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.
$1,950
Celebration 6 - Abstract Expressionist Vibrant Blue Tone Textural Drip Painting
By Marc Raphael
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Marc Raphael's abstract expressionism paintings are influenced by New York's abstract expressionist movement. After encountering Jackson Pollock’s work for the fir...
Canvas, Acrylic
$16,000
"Liquid Sun" Large Scale Abstract Painting (pink, orange, yellow, blue, violet)
Located in New York, NY
84"x60" oil and acrylic on canvas, signed on reverse by the artist. This is a contemporary abstract painting by the New York/ Hawaiian artist, Debra Drexler. Tangerine and pale ora...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
British Peter Clough Abstract Composition Signed From Pierre Rouve s Colletion
Located in London, GB
Peter Clough (1928–1991), British An abstract composition Oil on canvas Signed bottom right 'P.C. 57' Provenance: Pierre Rouve (From the ceiling in the master bedroom, the canvas ha...
Canvas, Oil
Close to Heart 2 - Wood sculpture by Zlata Kornilova
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture Close to Heart 2 Limited edition of 12 Mediums: old pine, steel, acrylic hand painted, oil CLOSE TO HEART - Collection Working on the series I used a “wood with history”...
Steel
$1,500
Untitled (Remembered): Abstract Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel, 21st Century
By Jeremy Nichols
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original painting on panel by artist Jeremy Nichols. The piece ships ready to hang in the pictured floater frame and measures 24in height x 18in width. The artist had recently focused on mainly graphite works in this style in recent years and this piece marks an exciting transition back to including paint and color in his process. Jeremy Nichols was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1982. He spent most of his youth in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio and traveling back and forth from Tokyo, Japan. After high school, he went to the Ohio State University to study Printmaking under Charles Massey...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
In Water Already Counted (Rizq) - Painting, Oil on canvas
Located in London, GB
Shooq AlShawi In Water Already Counted (Rizq), 2025 Oil on canvas 100 x 70 cm 39 3/8 x 27 1/2 in
Canvas, Oil
"Wild at Heart", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This striking abstract floral painting by Sandy Palasti, titled Wild at Heart, channels raw emotion through bold gesture and color. A dynamic composition of layered brushstrokes in d...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,500
"May 1st", 60" x 48" Acrylic on Canvas by Nasim Nekubakht, 2024; Tans, Blues
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas work by Iranian-born, Oklahoma City-based artist Nasim Nekubakht features soft yellows and tans with pops of sage green and a stripe of light cerulea...
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,000
Thomas Nozkowski - "For Kevin", original drawing on paper, hand signed, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Thomas Nozkowski "For Kevin", original drawing Original drawing done on marker on title page of of monograph Boldly signed and inscribed "For Kevin All Best Wishes" and dated 2015 in...
Permanent Marker
Spring Sky Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 75x75 cm, 2010-
Located in London, GB
Neda Dana-Haeri Spring Sky, 2024 Oil on canvas 75 x 75 cm 29 1/2 x 29 1/2 in
Canvas, Oil
Drops sprinkling my discontinuous trip
By L.G.
Located in Paris, FR
One of a kind Blown and fused Glasswhite silver transparent and matte white and noir. Includes its black metal base ( about 32 cm X 10 cm X 18 cm ). Total weight about 20 to 25 k...
Blown Glass
$618
Statue of Liberty with Freedom Tower-original abstract NY cityscape oil painting
By Lisa Bisbee
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet ...
Canvas, Oil
$7,700
Melody of Peace, Oil and acrylic on canvas, Iranian Contemporary Painting
Located in London, GB
Firoozeh Akhlaghi 1968 - Current Melody of Peace, 2024 Oil and acrylic on canvas 170 x 170 cm 66 7/8 x 66 7/8 in
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Yasu - Burnt Wood sculpture by Zlata Kornilova
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture YASU Limited edition of 12 Mediums: burnt wood and brass Discover the stunning artistry of Zlata Kornilova with this exquisite sculpture crafted from burnt wood using the...
