of Pa...
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20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, ABS

Green and Purple Composition, Modern Watercolor by G Sinclair
Located in Long Island City, NY
G Sinclair - Green and Purple Composition, Year: 1969, Medium: Watercolor on Paper, signed and dated in pencil, Image Size: 12.5 x 11 inches, Size: 15.25 x 12 in. (38.74 x 30.48 ...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Framed Early Modern Black & White Abstract Surrealistic Animal Drawing Studies
Located in Houston, TX
Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pencil

'Fish, Dove and Musical Instrument', Italian School (circa 1940s)
Located in London, GB
'Fish, Dove and Musical Instrument', gouache on paper, from the Italian School of artists (circa 1940s). Surely this very attractive piece was inspired by Georges Braque (1882-1963) ...
Category

1940s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Modern Tropical Abstract -- "Spires II"
Located in Soquel, CA
Colorful abstract watercolor of imaginative shapes in a tropical setting with botanical landscape elements by Claire Wolf Krantz (American, b. 1938). Signed "Claire Wolf Krantz" lower right. Titled "Spires" lower center. Dated "11/18/77" and numbered "II" in a series lower left. Peach colored mat and bronze tone metal frame. Image, 14"H x 14"L. Kranz is an artist and art critic living in Chicago, she uses fictional and real elements in her works. She is known for mixed media works layering photograph...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Clinton Hill, Paris, July, 1951 (France), mid-century abstract gouache drawing
Located in New York, NY
Clinton Hill (1922-2003), created quintessential mid-century images. He lived in SoHo, New York, and was a frequent Gallery visitor. Born in Idaho and raised on a working ranch, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Clinton Hill, (Nude #8), 1952, drawing, figure/abstraction
Located in New York, NY
Clinton Hill (1922-2003), created quintessential mid-century images, but figures are unusual in his work. This is from a very early period. In 1951 Hill studied at the Academie de la...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Contemporary Mid Century Inspired Blue & Green Toned Neighborhood Aerial Pastel
Located in Houston, TX
Mid century inspired aerial landscape pastel drawing by contemporary artist R. Michael Wommack. The work features a birds eye view of a planned neighborhood at night with glowing swi...
Category

2010s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel

1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Floral Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Floral Abstract by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original watercolour/ gouache painting on artist paper, unframed size: 12 x 9 inches condition: very good and ready to be e...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Gouache

"I Think I Will" Modern Oval Drawing of a Nude Woman with Wings and Boots
Located in Houston, TX
Modern oval figurative drawing of a nude, tattooed woman with wings and cowboy boots by Houston, TX artist Charles Pebworth. Signed by the artist next to the figure's right hip. Hung...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Pen

Clinton Hill, Paris, Oct., 1951 (France), mid-century abstract gouache drawing
Located in New York, NY
Clinton Hill (1922-2003), created quintessential mid-century images. He lived in SoHo, New York, and was a frequent Gallery visitor. Born in Idaho and raised on a working ranch, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Skyscrapers.
Located in Storrs, CT
Skyscrapers. c. 1950. Pastel. 29 3/4 x 19 7/8 (framed 37 x 27). Provenance: The New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, Connecticut. Signed, lower right. Housed in a stunn...
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1940s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

1950s Mid Century Abstract Contour Drawing 1
Located in Arp, TX
From the estate of Jerry and Ruth Opper Abstract Expressionism Contour Drawing 1 c.1950s Ink and Pastel Contour Drawing 18" x 12", Unframed Signed in ink lo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Pastel

Blue and Red Composition, Modern Watercolor by G Sinclair
Located in Long Island City, NY
G Sinclair - Blue and Red Composition, Year: 1969, Medium: Watercolor on Paper, signed and dated in pencil, Image Size: 14 x 11 inches, Size: 15 x 12 in. (38.1 x 30.48 cm)
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

