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Abstract Figurative 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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Abstract
Nocturnal Train In The City Abstract Expressionism
Located in Soquel, CA
Bright, small abstract expressionist painting of train and town at night by Tom Hamil (American, b. 1928). Signed upper left corner "Hamil". Condition: Excellent. Presented in rustic wooden shadow box frame. Image size: 8"H x 6"W. Tom Hamil, was born in New York in 1928 and raised primarily in California. After attending the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, he returned to California to begin his formal art training at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco (now known as the San Francisco Art Institute). He completed his education at the University of Washington with a Master’s Degrees and Doctorate in Fine Arts and Education. His first solo exhibition was held in 1956. Since then, he has participated in numerous one man shows, group shows, and has been represented in galleries in the US and Mexico. In addition to his painting, Hamil has authored and illustrated a number of books. While at the Naval Academy, he received recognition for his paintings, drawings, and illustrations. Listed among Hamil’s many awards and honors are a Ford Foundation Fellowship and an Award of Excellence from the American Graphics Society. Currently, he lives in Zirahuen, Michoacan, Mexico and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Hamil’s statement: “I am a man...
Category

1960s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

"Parisian Storm" Abstract Figure w Gown Haute Couture Oil Painting on Paper
Located in New York, NY
An abstract, whimsical and bold depiction of a woman standing gracefully in a white gown against a blue, silver and peach background with delicate details. This piece captures the es...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil, Acrylic

My Still Life, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
"This piece is a departure from my usual palette and reflects a desire to infuse lightness and joy into the profound uncertainty of life," says artist Robin Oku...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Mid Century Lake Anza Berkeley Bay Area Abstract Expressionist Landscape W/C
Located in Soquel, CA
Brilliantly colorful mid century expressive abstracted landscape of Lake Anza in Berkeley by Bay Area artist Howard Margolis (American, 1927-2015). Signed “Margolis” in lower right c...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Green Horizon
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & oil stick on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Over the Hill
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & oil stick on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Oil

R. Poch Woman Blue on Sofa acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
37.-Woman blue on sofa 90 x 65 cm acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production compan...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Guinovart. 21 Thoughtful Man Black and White. drawing on cardboard
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Guinovart. Thoughtful man. black and white. drawing on cardboard Josep Guinovart i Bertran (Barcelona 1927-2007) was a painter, draftsman and engraver from Catalonia, Spain. After ...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Bright Vibrant Pop Art Enamel Oil Painting Flowers NYC Abstract Expressionist
Located in Surfside, FL
Flowers in a Vase, intensely and seductively colored: almost in a Japonaise style. Swooning purples and reds, ecstatic lemon yellows, Jostling shapes, lyrical and soft-edged, refuse ...
Category

1990s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Enamel

"The Power (Lies with the People) 1970 Olaf Karlsen
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"The Power (Lies with the People) 1970  Olaf Karlsen (b. 1947) Oil on canvas Signed front and back. 28 1/4 x 40 inches (frame) Olaf Karlsen  has managed to remain a man of mystery s...
Category

1970s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Princess in Paris" Figure in Chanel Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract Figurative Acrylic Canvas Painting American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind acrylic canvas painting by Linda Coppola.
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"My Strawberry Shortcake Heart" Pink Pop Art Oil Painting & White Floater Frame
Located in New York, NY
Motivated by bold color and fast brushwork, we are moved by the simplicity and thick textured oil paints in these works. Shaoul’s “My Heart Collection” is a vibrant and energetic dis...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Slow Speed" Original Bull Painting by Brian Keith Stephens, Textural Art
Located in Denver, CO
"Slow Speed" is an original painting by Brian Keith Stephens, beautifully composed on cotton using oil and wax. This artwork measures 40 x 54 inches and is presented unframed, ready ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton, Wax, Oil

"Looks Like Sun" Original Buffalo Art by Brian Keith Stephens, Western Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
"Looks Like Sun" is an evocative original painting by Brian Keith Stephens, capturing the rugged spirit of a western buffalo. This piece, using oil and wax on cotton, measures 32 x 4...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton, Wax, Oil

R. Poch Two Women colors. Ice Creams original acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
88.-R. Poch. two women. colors. ice creams original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising pr...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Ramon Poch 17 Especting original acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
R. Poch. 121 original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de la...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

R. Poch. 5Two Women in Armchair with Cat and Window. original acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
70 R. Poch. Two women in armchair with cat and window. original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the adv...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Night Shade
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Bubblegum Girl
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fantastic painting of a young girl blowing bubblegum. Oil on canvas, 24 x 32 inches; slightly larger in chrome frame. Signed illegibly lower right.
Category

1970s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Spring Floral 1
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Setting Sun
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Spring Floral 2
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Spring Floral 4
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Spring Floral 3
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist mid-century painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Untitled, c. 1950 oil on masonite 8 x 10 inches Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Reflections, large abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Reflections, 1985 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, signed, dated and titled verso 52.5 x 72.5 inches 53 x 73 inches, ...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Latin American Cuban Painting by Julio Antonio Devoroción (Devotion), 1992
Located in Washington, DC
Major painting by Cuban/American artist Julio Antonio (b. 1950). Painting is acrylic on canvas and titled "Devoroción". Painting is signed and dated 1992. Measures: 70" W x 78" H. ...
Category

1990s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

L. S. F. vibrant abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 L. S. F., 1980 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, dated and titled verso 48 x 65 inches 48.75 x 65.75 inches, framed R...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting -- San Francisco Shore Birds
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting of San Francisco Bay Shorebirds at Surf's Edge 1950's abstract expressionist painting of shorebirds at water's edge by San Francisco arti...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Rice Paper, Watercolor