Steel
Un-Shore Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2022, 80 x 60 cm
Located in London, GB
Neda Dana-Haeri Un-shore, 2022 Oil on canvas 80 x 60 cm 31 1/2 x 23 5/8 in
Canvas, Oil
$3,600
follow your path - Original Abstract Blue Tone Mixed Media Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krista Reuter's contemporary paper sculpture artworks unfold like a quiet study in light, shadow, texture, and dimensional abstraction. Hand-cut and layered with meticulous precision...
Gold Leaf
Signed, Dated, Original Ed Moses Painting
By Ed Moses
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Tibbar"- A dramatic, large abstract, acrylic-on-canvas painting by important, Los Angeles artist, Ed Moses (1926-2018) whose distinguished career earned him solo exhibitions at LACM...
Canvas, Acrylic
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Sunset
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Sunset, 2018 Dry wool needle felting 48 x 32 in Edition of 3 One of Gary Goldberg’s photographs from his Finding the Universe in Oaxaca...
Textile, Felt
Winter in White - Large Original Minimalist Contemporary Abstract Painting
By Clara Berta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clara Berta’s acrylic and mixed-media paintings blend texture and color to create harmony, mystery, and depth on the painted surface. Her paintings transform spaces into Zen environm...
Canvas, Acrylic
$8,500Sale Price|22% Off
"River Ocean Lake" Contemporary Large Scale Abstract Painting, violet, orange
Located in New York, NY
A water inspired abstract painting by New York/Hawaiian artist Debra Drexler. 60"x48" signed on reverse. Lavender, plum, purple and violet colors overlap with peach light orange/pin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$10,501
A Dance for Freedom, Oil and acrylic on canvas, Iranian Contemporary Painting
Located in London, GB
Firoozeh Akhlaghi 1968 - Current A Dance for Freedom, 2024 Oil and acrylic on canvas 170 x 170 cm 66 7/8 x 66 7/8 in
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$17,168
River In The Sea-Monroe Hodder, American, Abstract, Bold, Modern, sea, Blue, Oil
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
River In The Sea is an oil on canvas painting by American artist Monroe Hodder. Hodder’s abstract paintings are gloriously bold. Inspired by the urban backdrops of her life in New Yo...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Light and Shadow, Purple and Gold, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Elizabeth Garat pictures a dramatic late afternoon sun in the summer. An impressionist landscape of California during the golden hour. Majestic purple mountains stand behind a golden glowing field. Sunlit trees shade cool lavenders in the foreground, displaying a balanced relationship between shadow and light...
Oil
Anticipation
By Richard Lytle
Located in Milford, NH
This large exceptional abstract was painted by American artist Richard Lytle (born 1935). Lytle was born in Albany, New York, studied at the Cooper Union School of Art and the Yale University School of Art, where he received a BFA and MFA. He was included in the Museum of Modern Art’s Sixteen Americans exhibition in 1959. He began teaching in 1960 at Yale, which began a forty year career as a teacher, professor, and dean. He has had numerous one-man and group exhibitions, and he received the Augustus Saint...
Canvas, Oil
Been There, Seen It, Done It. Contemporary Quilt
By Bethan Ash
Located in Brecon, Powys
Bethan Ash is a professional quilt maker and teacher with a background in Fashion design. She has exhibited widely and her work has been bought by museums in the UK and USA, includin...
Fabric
$1,275Sale Price|25% Off
Heterochromia , 80x80cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Heterochromia, 80x80 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
Denmark Hill Return, Oil on Canvas, Geometric Pattern Horizontal Painting
By Jon Probert
Located in Kingsclere, GB
Denmark Hill Return, Oil on Canvas Painting by Jon Probert B. 1966 Additional information: Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 77 x 153 cm 30 1/4 x 60 1/4 in Signed verso Having stud...
Canvas, Oil
"Time Warp" Hand Embroidery with Colored Pencil on Paper
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This fabric work titled "Time Warp" is an original artwork by Kelly Kozma made of hand embroidery, colored pencil & acrylic paint on paper. The piece measures 15”h by 15”w framed...
