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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
Indian Contemporary Art by Sumit Mehndiratta - Blue Chess
Located in Paris, IDF
Acrylic ink on fabriano paper Sumit Mehndiratta is an Indian artist born in 1986 who lives & works in New Delhi, India. He has pursued Master of Science in International Fashion Mar...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Composition - Watercolor by G. Schneider - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is an original watercolor on paper, realized in 1963 by Gérard Ernest Schneider Hand signed and dated by the artist on lower margin. Provenance: Carlo Pellizzari Colle...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Towards the End of the Story - Ink and Watercolor Drawing - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Towards the end of the story a Contemporary artwork realized in the 1970s. Hand-signed by the artist on the lower margin. Unreadible signature. Original ink and watercolor on pape...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Ink

The Dead Tiger
Located in Fairlawn, OH
The Dead Tiger Ink and watercolor on paper, 1955 Signed and dated in ink (see photo) Condition: Aging to the entire sheet (it's 78 years old) Image/Sheet size: 18 1/4 x 23 inches On...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Jardin Sur L'eau (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Jardin Sur L'eau (Abstract painting) Collage, watercolor paper and gouache — Unframed Marie de Lignerolles is an artist, designer, illustrator an...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

The hunter - Watercolor Drawing - 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
The Hunter is an original watercolor drawing on ivory-colorated paper realized by Anonymous Artist of 20th Century. In very good conditions. Image Dimensions: 22 x 27 cm The artwor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstract Composition - Original Drawing by Loris Ferrari - 1987
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract composition is an original contemporary artwork realized by Loris Ferrari in 1987. Tempera and chalk on paper. Hand signed and dated by the artist.
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Tempera

Abstract Landscape Seascape Blue Yellow Purple Painting from British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Abstract Landscape Seascape 19 Blue Yellow Purple Painting from British Artist Margaret Francis, widow of famous Abstract Expressionist Artist, Sam Francis. Margaret Francis received her Degree in Fine Art from Winchester Art...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Canvas, Cotton Canvas

Coastal fizz, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Coastal fizz is a vibrant contemporary abstract painting, exploring the energy and dynamic movement inspired by experiences of the urban seaside and coastline. Painted freely and lay...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Sea Creatures Abstract Watercolor
Located in Soquel, CA
Vibrant and fun figurative abstract of creatures on the ocean floor by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). From the estate of Les Anderson in Monterey, California. U...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Farindola 10
Located in New York, NY
Friederike Oeser, a contemporary abstract painter, lives and works in Munich, Germany. For Oeser there is no hierarchy of visual value. It all has import—whether it be a trickle of w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Farindola 7
Located in New York, NY
Friederike Oeser, a contemporary abstract painter, lives and works in Munich, Germany. For Oeser there is no hierarchy of visual value. It all has import—whether it be a trickle of w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Farindola 4
Located in New York, NY
Friederike Oeser, a contemporary abstract painter, lives and works in Munich, Germany. For Oeser there is no hierarchy of visual value. It all has import—whether it be a trickle of w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Farindola 3
Located in New York, NY
Friederike Oeser, a contemporary abstract painter, lives and works in Munich, Germany. For Oeser there is no hierarchy of visual value. It all has import—whether it be a trickle of w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Farindola 2
Located in New York, NY
Friederike Oeser, a contemporary abstract painter, lives and works in Munich, Germany. For Oeser there is no hierarchy of visual value. It all has import—whether it be a trickle of w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Zurich at a Glance
Located in New York, NY
Friederike Oeser, a contemporary abstract painter, lives and works in Munich, Germany. For Oeser there is no hierarchy of visual value. It all has import—whether it be a trickle of w...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

'Avon Walk, no 12', mixed media , signed original painting
Located in Frome, Somerset
Avon Walk No 12, mixed media on paper. Signed original work. Painting 28 x 45cm Glazed oak frame 48cm x 65cm. Part of Gradwell's painting subjects around the River Avon in Wiltshire ...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Abstract Pink & Purple Flowers Interior Design by British Contemporary Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Painting of Abstract Red, Pink, Yellow & White Wild Flowers on a Natural Earthy Brown Background by British Contemporary Artist, Angela Wa...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Watercolor, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Cotton Canvas, Paint, Canvas

Untitled 2 - Original China Ink and Watercolor by F. Canovas - 2002
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled 02 is a superb original color China ink on paper, realized in 2002 by the French-Argentine artist Fernando Canovas (Buenos Aires, 1960). Signed by the artist on front and o...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Self Portrait, 1970's Ink Drawing by Josep Grau-Garriga
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josep Grau-Garriga, Spanish (1929 - 2011) Title: Self Portrait II Year: circa 1976 Medium: Ink on Paper Size: 28 x 24 in. (71.12 x 60.96 cm)
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