The King, abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 The King of Diamonds Accepts Challenges, 1982 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 47.5 x 47.5 in...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Summer Idyl, abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Summer Idyl, c. 1985 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 44.75 x 62.75 inches Richard Andres wa...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
RICHARD ANDRES American, 1927–2013 Untitled, c. 1950 oil on canvas signed lower left 10 x 7 inches Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of the Clevelan...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mirror, abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Mirror, 1984 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, dated and titled verso 12 x 12 inches Richard Andres was born in Buff...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Untitled, c. 1980 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas 30 x 34 inches Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of th...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

The Challenge, abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 The Challenge, c. 1982 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 60 x 41.5 inches Richard Andres was...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Untitled, c. 1980 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right 24 x 20 inches 25 x 21 inches, framed Richard Andres was born in B...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Untitled, c. 1980 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas 12 x 10 inches Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of th...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas 12 x 10 inches Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of the Cleveland Instit...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Untitled, c. 1984 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right 19 x 16 inches Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 192...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Fragment, abstract expressionist mid-century painting, Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 oil on canvas signed and titled verso 19.5 x 24 inches 20 x 25 inches, framed Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of ...
Category

1970s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Anemone Pool Abstraction
Located in Lawrence, NY
Casein on paper Like many of his compatriots of the time, Shulman transitioned from representation to abstraction in the post-WWII period as he studied with Hans Hoffman. Yet, his wo...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Casein

“An Early Spring, an oil painting depicting the joy of children playing in water
Located in Edgartown, MA
Water has been the backdrop to the significant events in my life. The reconstruction of radiant moments that exist in memory define the images I choose to paint, of swimming in the l...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Blood Moon Eclipse Abstract Impressionism
Located in Soquel, CA
Blood Moon Eclipse Abstract Impressionism A vibrant abstract painting in primary colors in watercolor and acrylic paint, by California-based ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Acrylic, Paper

“Morning”, a calm depiction of a pair of figures standing atop a dock
Located in Edgartown, MA
Water has been the backdrop to the significant events in my life. The reconstruction of radiant moments that exist in memory define the images I choose to paint, of swimming in the l...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Three Figures
Located in Belgrade, MT
This lithograph is part of my private collection. It is limited in edition ,artist signed lower right and is in very good condition. Walter Becker was a German artist. Another impres...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

Azure Blue, a vivid memory painted of figures standing in the tide
Located in Edgartown, MA
Water has been the backdrop to the significant events in my life. The reconstruction of radiant moments that exist in memory define the images I choose to paint, of swimming in the l...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

“Pentimento Tethys”, a woman painted from her back, upside down swimming
Located in Edgartown, MA
Water has been the backdrop to the significant events in my life. The reconstruction of radiant moments that exist in memory define the images I choose to paint, of swimming in the l...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Raven Haired Beauty, abstract depiction of a woman half underwater turned away
Located in Edgartown, MA
Water has been the backdrop to the significant events in my life. The reconstruction of radiant moments that exist in memory define the images I choose to paint, of swimming in the l...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Warrior and His Horse Original oil and Clay on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Warrior and his Horse Greco-Roman Theme Original oil and Clay on Canvas Rendition of an ancient warrior and his horse by a unknown but prolific painter (Africa/USA 20th C.). Possibl...
Category

1970s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Clay, Canvas, Oil

Anemone Pool Abstraction
Located in Lawrence, NY
Casein on paper Like many of his compatriots of the time, Shulman transitioned from representation to abstraction in the post-WWII period as he studied with Hans Hoffman. Yet, his wo...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Casein

After Practice - Mixed Media Abstract Portrait on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brandon Gastinell, a Sacramento-born artist now based in Los Angeles, is celebrated for his captivating oil pastel creations that explore the human form with vibrant colors and bold ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

House Paint, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Canvas

"IS IT NOT THE DANCE OF TRUTH" Oil Painting 78" x 68" inch by Charles Malinsky
Located in Culver City, CA
"IS IT NOT THE DANCE OF TRUTH" Oil Painting 78" x 68" inch by Charles Malinsky Artwork ships rolled due to its size. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Charles Malinsky is an internationally accl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Monday Grays - Original Figurative Oil on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Monday Grays - Original Figurative Oil on Paper Original oil on paper figurative painting by Michael William Eggleston (American, 20th Century). Hues of grays and pinks make up this...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Provincetown (Cape Cod landscape)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful ca.1930 double-sided abstract painting by American artist, James Floyd Clymer (1893-1982). On the Docks, Sunset. Watercolor and pencil on paper measures 15 x 20.5 inches. S...
Category

Early 20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Rag Paper, Pencil

"Leaning in Chair" Mid-Century Figurative
Located in Arp, TX
Gloria Dudfield Leaning in Chair 1960's Gouache and Charcoal on Paper 11.75"x17.75" unframed. Gloria (Fischer) Dudfield July 12, 1922 – May 27, 2015 Came from a portfolio of her wor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Gouache

Dancers 7 - Red and Black Figures Embracing the Love of Movement and Life
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel, an internationally collected artist, effortlessly channels vitality and sensuality through her awe-inspiring collection of abstract and figurative paintings. With an u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Paper

Abstract Trio, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Three people stand closely together. Bold black strokes outline their figures, adding depth and definition. Through abstract shapes, vibrant colors, and confide...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Abstract figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract figurative 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 figurative 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 Cindy Shaoul, Simon Richard Halimi, Frank Arnold, and Judith Berry. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil 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 figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available. Prices for figurative 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 $121 and tops out at $570,000, while the average work sells for $2,500.

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