'Abstracted Figure', Sydney, Museum of Modern Art in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Bonorat' and painted circa 1980 An elegant, modernist figural painting and early work by this Sydney-based Mexican artist who studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Mexico City (1982-84) and, subsequently, at the Museum of Modern Art in Sao Paulo, Brazil (1986). STUDIES 1982-1984 Painting and Drawing Ateliers – National School of Fine Arts, Mexico City 1985-1986 Artistic Experimentation – Carrillo Hill Museum, Mexico City 1986 Metal Engraving – Museum of Modern Art Sao Paulo Brazil SOLO EXHIBITIONS 1986 Art Gallery of Santos Municipal Cultural Centre, Sao Paulo, Brazil 1988 Art Gallery of Porto Alegre Municipal centre, R.S. Brazil 1991 Gallery Casa de la Cultura, Morelia Mexico 1994 The Beatty Gallery, Sydney 1996 The Beatty Gallery, Sydney 1996 Michael Burke Gallery, Brisbane 1997 The Beatty Gallery, Sydney 2019 ‘Golden Trinity’, Thienny Lee Gallery, Sydney 2019 ‘Continuous Thread, GAFFA Gallery, Sydney GROUP EXHIBITIONS 1985 Mail Art Network Kyoto City Museum, Kyoto Japan 1987 Banespa Cultural Centre, Sao Paulo Brazil 1988 IV National Contest of Fine Arts, Cubatao Brazil 1992 NCA Gallery, Sydney 1994 The Beatty Gallery, Sydney 1994/5/6 Selected for the “Fisher’s Ghost” Art...
Category

1980s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Gouache

Vue des Invalides
Located in PARIS, FR
Watercolor on charcoal lines Signed L.V lower right Provenance: - Belgium, Private collection.
Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Golf Bags, Caddy with Golf Bag on His Back
Located in Missouri, MO
Framed Size: approx 17 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches Fred Conway (1900-1973) "Golf Bags, Caddy with Golf Bag on His Back" Pen/Ink/Watercolor on Paper Site Size: approx. 10 x 13 inches Framed Size: approx. 17 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches A member of the faculty of the Washington University Art School from 1929 to 1970, Frederick Conway...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Pen

Untitled #3
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled #3" c.1970 is a colors pastel and crayon on thick paper by American artist Jerry Opper, 1924-2014. It is hand signed in pencil at the lower right corner by the artist. The image size is 21.75 x 16.75 inches, sheet size is 24 x 19 inches. It is in excellent condition, there are pastel marks on the margin all around the artwork and also on the back, see picture #1. About the artist: Jerry Opper was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 5, 1924. He moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1933. After graduating from Hollywood High School, he worked in movie studios and attended art classes at Chouinard Art Institute. In May 1942, Opper was drafted into the army and was then able to study at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center while his outfit was stationed in Colorado. Later he was sent to Guam and was discharged in December 1945. Opper returned to Chouinard and his work in movie studios until 1947, when he moved to San Francisco. He enrolled as a full-time student at the California School of Fine Arts (now SFAI) and received his diploma in June of 1950. In 1948, Opper met his wife Gertrud Ruth Friedmann, daughter of artist Gustav Friedmann, whose works are also in the Lost Art Salon collection. It was love at first sight and a few weeks after their first encounter at the Black Cat in San Francisco's North Beach, they got married and enjoyed a passionate, life-long romance. Shortly after he finished school, Opper worked briefly as a decorator’s assistant and then started his career as a commercial artist, working for several firms such as Fibreboard, Beatrix Food and Precision. Working full-time and dedicating himself to having a rich family life occupied most of Opper's time, but he continued to be creative. He was above all a family man with the pride of having raised two exceptional daughters, Erika and Jody. Year after year, Opper would painstakingly craft their Halloween costumes...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

THE KIDNAPPING OF EUROPA
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting, executed in bright and rich shades, depicts the mythological scene of the "Abduction of Europa." The central figure is a red bull, symbolizing Zeus, who to...
Category

2010s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic

Original (unique) Self portrait drawing, hand signed ink on paper letter, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Al Hirschfeld Original (unique) Self portrait drawing, 1976 Hand signed ink drawing, on typewritten letter with envelope Hand signed in Hirschfel...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Paper

