Abstract More Art
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.
1980s Abstract More Art
Bronze
1990s Abstract More Art
Ceramic
1950s Abstract More Art
Lithograph
Artist Comments
A lone tree radiates warmth in the middle of a fiery field in this vibrant fall painting by artist George Peebles. George is known for his dramatic autumn lan...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Every spring, artist Melissa Gannon looks for the first blooming roses. She paints a joyful response to the wonders of the sprin...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
20th Century Abstract More Art
Pastel
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero features two of his granddaughters in this heartwarming painting. "When the family gets together at my house, my two oldest granddaughte...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
1970s Abstract More Art
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
2010s Abstract More Art
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
"My intention is to draw the viewer into the scene and create a sense of tranquility," shares artist Nancy Jadatz. Seawater meande...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Plexiglass
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Acrylic
Artist Comments
This impressionist rendition of a narrow ravine is the first piece in artist Onelio Marrero's series that explores the terrain and geology of northwestern New...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Valerie Berkely presents a fiery sunset above thick silhouetted trees. The warm rays of the sun brighten the landscape with cooling hues of violet spreading across the forest floor. With her finger painting technique, Valerie uses transparent oils on top of gold iridescent acrylic textures creating a luminescent glow. It results in a captivating image with a gentle flow of movement.
About the Artist
Valerie Berkely uses her finger tips as brushes to create her abstract paintings. For Valerie, the art is all about the process, the paint, her mood, and the moment. She admires the artist Wolf Kahn, who once said, “the picture is the conclusion of an experiment in which the hint of an image becomes actuality." Like Kahn, Valerie’s paintings combine pictorial landscapes with painterly abstraction. The vibrant primary colors capture the hues of the sun rising and setting, and the texture of her fingers across the surface divides sea, land, and sky. There is something very dreamy about these works, exemplified by their color, texture, and atmospheric quality. Valerie’s first “art epiphany†was seeing Seurat's La Grande Jatte at the Art Institute of Chicago. “Bowled me over! I actually fell down. And I knew I was to become a painter.â€
Words that describe this painting: small, trees, sunlight, sun, sunset, oilpaint, nature, forest, impressionism, etching, impressionism, nature, oil painting, purple
Golden Glow...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Color
2010s Abstract More Art
Ceramic, Porcelain
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer came across this sunny summer moment while traveling in San Francisco. "I was drawn to the contrast be...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Gold
Artist Comments
An open porch welcomes the morning breeze and the warm sunrise. Artist Onelio Marrero recreates the setting from a bed and breakfast inn called "Angel of The Sea" in Cape May...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer paints a fine summer day in Tuscany. Figures emerge onto a sunlit alley making their way about the cit...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A small coastal farmhouse tucked into a spring landscape, nasturtiums in the foreground give way to old eucalyptus and Cypress trees in the distance. Inspired from a scene in northern California that Kip sketched in one of his notebooks nearly 25 years ago. Part of his signature series of impressionist landscapes. He captures forest scenes, marshes and prairies throughout the year, playing up the changing color palette of the seasons and the specific lighting conditions. He focuses less on specific places than the overall feeling of the scene.
About the Artist
Kip Decker boasts more than 40 years of experience with acrylic paint. His images come from places he has lived - everywhere from Arizona to Oregon to Colorado. He finds inspiration in nature and admires the work of Post Impressionist artists. He likes to think of his artwork as "lyrical expressionism." Kip currently lives across the street from a small lake where he enjoys watching the birds.
