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.
Andean Rocks Original Oil Painting on Canvas, Abstract Contemporary Art, 31 x 31
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Andean rocks — Original Oil Painting Contemporary abstract artwork by Luis Xiua, composed of geometric forms, overlapping planes, and a palette of greens, turquoise, black, red, blue...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,200
"A Day in Giverny - Monet Lily Pads" Impressionistic Oil Painting Canvas Framed
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
This painting depicts an impressionistic scene of Monet's Lily Pond in Giverny, a poetic piece with beautiful details. The work reminds us of Claude Monet, with impressions captured ...
Oil, Canvas
Lost and Found - Large Scale Colorful Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reconnecting with her parent's native language, Khoury incorporates elements of Arabic writing that give it its charm. Although nothing is explicitly written, she emphasizes the curv...
Spray Paint, Pastel, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Canvas
Abstract Head in Profile
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Edwin Kosarek (b.1929). Abstract Head in Profile, 1953. Oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. Signed and dated on verso. As found condition. The piece would b...
Oil, Canvas
Enchanted - Joy-bringers in Pink, Acrylic Abstract Painting, 61x91 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Joy-bringers in Pink - Floral Meadow Flowers Soft Abstract Invest Nature Joy Stillness In this vibrant acrylic painting, I've poured my passion for the abstrac...
Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
"Artist Pallet " Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel in Shadow Box Frame
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
"Artist Pallet" is an oil on wood board painting inspired by use of the artist pallet. With layers of bright oils, whisking brush strokes, and mixed paint, Shaoul captures a love st...
Oil, Wood Panel
#116, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
蘭 Orchids in Purple Mists-hand painted Limited Edition #5 of 10-British Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This is a rare hand-painted Limited Edition by contemporary artist Shizico Yi, hand painted on a Giclee deluxe matte-finish giclée aluminium panel. Each edition is 90% hand-painted w...
Metal
$18,000
Memory Wall #12 : Maximalist Multicolored Abstract Color Field Painting w/ Wax
Located in Hudson, NY
Large, brightly saturated red color field abstract geometric painting in various shades of bright green, blue, purple and deep red. "Memory Wall #12" made by Hudson Valley artist, Vi...
Plaster, Wax, Acrylic, Panel, Pigment
Spontaneous Abstract Landscape Painting in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in London, London
extra large scale abstract painting artist: Katarina joys 110x210cm abstract painting, landscape, The item is located in central London, United Kingdom. The painting will be shippe...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Just After Sunset
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
Just After Sunset Oil on canvas Artwork size: 110 × 110 cm Framed size: 112 × 112 cm The artwork is sold framed in a natural oak floating frame, creating an elegant “floating” effec...
Oil, Linen
Lavender Horizons
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
Lavender Distances From the “Mists” series Oil on canvas The artwork is sold unframed and unstretched. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a protective tube. Lavender Dista...
Canvas, Oil
$8,000
Cerulean Blue extra large abstract cloud landscape painting original artwork
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Australian coast with "Everything Everywhere All at Once: Cerulean Blue." This captivating acrylic on canvas painting is a masterfu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Eternal Abstract Expressionist Painting, XXL Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
Located in London, London
full size 211x159cm stretched size 200xx150cmx10cm All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. unframed, shipped rolled XXL, Extra-large painting, large painting, ab...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$5,617
Contrechant, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting by Sophie Dumont, 2026
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Contrechant is an original contemporary abstract painting by French artist Sophie Dumont. The composition develops like a musical dialogue between shapes, colors and rhythms. A swee...
Canvas, Oil
Passion Space: Hand-Signed Acrylic & Oil Abstract Painting, 212x202cm
Located in London, London
212x202cm full size 202 x190cm stetched qith 5cm strecher acrylic, oil on canvas one-of-a-kind hand signed certificate of authenticity The canvas will be shipped rolled, without...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Soft Surrender: Original Impressionism Floral Painting, Iris, Daisies, Light
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Soft Surrender Flowers Landscape Unique Original Painting Peace Kindness Abundance This is a one-of-a-kind artwork by the established contemporary artist, Karnish. "Soft Su...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Musica, Contemporary Large Abstract Geometric Oil Paint
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Musica (2026) is a contemporary geometric abstract painting in which the silhouette of a double bass becomes the foundation of a complex visual construction. Its ivory body, dark nec...
Canvas, Oil
"umbrella girl series" Gold Edition No.19 , Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A solitary female figure beneath an umbrella emerges from a deeply textured dark blue surface. Rich golden accents define the figure and umbrella, creating a striking contrast with t...
Clay, Acrylic
Light Breaking West, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Clouds fill the bright turquoise sky. The land below shifts between green, olive, ochre, and orange, suggesting a grassland. Thick impasto strokes give texture ...
