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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.

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Style: Abstract
Fire not lost, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
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

Spring Rain, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
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

Invincible, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
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

Corridor, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
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

Cliffs, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
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

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

Bricks, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
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
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 2 22, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
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

Chroma VII - Claw, Painting, Watercolor on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
2022 / 16 x 20 / Metallic watercolor and pen on black Canson illustration board Abstract metallic bubbles form a composition derived from dream state, representative of a hybrid b...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled 4 by RJ Raizk, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
RJ's process consists of applications in the form of repetitive and free flowing strokes to create works that are complex structurally but rhythmic visually. Much can be interpreted ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Entity (9) by RJ Raizk, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
RJ's process consists of applications in the form of repetitive and free flowing strokes to create works that are complex structurally but rhythmic visually. Much can be interpreted ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Entity (10) by RJ Raizk, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
RJ's process consists of applications in the form of repetitive and free flowing strokes to create works that are complex structurally but rhythmic visually. Much can be interpreted ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper

St. Cirque Madelon, 1958
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon CHURCH COURT, ST. CIRQUE MADELON 1958 Gouache on paper 57 x 45 cm. Signed and dated: lower left "Quirijn van Tiel 58" Provenance: collec...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Peinzende vrouw
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon WOMAN ON RIVER 1951 Gouache on paper 41,5 x 59 cm. Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn van Tiel 51’ Provenance: Private collection, T...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Twee haantjes
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon Two birds 1966 Gouache on paper 39,5 x 48 cm. Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn 66’ Provenance: Private collection, the Netherlands...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Landschap
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon LANDSCAPE 1956 Gouache on paper 46,5 x 37 cm. Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn 56’ Provenance: Private collection, The Netherlands...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Bird
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon HAAN 1947 Gouache on paper 55 x 33 cm. Signed: lower right Provenance: Private collection, the Netherlands: collection P.A. Regnault ...
Category

1940s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Dorpsgezicht
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon DORPSGEZICHT 1953 Gouache on paper 42 x 60 cm. Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn 53’ Provenance: Private collection, The Netherland...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstraction (maroon)
Located in Provincetown, MA
Agnes Weinrich was born in Burlington, Iowa in 1873. She studied with French Cubist Albert Gleizes in Berlin, Paris, and Rome, and with Charles Webster Hawthorne and Blanche Lazzell ...
Category

Early 20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon

Joshua Tree
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon, Watercolor

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil, Oil Crayon

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Acrylic

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Speak to Me, 2023, abstract, colorful, watercolor and acrylic on paper
Located in New York, NY
Sarah Brenneman is an American artist based in West Orange, New Jersey working primarily in painting. Her overarching interest lies in abstraction as a universal language and she wor...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

Whirlwind
Located in New York, NY
Whirlwind, 1989 Graphite on paper 11 x 8-1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm) Signed and titled, lower margin At the heart of Bousfield's work lies a lyrical celebration of color and tactile se...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Maker’s Prayer
Located in New York, NY
Maker’s Prayer, 1986 Ballpoint pen on paper 11 x 8-1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm) Signed, titled, and dated, lower margin At the heart of Bousfield's work lies a lyrical celebration of co...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ballpoint Pen

The Giver, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu Watercolor, gouache, charcoal, and pencil on #140 lb ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 8
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 7
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 6
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 5
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 4
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 3
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 2
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image to the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled 5
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor, ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled 4
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor, ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled 3
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor, ink on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Nebula
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Bath 4
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Bath 2
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on Canson paper 300 g. Doïna Vieru is an Ecuadorian-Moldavian artist born in 1978 who lives & works in France, Paris. She always preferred pas/pas/passionately the image ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Abstract drawings and watercolor paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

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

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