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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
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
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

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled 2
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 - Bath 3
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

Watercolor, Paper

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled 6
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

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

Spicy Tofu, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Never mess around with someone's spicy tofu. Watercolor, gouache, charcoal, and pencil on #140 lb Arches paper. This work is double-matted under TruVue Museum UV glass in a solid ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Shopping District, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
"I'm shopping around for something to do that no one will like.â€
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Thought - Myelin
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Acrylic

Roundism – 10-03-18, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Roundism – 10-03-18 The challenge was to create maximum flow but still maintain a recognizable female figure. Therefore I wanted no section crossing another in order to create a...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pencil

Bettie Page – 17-02-18, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Bettie Page – 17-02-18 Another attempt to capture the essence of American pin-up and model Bettie Page. I liked the refence picture letting her bodyscape and hair melt into the ne...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pencil

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled
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, Watercolor, Ink

Roundism – 17-03-18, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Roundism – 17-03-18 Eroticism and art is as old as the Venus of Millendorf but always has been shunned and embraced at the same time. We all love sex, eroticism, nudity and the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pencil

Dormant Sap
Located in THOMERY, FR
"Dormant Sap" portrays the essence of winter's embrace, where the tree's bare branches stand as silent sentinels against the pale backdrop of a frost-kissed landscape. Executed with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Busollow Trehyllys, Contemporary Welsh Abstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Wayne Summers uses traditional materials and marries them with contemporary motifs in his abstract pieces. This unique approach to creating modern works of art places Summers among ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Charcoal

Galaxy M51
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conce...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

K1901 / Whitewater (Abstract work on paper)
Located in London, GB
K1901 / Whitewater (Abstract work on paper) Lacquer, collage on paper - unframed This artwork will be shipped rolled in a dent-resistant tube. Harald Kröner works thoroughly with ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Lacquer

Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Space', 2003 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

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled 7
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

Quantum Entanglement
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conce...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Guided by the sand
Located in THOMERY, FR
"Guided by Sand" is an ink on thick handmade paper depicting a beach landscape and seeking to lead the viewer to happy summer memories. Ink is a formidable emotional catalyst and a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Handmade Paper, India Ink

The Mekong River : abstract work of art on paper
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

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 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
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

Contemporary 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

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

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Ink

Ecuadorian Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Black Flower 9
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 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 - 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 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

Particle Shower 1
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conce...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

White sailboats. Watercolor on paper, 29.5x41.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
White sailboats. Watercolor on paper, 29.5x41.5 cm Zigmunds Šņore was born in 1942 in Latvia. His works has been exhibited since 1969 and are held in private collections in Latvia,...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

The Nile River : abstract work of art on paper
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

Healing 3 - Blood Clot
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

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

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
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on Canson paper 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, Watercolor

1M 1 CENT POSTAGE DUE. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
1M 1 CENT POSTAGE DUE, 2023 by Rodrigo Spinel Chinese ink on Fabriano paper 250 g. Frame size: 43 cm H x 43 cm W x 3 cm D Image size: 30 cm H x 30 cm W Unique Ivory Wood Brown Fra...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink

Neige (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Neige (Abstract painting) Collage, Gouache, acrylic and oil pastel on Arches paper — Unframed Marie de Lignerolles is an artist, designer, illustrator and colourist based in France ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Gouache

Einstein's Ring I
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conce...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Poplar, Gouache

Quanta - Hydrogen Atom 2
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition of 10
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper

Sentence 1, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This abstract artwork explores the formation of complex shapes, focusing on movements and contrasts. Unique patterns emerge from the deliberate arrangement of f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

"Devotion" Abstract Painting 14" x 10" inch by Amal Nasr
Located in Culver City, CA
"Devotion" Abstract Painting 14" x 10" inch by Amal Nasr watercolor & ink on paper “New Horizon” series There is a constant quest to restore the joy of discovery and the pleasure...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Ink, Paper

Wave Function - Hyrdogen
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Cosmic Background
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pen

K1965 (Abstract work on paper)
Located in London, GB
K1965 (Abstract work on paper) Lacquer, print, punching, collage on paper - unframed Harald Kröner works thoroughly with paper, of which he is a notorious collector. Harald Kröner'...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Lacquer

K1959 (Abstract work on paper)
Located in London, GB
K1959 (Abstract work on paper) Ink on paper - unframed Harald Kröner works thoroughly with paper, of which he is a notorious collector. Harald Kröner's work is very much about perc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Thought - Myelin 2
Located in New York, NY
Jody Rasch’s work is drawn from various science practices, including astronomy, biology, and sub-atomic physics. In his subject matter and technique, Rasch builds on historical conc...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, 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

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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