Oil
Coastal Equilibrium: Abstract Expressionist Oil and Acrylic Painting
Located in London, London
All the custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Turquoise, beige, red, lines, blue, fluid, movement. Abstract expressionist painting, large-scale contemporary art...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Equivalence, Abstract Geometric, Contemporary Framed by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Equivalence (2026) is a small-format geometric abstraction by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont. Curved forms and rectangular structures interlock within a compact composition...
Oil
$8,200
Deconstructing Dystopia - Large Neutral Tone Original Abstract Expressive Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The original paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with accessibility. His expressive abstract artwork "Deconstructing Dystopia" brings together fragmented fi...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
HandPainted Limited Edition-Framed-Strawberry Moon Field-Awarded British Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Limited Edition is hand-painted and framed, ready to hang and highly collectibles for its unique and premium quality. It is made on a premium metal/aluminium panel. All its gold...
Metal, Gold Leaf
$2,106
Snow. Abstract Winter Landscape, Contemporary, Textured Art, Mixed Media
Located in Oslo, NO
"Snow" is an atmospheric abstract landscape from the "Golden Series" by Swiss artist Anna Shesterikova. Combinations of acrylic, natural stone, sand, structural acrylic paste and epo...
Canvas, Epoxy Resin, Acrylic
Exodo 2, Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed 31 x 30 Inches
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
*Exodo 2* es una pintura al óleo abstracta original sobre lienzo del artista colombiano Luis Xiua que presenta un paisaje simbólico compuesto por campos saturados de rojo, naranja, t...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Golden Hour in Napa - Large Scale Abstract Expressive Landscape Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with accessibility. Rubenstein’s original art merges the creative attitudes of New York and Los Angeles, combining s...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Attraction, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Oil Painting, 2026
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Attraction (2026) is a large-scale oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, part of her ongoing exploration of geometric abstraction and interior architecture. Buil...
Oil
$436
HandPainted Artist's Proof-Strawberry Moon Field-Awarded British Artist-GoldLeaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This stunning hand-painted Artist Proof ( the last Proof available, the No 2 of Two) is made on a premium metal/aluminium panel. All the gold-leaf and gesso back ground are hand-pain...
Metal, Gold Leaf
$7,550
Burning Memories - Large Scale Contemporary Warm Tone Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Oil
Emanation Abstract Expressionist Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, XXL Size
Located in London, London
Cobalt Blue, Blue, yellow, green, flowers, nature, beige, pink, red, golden, ochre, XXL size, extra large abstract painting, large scale, design artwork. Artist: Katarina Joys Tit...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
The Doubt" Oil Painting on Canvas, Abstract Landscape, Signed, 30x36
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
An oil painting on canvas depicting a magical Andean being—an *Apu*—integrated into an abstract landscape composed of planes of color. The work is organized into distinct areas that ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$2,165
Ce qui affleure, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Linen, 2026
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Ce qui affleure is an original geometric abstract oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, created in 2026. Structured around a carefully balanced arrangement of cu...
Oil
Original Set of 2-Le Bleu: Rosaria-British Awarded Artist-Impasto, Gold Leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Set of 2 Oil impasto and Goldleaf on oil Papers, included 2 paintings: Night Roses-Rosarian Series Rosarian, 2026 (After Van Gogh) This pair is a part of Le Bleu Series by Award...
Gold Leaf
"Daydreaming 1", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
Light-filled and lyrical, this original floral abstract "Daydreaming 1" by Sandy Palasti captures the fleeting beauty of blossoms suspended between memory and imagination. Layers of ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Soft Resonance Large-Scale Contemporary Abstraction
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
Soft Resonance speaks not through bold statements, but through quiet whispers. Translucent layers of color, rich textures, and delicate traces of movement create a contemplative atmo...
Oil, Canvas
Évidence – Contemporary Geometric Abstract Oil Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Built upon a carefully structured geometric framework, the composition explores the relationship between proportion, balance and intuition. Curves, arcs, vertical divisions and rectangular planes intersect within a construction whose underlying order is deliberately discreet. The painting was developed from principles related to the golden ratio, yet this mathematical foundation never dominates the work: it remains almost invisible, allowing the composition to appear instinctive and naturally balanced. A restrained yet warm palette combines terracotta, deep red, muted blue, olive green, ochre, soft pink, ivory and near-black. These colours are layered and worked to create variations in density and surface, preventing the geometric forms from becoming rigid or purely graphic. The small divided circle near the centre acts as a subtle point of tension, while the larger curved structures generate movement throughout the composition. Areas of visible texture, scraping and irregularity retain the physical presence of the painter's hand. Unframed: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6 × 23.6 in Framed: 67 × 67 cm / 26.4 × 26.4 in About the artist Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter based in Normandy. Her work explores the relationship between structure, colour, matter and memory. Known initially for her distinctive paintings of libraries...