Woodland Reflection — Mid-Century Modern
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Irving Lehman, Untitled (Woodland Reflection), watercolor, c. 1955. Unsigned, with the artist's estate stamp verso: 'Original Artwork By: IRVING G. LEHMAN Russian/American 1900-1982'...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

The Sketch Class, Figurative Study Line Drawing
Located in Soquel, CA
Expressive line drawing figure study featuring a group of figures in a classroom by David Rosen (Canadian, 1912-2004). Unsigned, but was acquire...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pen, Watercolor

"People" - Mid-Century Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Black & White Drawing
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000) People, 1964 Ink and crayon on paper Signed and dated upper right 36.5 x 24 inches Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of nation...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon, Ink

Italian Modernist Abstract Drawing, Gestural Lines
By Agostino Ferrari
Located in Surfside, FL
Agostino Ferrari was born in Milan on 9 November 1938. He commenced his career as as professional artist in 1959. In 1961 he held his first one-man show at the Galleria Pater, in Mil...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Conté, Charcoal, Crayon, Mixed Media

Ca. 1950, Black & White Ink Abstraction by Notable Artist Jan Matulka
Located in Chicago, IL
A handsome ca. 1950 black & white Abstraction by important Modernist artist Jan Matulka. Image size: 6" x 6 1/2". Framed size: 12 3/4" x 12 3/4". Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia...
Category

1950s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Graphite

Abstract Composition - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is a Color Markers Drawing and Watercolour realized by Reynold Arnould (Le Havre 1919 - Paris 1980). Good condition. No signature. Reynold Arnould was born ...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Permanent Marker

1950s "Red Sun" Mid Century Abstract Art Students League NYC
Located in Arp, TX
Donald Stacy "Red Sun" c.1950s Gouache and oil pastel on paper 13.75" x 17" unframed Unsigned Came from artist's estate *Custom framing available for additional charge. Please expect framing time between 3-5 weeks. Donald Stacy (1925-2008) New Jersey Studied: Newark School of Fine Art The Art Students League...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel, Gouache

The Eiffel - Drawing in Watercolor by Yves Alix - Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
The Eiffel in Colors is an Original drawing in watercolor realized by Yves Alix (1899-1971). Hand- signed on the lower left. Good conditions.
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Abstract Landscape
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original watercolor painting by American artist Wes Olmsted depicting an abstract landscape view.
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor

Abstract Splashes of Yellow, Red, and Purple
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstracted composition by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). Unsigned, but acquired from the estate of Les Anderson in Monterey, California. Presented in a new grey...
Category

1980s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

MODERNIST DRAWING New Hope Mid-Century WPA Abstract Non-Objective Jazz Modern
Located in New York, NY
MODERNIST DRAWING New Hope Mid-Century WPA Abstract Non-Objective Jazz Modern. Signed with a "Ramstonev" stamp lower right. RAMSTONEV Cooperative Art Project (1937-1939). In the late 1930s, Charles Ramsey became close friends with Charles Evans and Louis Stone. He persuaded them to join him teaching his New Hope summer classes in non-objective painting. Soon, a history-making collaboration began. In 1937, meeting in Evans' studio at the rear of Cryer's Hardware store on Main Street in New Hope, a decision was made to establish the Co-Operative Painting Project. They were intrigued by the cooperative ad-lib process by which jazz musicians created their music. Believing this to be the quintessential American contribution to music, they theorized that a similar result might be obtainable with art, a "visual jam session." This particlarly fascinated Ramsey, who was a jazz buff and had a large collection of jazz records. The objective was to jointly collaborate in the creation of a painting as well as applying collective criticism during its creation. By creating forward movement by general consent, they believed they could produce a higher level of beauty. By consensus it was decided that subject matter would be non-objective. Up to eight people would participate and stop when the painting "felt" finished by common agreement. These co-operative works were done in several different mediums- the majority in pastel, but some in watercolor, gouache, graphite or cut paper collage. On occasion, the group would create a series, as opposed to a single work, created in steps by three or four artists. One of the occasional participants was famed New Hope poet, Stanley Kunitz. These series could range in number from four to sixteen paintings in each. The first of a series would be very basic and the last a fully finished work. In the scope of importance among the New Hope Modernist...
Category