Thread, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Color Pencil
The Village by the Sea, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This painting was inspired by beautiful Vernazza, one of my favorite villages of Cinque Terre," shares artist Oksana Johnson. "On a bright sunny day, Vernazz...
Oil
$3,150Sale Price|25% Off
City flowers, 100x160 cm, acrylic on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
City flowers, 100x160 cm, acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Night music , 65x49cm, acrylic on paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Night music , 65x49cm, acrylic on paper
Paper, Acrylic
$2,100Sale Price|25% Off
Pandora, 98x70cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Pandora, 98x70cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
$3,150Sale Price|25% Off
Talk. 110x90cm, acrylic on canvas
By Olga Rikun
Located in Yerevan, AM
Talk. 110x90cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
Yellow Stripe/Mazes. 100x100cm, acrylic on canvas
By Olga Rikun
Located in Yerevan, AM
Yellow Stripe/Mazes. 100x100cm
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Blue-Green Oil Pastel by Paul Reed with Pops of Yellow and Red
By Paul Reed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This vibrant drawing created with oil pastels by Paul Reed presents a light, wispy composition with the deepest blues set slightly off-center left. The blotted pastels become a gradi...
Oil Pastel
REST EASY, Freestyle Resin Art, Unique Piece, handmade
Located in München, BY
Unique Piece handmade Resin and Pigments on Wood As a self-taught artist, he uses the unique expression of resin materials to create fascinating works of art. Daniel combines variou...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood
$2,900
"Island Hibiscus", Original Abstract Floral Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x30"
Located in Westport, CT
This mid-sized abstract floral painting by California artist Kristen Guest features a colorful and contrasting palette with warm reds and greens, with abstracted silhouettes of hibis...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bears + Cherries - oil painting - still life - pop art - original artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
avp_1454 - Expressive Color Drenched Abstract Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Any day now II, Freestyle Resin Art, Unique Piece, handmade
Located in München, BY
Unique Piece handmade Resin and Pigments on Wood As a self-taught artist, he uses the unique expression of resin materials to create fascinating works of art. Daniel combines variou...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood
Evening Glow, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Ocean waves crash in warm hues of red and yellow under a violet evening glow in this expressionist seascape by artist George Peebles. He conveys a calm and dr...
Oil
"Cool GIide" Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in New York, NY
48'x72" acrylic and oil on canvas, signed on reverse by the artist. This is a contemporary abstract painting by the New York/ Hawaiian artist, Debra Drexler. Hot pink, vibrant orang...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Rock Formation I" by Beth Hammack; 17" x 22" Framed Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 12" x 16" work on paper by Oklahoma-based artist Beth Hammack appropriates oil paint into a textured formation resembling a geologic formation. Hammack combines her mathematical...
Paper, Oil
A New Wind Blows - Large Tranquil Blue Abstract Painting Ready to Hang
By Julie Naima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The original artworks by Canadian artist Julie Naima feature visually appealing abstract compositions with organic shapes that evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. The harmonious interplay of a few carefully selected colors, and their varied shades, create a nuanced visual experience that is both calming and invigorating. Crafted in a contemporary and modern style, her paintings are infused with a touch of refinement and artistic flair. The use of organic shapes creates a sense of natural flow and movement, while the balanced color palette adds a level of sophistication to the overall design. This one-of-a-kind abstract painting on canvas measures 48 inches high by 72 inches wide. The sides of the artwork are painted as a continuation of the front. The painting is wired and ready to hang, making it a hassle-free addition to any wall. It's signed by the artist on both the side and back, adding an extra touch of authenticity and value. Free delivery is available for those in the local Los Angeles area. Affordable worldwide shipping is available for U.S. and international art collectors. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included with the artwork, ensuring that the piece is an authentic work of art from Julie Naima. Julie Naima is an accomplished artist originally from Montreal, Canada, who currently resides in a tranquil rural town, removed from the frenetic pace of city life. Her creative process is characterized by experimentation, having explored various techniques and media, such as fluid paints, flowy inks, epoxy resin, collage, and mixed media. However, Naima has since returned to exclusively working with acrylics on canvas, with a particular focus on color. Through this dedication, Naima has discovered that colorful abstract art, imbued with positive emotions and good intentions, is what resonates most with her. Naima's impressive body of work can be found in many private collections across Canada, Europe, Australia, and the United States, attesting to the universality of her artistic vision. Her unique use of color and form imbues her abstract works with a sense of energy and dynamism, evoking a wide range of emotions in viewers. REPRESENTATION: Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2022 ARTWRK Gallery, Canada Square Foot Show, Online 2020 Solo Show, Forena Spa, St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada Solo Show, Crystal Hotel...
