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.
$6,200
Jade Echo - Abstract Atmospheric Green Tone Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
$6,000
Winterlight - large horizintal ethereal abstract winter landscape painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Winterlight" is a large horizontal abstract winter landscape, a dedication to the soft, yet bright light of winter. The refection of ice and glaciers, the movement of wind, the dan...
Canvas, Oil
$3,500
Peace - Colorful Organic Shapes Meditative Abstract Mixed Media Art on Canvas
By Jason DeMeo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...
Gold Leaf
Sculptural folds N2. Pearl
Located in Zofingen, AG
This sculptural artwork, created with clay on an MDF panel and finished with acrylic paint, explores the beauty of folds as an independent artistic form. Flowing curves and deep dra...
Clay, Acrylic
$525Sale Price|25% Off
Bright Blue Day No2, Impressionistic Abstract Landscape, 60 x 74 CM
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Bright Blue Day NO2. An impressionistic abstract view of a beautiful wind-swept day on the Australian coast. Soft, white fluffy clouds over deep blue oceans. Thick detailed brush str...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,690
Calm cascade 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
Large French 20th Century Abstract Expression Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Marie Deloume (French born 1942) signed oil painting on paper stuck on canvas, unframed canvas size: 20 x 24 inches condition: overall very good...
Canvas, Paper, Oil
Figuración abstracta - Óleo sobre tela - Enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra va firmada por el autor en la parte inferior con uno de sus pseudónimos que utilizaba "A. Basté" Se presenta enmarcada Buen estado de conservación el de la pintura Medidas...
Oil
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Sultry Summer White extra large abstract ocean landscape painting original
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of "Sultry Summer White," a captivating large-scale painting. The artist masterfully employs a minimalist abstract approach, translating the haz...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ruz Vertical Blue Black Interior Landscapes - Abstract Acrylic on canvas
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same sense that Julius Bissier referred to some of th...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,191Sale Price|35% Off
Haiku
Located in London, London
acrylic, oil on canvas one-of-a-kind The canvas will be shipped rolled without stretcher bars inspired by Anastasia Aureum's painting "Love" all customs charges are included ...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,100Sale Price|25% Off
Blue oceanscape minimalist abstract painting ocean clear sky light blue waters
Located in COOMERA, QLD
"Still Blue Waters" This piece speaks to the soul's longing for peace and the ever-present dialogue between the earth, sky, and ocean. It will infuse any home with a sense of calm ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,996Sale Price|56% 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
Autumn Ascension, Large 100 x 160 Signed Oil on Canvas Abstract
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Autumn Ascension" is a large horizontal abstract atmospheric landscape, with the dramatic, subtle rare light of an autumn sky, full of color yet muted, delicate, a soft symphony. Ma...
Oil
Still Summer
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
A summer place, reconstructed from fragments — water, architecture, colour, two empty chairs. Nothing quite follows the logic of a real location, yet everything feels strangely fami...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Original Abstract Painting Serg Graff "Butterfly Madness " Surreal Fantasy, COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
“Butterfly Madness” is an original 2026 painting by contemporary artist Serg Graff, bursting with color, humor, movement, and an extraordinary collection of imaginary characters. Th...
Acrylic
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
Flower Field I - Large Scale Colorful Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Khoury's art is characterized by her masterful use of vivid fluorescent colors, dark tones, and high-contrast compositions that are both striking and visually compelling. She employs...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$22,777
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY. Original work The Currency Project. Dots. Colors
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY: 6274. NOBODY SHOULD HEAR IT Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Edition: 5.149 unique works on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 cm Conditi...
Enamel
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
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
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
Abstract Sea, One-of-a-Kind 110 x 82 Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. oil on canvas one-of-a-kind unique artwork hand painted The canvas will be shipped rolled without stretcher bars 110x8...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
$2,847
Where Wonder Remains. Large Abstract Expressionist Painting, Soft Pastel Palette
Located in Oslo, NO
Tatiana said following about this artwork. "I created Where Wonder Remains as a reflection on the part of us that remains connected to childhood, dreams, imagination, and the simple...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Dreaming Abstract Painting, Large Square Canvas, Original
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Dreaming A large square canvas abstract expressionist painting from Magical and Mystical Collection, Ethereal abstracts delicately layered in soft hues, inviting contemplation and e...
Acrylic, Canvas
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
"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
The Thread Between Us Gaetan de Seguin - Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Abstract Composition, "Nocturnal", Signed Oil on Canvas
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
Abstract Composition, "Nattligt" (Nocturnal) possibly from Blidö, Swedish island in the archipelago. Oil on canvas laid on panel, signed with monogram lower centre "UW". The present...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
Abstraction 200.220-2 16 by Nicolas Galtier - Large Gold Leaf Painting, Abstract
Located in Paris, FR
Abstraction 200.220-2 16 is a painting by French artist Nicolas Galtier. The artist uses a mixed technique combining pigments, binders, glues and various metal powders and sheets. Th...