Sequencing 11 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Sequencing 11 (Abstract Painting) Acrylic on Montval paper - Unframed Martina Nehrling is an American abstract artist whose dynamic and richly textured paintings evoke kaleidoscopi...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

#5- intricate gold color 3D abstract geometric drawing with pulled paper fiber
Located in New York, NY
Finesse and delicateness are what best characterize Antonin Anzil’s artistic practice. Using a sharp tool to carefully pull the fiber of the paper from the front, the artist gives bi...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Paper

Sara Eichner, 16 Layers, 2016, Ink, Rag Paper, Pen
Located in Darien, CT
Sara Eichner wants to create a space where point of view cannot be fixed. Optical games stand in for her struggle to comprehend the complexities of seeing. Using simple drawing tools...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Rag Paper, Pen

Abstract Color Shape - Watercolor - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Color Shape is an original Contemporary artwork realized in the 1970s in Italy. Original watercolor on paper. Passepartout is included. Total dimensions: 50 x 35 cm. Imag...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Colorful Abstract Painting by Robert Kautz
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Kautz, Austrian Title: untitled Year: 2008 Medium: Acrylic and Mixed Media on Paper, signed verso Size: 23.5 in. x 19.5 in. (59.69 cm x 49....
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Watercolour squared abstract by Modern British artist Adrian Heath
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Adrian Heath (British, 1920 – 1992) Squared abstract Pencil, pastel, gouache and watercolour Signed with Initials and dated `AH 78` (lower right) 8.3/4 x 7.3/4 in. (22 x 19.5 cm) Ad...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

Abstract Mixed Media Painting by Stephen Greene
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Stephen Greene, American (1917 - 1999) Title: Untitled Year: 1986 Medium: Acrylic and Mixed Media on Paper, signed and dated l.r. Size: 40 x 30 inches
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic

Canto #22 (Abstract work on paper)
Located in London, GB
Canto #22 (Abstract work on paper) Ink, oil on paper - unframed This artwork will be shipped rolled in a dent-resistant tube. Harald Kröner works thoroughly with paper, of which h...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Oil

Colorful Abstract Watercolor
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract watercolor with bold, dynamic colors by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). From the estate of Les Anderson in Monterey, California. Unsigned and unframed. ...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Emily Berger, Garden, 2016, paper, ink
Located in Darien, CT
These paintings and drawings are based on a structure of repetitive and deliberate gesture that is intuitive but carefully considered. Emily Berger brushes, wipes, rubs, and scrapes,...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Synthetic Paper

Untitled - Original China Ink and Watercolor on Paper - 2002
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original color China ink on paper, realized in 2002 by the artist Fernando Canovas. Signed on front and on the back. In excellent condition, including a wooden frame...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Untitled, Flowers
By Charlotte Britton
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled, Flowers" is a watercolor on paper by noted California artist Charlotte Britton, American, b.1938. It is signed at the middle left side by the artist. The artw...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Accident - Acrylic on Canvas by Leo Guida - 1992
Located in Roma, IT
Accident is an original Contemporary artwork realized in 1992 by the Italian artist Leo Guida (1992 - 2017). Original Acrylic Painting on canvas. Frame is included. Total Dimensi...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

1980s "#20" Charcoal Cross Hatch Abstract Drawing Modern Art Jack Scott
Located in Arp, TX
Jack Scott "#20" 1980 Interwoven, continuous line charcoal drawing on paper 40"x30" site, black wood gallery frame float mount 42.5"x32.75" museum glass Sig...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

Abstract Mixed Media Drawing on paper by Karl Fred Dahmen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Karl Fred Dahmen Title: Untitled 2 Year: 1980 Medium: Drawing with Mixed Media on Paper, signed verso Size: 33 x 41.5 in. (83.82 x 105.41 cm)
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Laid Paper

Fragment (Abstract Expressionism painting)
Located in London, GB
Acrylic and mixed media on paper - Unframed Werfel employs expressive, lyrical gestures that create bursts of movement and energy. Her color choices create a range of tones from the...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Untitled - Drawing by Fred Bugs - 2016
Located in Roma, IT
Fred Bugs (1997) Year: 2016 Geometric art Pen ink on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pen

Bronze Life - Painting - 2020s
Located in Roma, IT
Bronze Life is an acrylic pouring painting on canvased cardboard realized by the Italian artist Amanda Ludovisi. Hand-signed on the back. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
Oil pastel on paper Original work 57 x 53 x 3 cm (framed)
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel

'Figures on Horseback', Los Angeles County Museum, Laguna Beach California
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Ben Abril' (American, 1923-1995) and painted circa 1955. Born in Los Angeles, California, Ben Abril is known for his equestrian paintings, primarily in watercol...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Laid Paper

Abstract Composition - Ink and Watercolor on Paper by Peter Dischleit - 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original mixed media drawing in ink and watercolor on paper realized by Peter Dischleit (1940-1993) in 1973. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right marg...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Homage I
Located in New York, NY
Homage I is a group of six works, framed. Size note: each framed work is H 18” x W 11” Signed en verso Albion Vu is an architect, fashion designer and an abstract painter living b...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Composition in Pink and Violet - Original Drawing - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Composition in Pink and Viola is an original painting in tempera and oil on cardboard realized by a French anonymous artist of the 20th century. Mounted on a Passepartout: 19 x 16 cm...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Tempera, Cardboard

untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Unsigned Authenticated verso by the artist's nephew, Andrew Lowe Provenance: Estate of the Artist
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel

John Weston - Framed Mid 20th Century Watercolour, Barges at Teddington Lock
Located in Corsham, GB
Original watercolour. Presented in a narrow oak frame. Signed to the lower left. Labelled verso. On watercolour paper.
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

JEAN MICHEL ATLAN - ABSTRACT - ORIGINAL DRAWING
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Original felt pens on paper Unique piece Hand signed and dated in 1957 Rare piece from the Master
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Felt Pen

Segnali - Drawing by Leo Guida - 1988
Located in Roma, IT
Segnali is an original Contemporary artwork realized in 1988 by the italian Contemporary artist Leo Guida (1992 - 2017). Original drawing in beautiful colored tempera on ivory-c...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Tempera, Cardboard

Cut-Up Paper 2007 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Cut-Up Paper 2007 (Abstract painting) Acrylic on paper - Unframed. Pedersen works with acrylic paint. When painting a composition, she tends toward a limited color palette, often ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

No sense, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor Printer ink on photographic paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Si...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Oyster, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor printer ink on photographic paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sig...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Pomegranate, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Watercolor printer ink on photographic paper :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sig...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Segnali gialli - Drawing by Leo Guida - 1988
Located in Roma, IT
Segnali gialli is an original Contemporary artwork realized in 1988 by the italian Contemporary artist Leo Guida (1992 - 2017). Original drawing in beautiful colored tempera and...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Tempera, Cardboard, Watercolor

Nell'Ovale - Artwork by Leo Guida - 1988
Located in Roma, IT
Nell'ovale is a Contemporary artwork realized in 1988 by the Italian Contemporary artist Leo Guida (1992 - 2017). Original drawing in beautiful colored tempera and watercolor on...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Tempera, Watercolor

Beyond the Visible, Original Marker Drawing by Agam
Located in Long Island City, NY
Diagonal lines in pink, pink, orange, and black make up the composition of this original drawing by Yaacov Agam. Signed above the printed text ’Agam’. Title: Beyond the Visible Medi...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Paper, Permanent Marker

Composition - Colored Pencils by Badino - 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is an original colored pencils realized by Badino in 1970s. Good condition. Hand-signed by the artist and dated on the lower right corner.
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pencil

Composition- India Ink and Watercolor by Maurizio Gracceva - 2010
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is an original artwork realized by Maurizio Gracceva (Roma, 1955) in 2010. Good condition. Hand-signed. China ink. Author of numerous philosophical and literary essay...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Abstract Composition - Drawing by Maurizio Gracceva - 2010
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original artwork realized by Maurizio Gracceva (Roma, 1955) in 2010. China ink. Good condition. Hand-signed. Author of numerous philosophical and liter...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

Composition - Ink and Watercolor by Maurizio Gracceva - 2010
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is an original artwork realized by Maurizio Gracceva (Roma, 1955) in 2010. China ink and watercolor on paper. Not signed. Excellent condition. Author of numerous phil...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

"Soft Light 09" Contemporary, colorful orange textured abstract pigment on paper
Located in Dallas, TX
Emma's artwork is inspired by the Parisian luxury world of fashion, textures and color. This lush orange and sunset hued artwork titled "Soft Light 09" works well on it's own or as a...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pigment

0118.15 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
0118.15 (Abstract Painting) Pigmented wax and ink on Shikoku paper - Unframed Working on paper has always been an important part of Tracey Adams daily practice. For almost thirty y...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Wax

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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