Words that describe this painting: barn, California, flowers, field, pasture, trees, impressionism, landscape, representational, acrylic painting, blue
Near Half Moon Bay...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Samuel Pretorius depicts a leisurely walk in Mariatorget Park, Stockholm, on a slow Tuesday noon. Heavy branches droop ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Early 2000s Abstract More Art
Digital Pigment, Lithograph
2010s Abstract More Art
Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper
2010s Abstract More Art
Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper
Artist Comments
A whimsical portrait of a dancer in an expressionist tutu. "I wanted to create an image coordinating the model's brilliant white cotton candy hair with her da...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero depicts two men dining al fresco at an outdoor tavern in Manhattan. He paints the piece based on his studies of the Central Park Boathouse...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
1990s Abstract More Art
Metal
Artist Comments
"Whether it's fall, winter, spring, or summer it's always time for some colorful birch!" exclaims artist Lisa Elley. Golden yellow leaves leap off the canvas ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer depicts an afternoon in Piazza, Navona, after a gentle rain. She balances the composition, drawing the viewer in as they move among th...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker pictures an abandoned barn and silo in the upstate, capturing the rustic countryside as autumn finally sets in. Wildflowers blanket the tang...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
I used my finger tips to apply many layers of translucent cool colors in oil and wax. There is a softly calm feeling to the quiet distance of the winter trees in the background while one sturdy pine comes forth. Hints of apricot and lavender glow from beneath misty layers. My choice in this color palette lends itself to any season's decor, inspired by Wolf Kahn. The edges of this piece are natural wood. This piece is wired to hang.
About the Artist
Valerie Berkely uses her finger tips as brushes to create her abstract paintings. For Valerie, the art is all about the process, the paint, her mood, and the moment. She admires the artist Wolf Kahn, who once said, “the picture is the conclusion of an experiment in which the hint of an image becomes actuality." Like Kahn, Valerie’s paintings combine pictorial landscapes with painterly abstraction. The vibrant primary colors capture the hues of the sun rising and setting, and the texture of her fingers across the surface divides sea, land, and sky. There is something very dreamy about these works, exemplified by their color, texture, and atmospheric quality. Valerie’s first “art epiphany” was seeing Seurat's La Grande Jatte at the Art Institute of Chicago. “Bowled me over! I actually fell down. And I knew I was to become a painter.”
Words that describe this painting: Impressionism, Wolf Kahn, transparent, translucent, layers, abstract landscape, oil, wax, finger painting, impressionism, landscape, representational, oil painting, purple
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Valerie Berkely offers a dreamy, light-filled atmospheric scene in soft gradient hues of purple and orange. She captures the glowing twilight with a gl...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"The inspiration for this painting came from a visit to the Rodin Museum in Paris," says artist Faye Vander Veer. "As a painter, I always get excited when I s...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A lovely group of waterlilies flourishing near a ripple of shallow water enchanted artist Onelio Marrero. He regards himself as an avid observer of nature. He...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"Year after year, I look forward to having a white Christmas," shares artist Jo Galang. "To my surprise, the first snow came on Christmas Day last year. All t...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"Fall in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is bold with brilliant yellows of the aspens," says artist Heather Foster. "These aspen trees are fascinating - they a...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Gary Leonard paints a portrait of a woman with apparel matching her ginger hair. The subject dons a peaceful and happy expression, veiled under the sha...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting was inspired by a beautiful winter scene. Western mountains spotted with evergreen trees and banks of snow depict a ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A glowing spring sunset along Highway 1 in Big Sur. "I was inspired by the bounty of California coastal wildflowers," says Kajal Zaveri. "They are a treat for...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
1990s Abstract More Art
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
Artist Comments
There is a field near artist Onelio Marrero's home that affords a spacious view of the eastern skies. Onelio often jogs along the road adjacent to this field as the sun rises. "As I passed this field on the morning of the winter solstice...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Valerie Berkely displays and abstract floral filled with small peppy blossoms. She creates a glowing background using a limited palette of transparent purples and yellows. Valerie demonstrates expressive finger painting...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero enjoys hiking the many trails near his home. This particular painting derives from one of those hikes as he explored one of several mora...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles exhibits palm trees overlooking the Caribbean. He captures the relaxed scene with an impressionist approach. Fresh blue waters drift to ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero painted this scene en plein air soon after a snow storm engulfed the woods in his area. Yellowing grass triumphantly emerges from the th...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
1970s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Resin, Vinyl
Artist Comments
Artist John Jaster paints an impressionistic view of a golden aspen forest. Tall trees painted in bold yellow, green and blue sprea...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer depicts a late afternoon at a cafe in Rome. Understanding design, value, and color harmony, Faye demonstrates these with keen attention to detail. "You first notice the waiter carefully placing crystal wine glasses on the table," shares Faye. "Then leading to the lady in blue...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist John Diehl creates a sharp diagonal division that cleaves the subject into two distinctive halves. The upper portion features a solid white trapezoid, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