Linen, Mixed Media
'Abstract Composition' by Pierre-Yves Beltran
Located in London, GB
'Abstract Composition', oil on board, by Pierre-Yves Beltran (1984). A dense, richly textured abstract composition rendered in a palette of deep blues, emerald greens, and earthy bro...
Oil, Board
$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
$5,990
Underwater 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 spac...
Acrylic
Quiet Structure, 2026 Mix Media on Canvas, Vintage frame.
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Quiet Structure, 2026 Mixed Media on Canvas, Framed A contemplative mixed-media work by Murray Duncan exploring the relationship between line, shape, space and surface. Set agains...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
"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
Pianissimo, Music-Inspired Geometric Abstract Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Pianissimo is an original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, who lives and works in Normandy. Part of her Architectures intérieures series, it explores the rel...
Oil
Dream, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Metallic gold paint creates the illusion of glitter and shimmering reflections in this abstract composition. Turquoise accents add contrast to the dominant warm...
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
$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
1990s Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media Painting, Original Signed Work
Located in Soquel, CA
1990s Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media Painting, Original Signed Work Engaging and energetic piece by David Ronce (American 20th/21st Century. The piece features a high-energy den...
Paper, Acrylic, Crayon, Watercolor
#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
"Turandot" Large-Scale Red, Coral & Burgundy Abstract Painting, Acrylic & Pencil
Located in New York, NY
"Turandot," 2026, 60" H x 72" W. "Turandot" is a large-scale original abstract painting by contemporary artist Karina Gentinetta, distinguished by expressive gestures, richly laye...
Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
white neutral grey large minimalist abstract landscape painting
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Arrival of Summer Collection Whispy whites, soft blues and touches summer colours for this detialed abstract collection. 'Soft Coastal Morning' A large minimalist abstract landscape...
Canvas, Acrylic
La part des choses, Contemporary Abstract Geometric, Oil painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter based in Normandy. Working primarily in oil with palette knife and brush, she builds her paintings through successive layers, scraping ...
Oil
"Sunset, Gray Sea" Modern Abstract Painting
By Stanley Bate
Located in Westport, CT
This original abstract painting by Stanley Bate is a striking exploration of texture, atmosphere, and restrained color, where a brilliant band of luminous orange crowns a richly laye...
Paper, Gouache
$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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Field Pink Sky Abstract Painting, Large Square Canvas, Original
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Blue Field Pink Sky A large square canvas abstract expressionist painting from 'The Calm to the Storm Collection' Calm serene minimalism to high abstract expressions this collection...
Acrylic
$1,600
Constructed Memory by Murray Duncan, 2026, Mixed Media on Board, Gilded Frame
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Constructed Memory is an original mixed-media work by Murray Duncan, built from layered charcoal-blue geometric forms, neutral fields and expressive linear marks. The composition exp...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
Small Gypsy Girl 31 - Small Abstract Acrylic Painting, Signed European School
By SOOS TIBERIU
Located in Zofingen, AG
READY TO HANG with the edges painted. Gallery 3D quality. The technique I used is: palette knife, professional varnished acrylic pigments, neon acrylics on stretched canvas. At the e...
Acrylic
$946
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
Beyond the Sea, Abstract Painting
By Alicia Dunn
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this abstract painting, shades of blue, green, and grey suggest a calm seascape. The blend of deep colors creates a hazy, dramatic atmosphere, while a yellow...
Acrylic
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
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
$2,232Sale Price|20% Off
Landscape –Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Earth Tones, 2026, Marilina Marchica
Located in Agrigento, AG
Landscape is an original abstract oil painting by Italian artist Marilina Marchica. Warm beige, ochre and brown tones surround a delicate horizon line, evoking an imagined landscape....
Cotton, Oil Pastel, Oil
Sunset by the Sea
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sunset by the Sea What makes us feel happy and truly alive? Often, it is the simplest things: traveling, discovering beautiful places, being close to nature, and experiencing moments...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
$533Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Roses in Blue Mist-British Awarded Artist-Oil on Canvas-plein air
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Roses in Blue Mist is a part of Summer Bloom Series by British artist Shizico Yi. She created the painting in her garden painted plein air during Summer in her garden, trying to se...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Cotton Canvas
$528Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Red Abstract Painting, Signed Oil on Canvas, 28 x 24
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
This contemporary abstract painting explores red as a space of energy, movement, and transformation. The surface is built through multiple layers of red, crimson, and magenta, interr...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,815
No Answer - 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
"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
Landscape (abstract expressionist mid-century landscape)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful abstract landscape by American artist, Judith Ingram (1926-2012). Landscape, ca. 1960. Oil on linen canvas measures 12 x 18 inches; 18 x 24 inches framed. Frame is custom ...
Oil, Linen