1930s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

1950s "Sitting in Chair" Mid Century Figurative Pratt Graphic Arts Center
Located in Arp, TX
Donald Stacy "Sitting in Chair" c.1950s Gouache and oil pastel on paper 24" x 18" unframed Came from artist's estate *Custom framing available for additio...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel, Gouache

Italy Goes to War
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Provenance An American Place, New York; World House Galleries, New York, 1953; Private collection, New York; Betty Krulik Fine Art, 2007; Avery Galleries until present Exhibitions An American Place, New York, Exhibition of New Arthur G. Dove Paintings...
Category

1940s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Modern Orange, Brown, Yellow, and Black Geometric Abstract Pattern Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Modern orange, brown, yellow, and black geometric abstract composition by textile designer John Little. The work was created as a proposed design for a wallpaper and features the original color codes in the front lower left corner. Currently hung in a solid black frame with a large white margin. Dimensions Without Frame: H 35.5 in. x W 33.5 in. Artist Biography: A painter and textile designer, John Little is best known for gestural works filled with boldly explosive color that reflect the influences of his teacher Hans Hofmann and for his involvement in the Abstract Expressionist movement in East Hampton, where he moved in the late 1940s. In East Hampton Little congregated with Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and the other artists who were the leading innovators in the New York School. John Little was born in Sanford, Alabama. He left home at the age of fourteen to become an artist, and moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1923. After spending a year working as a stevedore on the docks to save money, he enrolled at the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy and developed an interest in singing. In 1927 he moved to New York City where he continued his vocal work and studied operatic literature. He also became involved in textile design, opening his own store in 1920, called John Little Studios: Fabric and Wallpaper Design. He ran the store until 1950. In 1933 John Little resumed his painting studies at the Art Students League in New York under the guidance of George Grosz (1893-1959). The following year he made his first visit to East Hampton, Long Island, which he would eventually call home. Later in the decade, he traveled to Paris where he became familiar with European modernism. On his return to America, he taught textile design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He hired Josephine Watkins to work for him; she later became his wife. Little's textile store and teaching job gave him a financial security that was rare during the Depression, and he never found it necessary to find employment with the Works Progress Administration. At the end of the decade, John Little studied with Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) in New York and Provincetown. Little was greatly influenced by Hofmann, particularly by his views on color theory. In 1942 John Little joined the Navy as an aerial photographer. In the late 1940s he purchased a rundown house on Three Mile Harbor...
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Harbor Party, Modern Gouache by John von Wicht
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harbor Party by John von Wicht, German (1888–1970) Date: circa 1965 Gouache and Pastel on Japon, signed in pencil lower right Size: 15.5 x 23 in. (39.37 x 58.42 cm) Frame Size: 22 x ...
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache, Oil Pastel

Abstract Composition - Marker Drawing By Reynold Arnould - 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is a Black Marker Drawing realized by Reynold Arnould (Le Havre 1919 - Parigi 1980). Good condition on a sheet of a notebook No signature. Reynold Arnould w...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Permanent Marker

Geode, Modern Watercolor and Ink on Paper by G Sinclair
Located in Long Island City, NY
G Sinclair - Geode, Year: 1969, Medium: Watercolor and Ink on Paper, signed and dated in pencil, Size: 15.5 x 12 in. (39.37 x 30.48 cm)
Category

1960s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Figure - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Figure is a Watercolour artwork realized by Reynold Arnould (Le Havre 1919 - Paris 1980). Good condition on white paper. No Signature. Reynold Arnould was born in Le Havre, Fra...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Permanent Marker

Biomorphic Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Flowing, organic abstract by Unger (20th Century). Several biomorphic shapes are flowing around each other, rendered in high-contrast shading. Signed and dated "Unger, 1975" on vers...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Postcard