Oil
$7,820
The Big Lebowski - Colorful Abstract Expressive Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'The Big Lebowski' features whimsical details and vibr...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$948
Composition - Contemporary Italian Geometric Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A beautiful small scale contemporary Italian oil on canvas depicting a geometric abstract composition, by Massimo Salvadori. Excellent quality work that is presented in a painted woo...
Oil
$2,600
Under - Original Impasto Thick Paint Beige Red Pink Textural Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,170
Le Penseur Gris, Contemporary French Geometric Abstract Figurative Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Le Penseur Gris, Contemporary French Geometric Abstract Figurative Oil Painting 1stDibs Description Le Penseur Gris is an original oil painting on linen canvas by French contempora...
Oil
$6,099Sale Price|34% Off
Eternal Abstract Expressionist Painting, XXL Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
Located in London, London
full size 211x159cm stretched size 200xx150cmx10cm All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. unframed, shipped rolled XXL, Extra-large painting, large painting, ab...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,107Sale Price|25% Off
Original Set of 9 Garden Story-Le Bleu-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf on Oil
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This rare offer, Set of 9 latest collection of Garden Story in gold leaf and oil on oil paper board are a part of Le Bleu Series by award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She crea...
Gold Leaf
Original-Peony Summer-Impasto-British Awarded Artist-Oil, Goldleaf-plein air
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Oil impasto and Goldleaf on Paper, named Peony Summer, is a part of Summer Bloom Series by Award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the painting in her garden paint...
Gold Leaf
$1,500
"Dream of Monet Lilly Pads" Colorful Impressionistic Oil Painting on Wood Framed
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
This painting depicts an impressionistic scene of Monet's home Lily Pond in Giverny, a poetic piece with beautiful details. The work reminds us of Claude Monet, with impressions capt...
Oil, Wood Panel
$1,100Sale Price|42% Off
Simple Life (Gestural, Still Life, Warm, Soft, Summer, Vibrant, +40% OFF)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Katherine Bello Simple Life (Gestural Abstract, Still Life, Warm, Soft, Summer, Vibrant) Oil and Oil Stick on Canvas 2021 Size: 20 x 20 x 1.5 inches (50.8 × 50.8 × 3.8 cm) Signed, da...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
Surreal White Deer and Red Anthurium Oil and Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Surreal white deer, red anthurium and animal bones emerge within a colorful oil and acrylic painting on canvas structured through gradients and fragmented forms. Originally titled W...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Le bleu des terres, Contemporary Abstract Landscape, Oil painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Le Bleu des Terres is an original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont. Inspired by the landscapes of the Normandy coastline, this abstract composition evokes th...
Oil
$414Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Peony Summer-Green-Awarded Woman Artist-Oil, Gesso on paper-Impasto
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Oil on Paper, named Peony Summer in Green is a part of Summer Bloom Series by Award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the painting in her garden painted plein air ...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$3,500
Cosmic Soup - Large Scale Abstract Colorful Expressionist 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
Original Set of 3-Primary Colour series-Awarded artist-gold leaf with oil
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Shizico Yi's "Primary Series" is a series where she explores the relationship between colours and emotion, particularly the colour yellow ( using gold leaf as the chosen material for...
Gold Leaf
L’Entente Tacite, Original Oil Painting, Geometric Abstraction
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
L’Entente Tacite (Tacit Understanding) is a 2026 original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont. At the boundary between geometric abstraction and latent figurati...
Oil
The Guardians of Delight - Maximalism Abstract Painting, Unique, Extra Large
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
The Guardians of Delight is a large contemporary painting that explores the emotional terrain of abundance, freedom and the journey of life. Created with vibrant acrylics, charcoal...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Recueillement, Large Geometric Abstract Oil Painting, 2026
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Recueillement is a large contemporary geometric abstract oil painting by French artist Sophie Dumont, exploring architecture, silence and human presence. The composition is structur...
Oil
$1,590
Placidity l by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spa...
Acrylic
$1,500
Abstract Shapes of School of Fish, Seascape Diptych in Vivid Tones, Organic 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Chromatic Shoal 9 & 10 Medium: Acrylic Paint on Watercolor Paper Size: 80x120 cm total ( 31.5x47.3 inches), each panel measures 80x60cm (31.5x24 inches) Year: 202...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
$3,200
Subtle Mark - Modern Original Impasto Thick Paint Textural Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Acrylic
$468
"Summer Flora" Contemporary abstract expressionist floral acrylic painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Summer Flora" is a lively floral painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot. In this piece, she captures the feeling of a summer bouquet in full bloom, using color and movement to ...
Paper, Acrylic
Large French Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Bright Orange and Pastel Colour
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large French Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Bright Orange and Pastel Colours Composition by Marie Deloume (French, born 1942) signed verso French abstract expressionist oil pain...
Oil, Canvas
Path of Memories
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work explores memory as a path shaped not only by events, but also by people, encounters, and inner transformation. It speaks about how, when we look back, we begin to see a com...
Canvas, Acrylic