Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
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.
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor, Lithograph, Rag Paper, Emulsion
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
1960s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Pastel, Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Monotype, Archival Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
1930s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
"So... The Hard Rock Cafe is at this location, but what really makes the site so beautiful is the surrounding buildings, and in particular the massive shadow ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
1930s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika paints a glimpse of a busy cityscape during the sunset. He captures a sense of stillness and tranquility in spite of the traffic and commotion. "I was leaving a restaurant in Washington when I saw this unbelievable light, and I ran out like a madman into the middle of the street to capture the reference," says James. He executes the piece shortly after taking the picture, with the effect fully in his mind.
About the Artist
Artist James Nyika paints the glowing atmosphere of cities across the world. As a child growing up in Kenya, he found art materials at the student bookshop and also borrowed just about every art history volume from the British Council library in Nairobi. "I checked out the same books over and over just to stare at the art, to try and understand how it was created," says James. With family encouragement to study engineering, James moved to the U.S. and immersed himself in science studies at Boston University. Several years after embarking on a tech career, he set a goal...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Oil Pastel, Ink, Graphite
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Artist Comments
"Milan, the center of fashion in Europe, is a beautiful city with fantastic classical architecture, trams and people milling about attending to their work," ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Archival Paper, Pencil, Graphite
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Digital
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
1930s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper
Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika depicts a cold January afternoon before a snowstorm near the US Capitol in Washington DC. Glowing in the afternoon light, James captures th...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
During a recent plein air outing near her home, Judy saw a man walking his dog on a downtown street. The brightly colored awning and decorative lamps, combine...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mudd captures a unique perspective on one of her signature rural landscapes, representing a grand old barn from the rear of the property. She uses...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Charcoal
Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mudd demonstrates a sweeping view of Madison from the Ohio River. As part of her Marine collection, she spotlights the vi...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
"No holiday season is complete without the romantic overtures of Paris," says artist James Nyika. He displays an impressionist cityscape along a charming street of pastry and coffee shops. The iconic Cafe la Liberte...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika paints a close-up of the US Capitol with all its warmth and light. Easily identifiable, the structure's impressiv...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mudd takes inspiration from a journey through the lush countryside. She offers a captivating view of the bright field and a rural farmstead surrou...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma displays an impression of the Huayan Temple in Datong, Shanxi Province. It holds significant scientific value for ancient Chinese architectur...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Joe Giuffrida displays an impressionist view of a modern country lakehouse. He aims to capture the quiet and serenity he e...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Joe Giuffrida displays an impressionist scene of the famous Tiber River. The bend affords a beautiful view of the lovely c...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika plays with light and shadow in this impression of St. Mary's Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The sunrise orientation delivers a strong ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
"Istanbul is a city of contradiction and beauty. But nothing compares to its wonderful architecture by the water," says artist James Nyika. "The old Constanti...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
"There are many truly iconic architectural structures in Japan, and the Odaiba Bridge is one of the more memorable ones!" says artist James Nyika. "I wanted t...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
1980s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor, Laid Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Charcoal, Watercolor, Gouache
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Digital
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Permanent Marker, Color
1980s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Oil Pastel, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Late 20th Century Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar presents an old barn on top of a sloping road in rural California. As a plein air painter, she sometimes ventures out in less-than-ideal weather conditions. "The day was cold and foggy, but this made for beautiful, nuanced colors and muted tones delightfully rendered in watercolor," shares Catherine. She draws inspiration from the Swedish painter Carl...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika paints a glimpse of the Bar du Central facade bustling with patrons. He captures the famous cafe in full sunlight in the heart of Paris. "I love the cafes and bars. They are a critical part of the identity of the city," says James. He draws inspiration from these iconic locales after visiting many through the years and develops them as an integral part of his repertoire.
About the Artist
Artist James Nyika paints the glowing atmosphere of cities across the world. As a child growing up in Kenya, he found art materials at the student bookshop and also borrowed just about every art history volume from the British Council library in Nairobi. "I checked out the same books over and over just to stare at the art, to try and understand how it was created," says James. With family encouragement to study engineering, James moved to the U.S. and immersed himself in science studies at Boston University. Several years after embarking on a tech career, he set a goal to create at least one painting a week, never throwing away any works and learning as much as possible in his off hours. Today, James still balances his full-time career designing large software systems with his prolific output as a painter. "Painting is a great antidote to the regularity of a computing profession and I really value it for the uncertainty that it brings - something frowned upon when writing code."
Words that describe this painting: Paris, bar, cafe, Bar du Central, tables, restaurant, dining, facade, sunlight, awning, arch, architecture, paper, watercolor, travel, Europe...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
In an impressionistic style, artist Maurice Dionne paints a busy mall filled with pedestrians on Sparks Street in Ottawa, Canada. "During lunch, many office w...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Maurice Dionne paints an urban scene of people walking along the pavement. The piece captures the movement of the crowd of the downtown market loaded w...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
Artist Comments
"Restaurant Julii is a wonderful new fixture on the Washington, DC landscape," says artist James Nyika. "I was strolling the neighborhood and came across this...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
1940s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper
1920s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Charcoal
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Graphite
2010s Abstract Interior Drawings and Watercolors
Graphite