Untitled #5
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled #5" c.1970 is a colors pastel and crayon on thick paper by American artist Jerry Opper, 1924-2014. It is hand signed in pencil at the lower right corner by the artist. The image size is 22 x 17 inches, sheet size is 24 x 19 inches. It is in excellent condition, there are pastel marks on the margin all around the artwork and also on the back, see picture #1. About the artist: Jerry Opper was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 5, 1924. He moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1933. After graduating from Hollywood High School, he worked in movie studios and attended art classes at Chouinard Art Institute. In May 1942, Opper was drafted into the army and was then able to study at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center while his outfit was stationed in Colorado. Later he was sent to Guam and was discharged in December 1945. Opper returned to Chouinard and his work in movie studios until 1947, when he moved to San Francisco. He enrolled as a full-time student at the California School of Fine Arts (now SFAI) and received his diploma in June of 1950. In 1948, Opper met his wife Gertrud Ruth Friedmann, daughter of artist Gustav Friedmann, whose works are also in the Lost Art Salon collection. It was love at first sight and a few weeks after their first encounter at the Black Cat in San Francisco's North Beach, they got married and enjoyed a passionate, life-long romance. Shortly after he finished school, Opper worked briefly as a decorator’s assistant and then started his career as a commercial artist, working for several firms such as Fibreboard, Beatrix Food and Precision. Working full-time and dedicating himself to having a rich family life occupied most of Opper's time, but he continued to be creative. He was above all a family man with the pride of having raised two exceptional daughters, Erika and Jody. Year after year, Opper would painstakingly craft their Halloween costumes...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

Rainstorm Sunset
Located in Buffalo, NY
You are viewing a modernist American watercolor painting by Robert Noel Blair. Robert Noel Blair (American, 1912-2003) was an American artist, painter, sculptor, printmaker and te...
Category

Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Connecticut Summer Fragments
By Lee Hall
Located in New York, NY
Lee Hall (1934-), Connecticut Summer Fragments, a portfolio of watercolor, 29 in all, each about 5 ¼ x 7 ¼ inches, on hand made paper attached to a backing, i...
Category

1970s Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Modern Light Blue, Brown, and Black Geometric Abstract Circle Pattern Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Modern light blue, brown, and black geometric abstract circle pattern painting by textile designer John Little. The work was created as a proposed design for a wallpaper and features the original color codes in the front lower left corner. Currently hung in a solid black frame with a large white margin. Dimensions Without Frame: H 32.75 in. x W 35.63 in. Artist Biography: A painter and textile designer, John Little is best known for gestural works filled with boldly explosive color that reflect the influences of his teacher Hans Hofmann and for his involvement in the Abstract Expressionist movement in East Hampton, where he moved in the late 1940s. In East Hampton Little congregated with Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and the other artists who were the leading innovators in the New York School. John Little was born in Sanford, Alabama. He left home at the age of fourteen to become an artist, and moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1923. After spending a year working as a stevedore on the docks to save money, he enrolled at the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy and developed an interest in singing. In 1927 he moved to New York City where he continued his vocal work and studied operatic literature. He also became involved in textile design, opening his own store in 1920, called John Little Studios: Fabric and Wallpaper Design. He ran the store until 1950. In 1933 John Little resumed his painting studies at the Art Students League in New York under the guidance of George Grosz (1893-1959). The following year he made his first visit to East Hampton, Long Island, which he would eventually call home. Later in the decade, he traveled to Paris where he became familiar with European modernism. On his return to America, he taught textile design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He hired Josephine Watkins to work for him; she later became his wife. Little's textile store and teaching job gave him a financial security that was rare during the Depression, and he never found it necessary to find employment with the Works Progress Administration. At the end of the decade, John Little studied with Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) in New York and Provincetown. Little was greatly influenced by Hofmann, particularly by his views on color theory. In 1942 John Little joined the Navy as an aerial photographer. In the late 1940s he purchased a rundown house on Three Mile Harbor...
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Modern abstract drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Modern 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 orange, blue, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Sylvia Spicuzza, Moses Bagel Bahelfer, Abraham Walkowitz, and Benoît Gilsoul. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Watercolor and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Modern abstract drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 3.55 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 $260,743, while the average work sells for $950.

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