Canvas, Acrylic
Birth of Venus Tapestry, Abstract Expressionist, 1990s, Unframed
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Birth of Venus. Original tapestry RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. Raventós e...
Tapestry
Desert Bloom, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A thickly textured palette knife painting of an old saguaro cactus standing against a blooming spring desert backdrop. "This painting was inspired by the incredible Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California," shares artist Lisa Elley. "It's where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts collide with amazing vistas and dazzling flowers."
About the Artist
Working almost exclusively with a palette knife, Lisa Elley maneuvers her artistic blade with an uncanny fluidity. Why paint only with the knife? She says, "when I paint with a brush, which I do occasionally, I tend to focus on the detail. With a palette knife I can't focus on the detail too much, so my paintings are looser, and more gestural, with bigger sweeps and strokes." This technique is called wet-on-wet. And it seems to be quite popular, as she has been bestowed the title "Knife Queen" by her facebook fans. Fun fact: Lisa's high school art teacher told her to study harder at math, as a career in art was "impossible."
Words that describe this painting: desert, Mojave, flowers, floral, spring, cactus, sun, mountains, sky, landscape, California, Joshua Tree, impressionism, landscape, western, representational, oil painting, purple
Desert Bloom...
Oil
My cat, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By LE ANH TUAN
Located in Yardley, PA
Introducing to you a vibrant work of art called "My Cat" - a beautiful painting created by artist Anh Tuan Le. This painting is not only a work of art, but also a unique portrait t...
Acrylic
"Kuba Cloth 3"
Located in Austin, TX
Fiber Art by Kuba Artists Fabric Size: 26 x 23 in. Frame Size: 30 x 25.5 in. Vintage, Handmade Cultural Heritage Art from Democratic Republic of the Congo. The foundation cloth is ...
Fabric
SPACES 5, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A colorful expression of the beauty, mystery and feeling of Nature as personally experienced through my life. Not sure if my work "evokes the allusion of the reflection of an emotio...
Acrylic
Nick Thomm - AFTER DARK (BLUE)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'After Dark' (Blue) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 125 Hand Signed and Numbered #106 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$2,000
'Okina 3
By Brad Brown
Located in Lyons, CO
Color monotype. The ‘okina is the Hawaiian representation of the glottal stop. It is a separation of doubles. The monotypes in the ‘Okina series are doubles; the prints are divided...
Monotype
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Isolation, 60x60cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Isolation, 2020, 60x60 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Series "Shells", 42 x 30 cm, acrylic on paper
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Series "Shells", 42 x 30 cm The work is sold without a frame and mat
Paper, Acrylic
$4,650Sale Price|25% Off
Triptych "Nostalgia for the handwritten" 100x280cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Triptych "Nostalgia for the handwritten" 100x70cm, 100x140cm, 100x70cm
Acrylic
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Series "Composition", 50 x 35 cm, acrylic on paper
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Series "Composition", 50 x 35 cm, acrylic on paper The work is sold without a frame and mat
Paper, Acrylic
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Series "Shells", 42 x 30 cm, acrylic on paper
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Series "Shells", 42 x 30 cm The work is sold without a frame and mat
Paper, Acrylic
$3,983
Love is in the Air- original impressionism cityscape painting - contemporary art
By Shazia Imran
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
The Art of Emotion, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"The Art of Emotion" is an abstract painting dominated by vibrant tones of yellow and rust, all swirling across a light blue background that serves as a canvas for a dynamic interpla...
Oil
$7,100
av_932 Large Colorful Textured Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Canvas, Acrylic
avp_1222 - Original Color Drenched Contemporary Abstract Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic