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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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Abstract
Tropical Migration
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mixed Media Collage UV Ink on Brushed Silver Aluminum folded into a 2 inch deep rectangle panel Thomas’s professional photo career began at the age of seventeen with extensive appre...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

"Structures D10" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

"Structures D06" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

"Structures D09" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

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...
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Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

"Structures D02" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

"Structures D05" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Untitled II - abstract painting, made in black, grey color
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. The work was done with india ink in black and grey color on Yupo paper. The work is 11 by 14 inches in size, framed with a styrene face on a mat board in w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink

"Structures D01" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

"Structures D03" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Parchment Paper, Crayon, Pastel, Pencil

Octopus In Its Own Ink
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mixed Media Collage Pigment Ink on Cotton Mounted Birch Board , Encaustic Beeswax Finish. Thomas’s professional photo career began at the age of seventeen with extensive apprentices...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Wine Bottle, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
-Painted on artist-quality acid-free 140 lb. watercolor paper. -Professional quality artists with watercolor paints. (Sennelier) -Acid-Free paper. -Size: 11" x 14" -Signature on ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Emotion - abstract painting, made in black, pink, grey color
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. The work was done with india ink in black and grey color on Yupo paper. The work is 11 by 14 inches in size, framed with a styrene face on a mat board in w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

Samurai Zero
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mixed Media Collage, Pigment Ink on Cotton Mounted on a Luan Panel , Encaustic Beeswax Finish. Thomas’s professional photo career began at the age of seventeen with extensive appren...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

4th Horse At Fukushima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mixed Media Collage, Pigment Ink on Cotton Mounted Birch Board , Encaustic Beeswax Finish. Thomas’s professional photo career began at the age of seventeen with extensive apprentice...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Ad Vitum Aeternam
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mixed Media Collage Pigment Ink on Cotton Mounted Birch Board , Encaustic Beeswax Finish. Thomas’s professional photo career began at the age of seventeen with extensive apprentices...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Clover, Black and neutral tones, graphic contemporary work on paper, black frame
Located in Dallas, TX
"Clover" is a graphic contemporary work on paper with black and muted tones. Part of Kazaan Viveiros' series titled "Passages", this artwork comes in a beautiful archival black frame...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper

Figure VII, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Nude figure of woman in loose, organic style. Charcoal and acrylic on archival quality 157 lb bristol paper. :: Drawing :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate o...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal

Two Metamorphosed Women with a Mythological Creature
Located in Belgrade, MT
This lithograph is part of my private collection. It is limited in edition artist signed lower right and is in very good condition. Walter Becker was a German artist. Another impress...
Category

Mid-19th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series December 1973 #7580 12-7580, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Handmade Paper, Monoprint

Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Triomphe De Hasard Series December 1973 #7591 12-7591, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

The Mississippi River
Located in New York, NY
A collage by New York artist Miranda Maher. Made with Ink, Indian marble paper and Japanese Chiyogami paper on handmade Japanese paper. Miranda Maher’s ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Whisper the Word watercolor on paper
By Michele Zuzalek
Located in Washington, DC
"Whisper the Word" is a delicate and evocative watercolor painting that invites viewers into a world of soft whispers and subtle emotions. The dominant colors of pink, fuchsia, and g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Ink, Watercolor, Graphite

Halloween- earth tone color circular abstract geometric watercolor drawing
By Richard Garrison
Located in New York, NY
Richard Garrison collects information from typically overlooked aspects of daily life. Observed data from places like big box stores and parking lots are systematically transformed i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite

FICTION NO 305
Located in New York, NY
A leader in experimental ink painting, Pan Ying was born in Beijing in 1962. Her father is the famous oil painter, Pan Shixun, while her mother is the Chinese...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Red Picking - abstract nature inspired minimal collage of clay on paper
Located in New York, NY
The new works of Mylinh Nguyen designed from polymer resin, bring us into a nature whose refinement commands admiration. From the physiognomy of living or extinct plant species, the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Clay, Polymer

Gentle Current - abstract nature inspired white minimal collage of clay on paper
Located in New York, NY
The new works of Mylinh Nguyen designed from polymer resin, bring us into a nature whose refinement commands admiration. From the physiognomy of living or extinct plant species, the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Clay, Polymer

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Biological Structure Series 10-2097 - U, 1962 Signed, dated, and numbered. Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstra...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled (unique) signed gouache painting (Framed) renowned Provincetown artist
Located in New York, NY
James Balla Untitled gouache painting, 1992 Mixed Media Oil on Linen Signed and dated on the front of the work; the verso of the frame bears the UFO (Albert Merola) gallery label. F...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Gouache, Pencil

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series, Signed & Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Biological Structure Series 10-2098-B, 1962 Signed, dated, and numbered. Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Abstraction (No. 6)
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare black & white drawing from a woman artist, Lois Field, that studied at the New Bauhaus in Chicago. Framed to 9" x 11". In 1923, Lois Field was born as Lois Hossfield in Berw...
Category

1940s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

1990s Mixed Media "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing"
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing " 1990's Pastel, pencil charcoal on illustration board Site measures 3"x3" silver wood frame 9.75"x10.75" Unsigned came from artist's ...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Pastel, Illustration Board, Pencil

1990s Mixed Media "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing II"
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing II" 1990's Pastel, pencil charcoal on illustration board Site measures 3.5"x2.5" silver wood frame 10.5"x10.5" Unsigned came from arti...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Pastel, Illustration Board, Pencil

Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art
Located in New York, NY
Taro Yamamoto Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, ca. 1957 Watercolor wash, drips & splatter on rice paper Pencil signed on the front 12 × 16 inches Unframed Mid century mod...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Rice Paper, Pencil

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled molded mud-dried paper with collage elements, 1996 Signed and dated lower edge (see photo) Annotated and titled verso Sheet size: 24 x 7 inches Provenance: Ralph Drake, fir...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Vintage Abstracted Expressionist Figurative Ink Drawing -- "How I REALLY Feel"
Located in Soquel, CA
Vintage Abstracted Expressionist Figurative Ink Drawing -- "How I REALLY Feel" Wonderful and evocative abstract expressionist ink drawing of a off-center standing male with slap-das...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink

Aubrey Penny Ink and Watercolor Drawing with Hidden Faces. Untitled, Unsigned.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Ink and Watercolor Drawing with Hidden Faces. Untitled, Unsigned. 1970's Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor Untitled - Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color Signed & Dated 1962. Framed and matted this painting would look great in any room. Aubrey Penny Water Color Untitled #2081, 1962 Untitled Aub...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Gouache, Screen, Graphite

Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Biological Structure Series - Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Water Color -Signed and Dated Biological Structure Series 10-2098 F, 1962 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in ...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Circles) Graphite on wove paper, 2007 Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the Artist Condition: Excellent Sheet/Image size: 16 15/16 x 14 inches Peter Marks (1935 -2010) Pete...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Graphite

Untitled (Inspired by a Chinese scroll painting)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Inspired by a Chinese scroll painting) Collage with ink on 6 paper elements Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the Artist Condition: Excellent Image size: 4 x 12 inches Support...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing Signed and Dated 1973
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing and Dated October 1973. Aubrey Penny Triomphe De Hasard Series #7574 10-7574, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative Calif...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Paper, Permanent Marker

Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing Signed and Dated 1973
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing and Dated October 1973. Aubrey Penny Triomphe De Hasard Series #7573 10-7573, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative Calif...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Permanent Marker

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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