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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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Style: Abstract
Spring Cycling in Yellow, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Warren Keating displays an image of a man riding a bicycle from an aerial view. "This painting was inspired by an early morning cyclist traveling on a ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Crows On The Field - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Oil on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Crows On The Field - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Oil on Canvas Compelling abstract expressionist painting "Crows on the Field" by Kristin Cohen (American, b. 1963). This p...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Survivor", Abstract Expressionist Figurative in Orange
By Toni Morley
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract expressionist composition with a highly abstracted figural form swirling in a monochromatic orange plane by Toni Morley (American, 20th Century). Titled "Survivor" and signe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

"Abigail" Abstract Haute Couture Figure in Chanel 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 and white background with delicate details. This piece captures the essence of...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

ROGER HERSON (1922-2008) SIGNED FRENCH 20thC ABSTRACT PAINTING - ROUEN PAINTER
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Abstract Composition" by Roger Herson (French 1922-2008) signed lower right hand-side on card, gouache and crayon on card, unframed painting: 12.5 x 9 inches Superb original abstr...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gouache

On the shore of summer. Triptych
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original portrait painting by the German artist Ljubow Jung. Jung is a professional artist and clothes designer. Romantic female images, nature, flowers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Behind The Sky: Contemporary Encaustic Wax Abstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
The mathematics of the universe is behind the sky but we lack the senses to detect it. encaustic wax on board
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Encaustic, Board

"Champagne in Paris" Figure in Chanel Gown Haute Couture Oil Painting on Paper
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

Mixed Media, Oil, Archival Paper

"Unfinished Story", Contemporary Expressionist Modern Self-Portrait
Located in Soquel, CA
Evocative and expressive contemporary self portrait titled "Unfinished Story" by Alexander Gore (Russian, b. 1958), 2010. Signed upper left edge. Unframed. Image, 15"H x 11"W. Ale...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Paper, Cardboard

"My Purple Diamond Heart" Diamond Dust Oil Painting with 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, Glass

Exultation, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A flowing, expressionist portrait of woman lost in dance and embracing the promise of a new day. "I created this painting as 2020 drew to a close and 2021 daw...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

New Move
Located in Fresno, CA
"New Move 8" Oil on Canvas is a mix of blues and greens with chrome yellow accents. Frank Arnold is thought by many to be one of the foremost abstract figurative painters and sculpto...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Textures" (2025) by Dan McCaw, Abstracted, Figural Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Dan McCaw's (US based) "Textures" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an abstracted figure in a moody interior setting. Artist Statement: Born: 1942 A solid founda...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

John E. Thompson 1945 Interior Still Life, Colorado Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
This original 1945 oil painting by renowned Colorado modernist John E. Thompson (1882–1945) captures a serene and elegant interior still life. Featuring a delicate arrangement of a f...
Category

1940s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Tropical baby"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This artwork features a vivid abstract expression of Anna, created in a dynamic technique where the balance between form and color is meticulously explored. Painted with oil on plywo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Oil

The Green Dress 12 - Minimalist Figurative Framed Original Ink Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses vitality and sensuality in her abstract and figurative paintings. “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, dancers, and people...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Ink, Mixed Media, Graphite

Warm Moments, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Gary Leonard presents a portrait of a woman in a tropical setting. He paints with an impressionist approach but leaves the background subtly abstract t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Le Figaro. Oil on cardboard, 70x50 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Le Figaro. Oil on cardboard, 70x50 cm
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Koordinator - Oil on Canvas by Bernhard Gillesen - 1976
Located in Roma, IT
Koordinator is an artwork realized by Bernhard Gillesen (Düsseldorf 1952 - Trevi 2023) in 1976. Oil on Canvas cm. 120x100 cm. Hand signed, dated and titled on rear. Good condition...
Category

1970s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Milla" Figure with White Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting on Paper
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

Mixed Media, Oil, Archival Paper

"Indelible, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Dan McCaw's (US based) "Indelible" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an abstracted dark patterned figure standing in a patterned interior setting. Artist Statement...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Untitled , 78x54cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untitled , 2025, 78x54 cm The work is sold without a frame.
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Acrylic

William Newcombe Mid Century Abstract Nude
Located in San Francisco, CA
William John Bertram Newcombe: 1907-1969. Listed Canadian and British artist known for Abstraction. He has had auction results over $4000. This wonderful nude looks so much better in person as glass is very reflective making it difficult to capture an accurate picture. It is in very good condition! It is either mixed media or watercolor on paper. It measures approximately 29 inches high by 18 1/2 wide but is matted so could be larger. The frame measures 36 1/4 by 25 1/4. This piece was part of the Vincent Price collection...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Goa River
Located in Brecon, Powys
Bright strong work with thick oil paint form the artist's 2018 India series Signed
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Contemporary semi-abstract portrait of women acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
The painting, titled "Two Halves and One Soul", is part of Natalya Mougenot's series dedicated to exploring the theme of women and the unique, supportive connections they share. Th...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

"My Light Blue Heart" Blue and White Contemporary Oil Painting w 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

Mid Century Surrealist Nocturnal Tide Hawaiian Islands God Symbolism Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Surrealist Nocturnal Tide Hawaiian Islands God Symbolism Landscape Symbolic nocturnal landscape with tide God in foam of wave, in a dream-like surreal landscape, by Margu...
Category

1940s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

Love by Gaetan de Seguin - Contemporary Figurative painting
Located in DE
Gaetan de Seguin paints figurative works, with an abstract character. The various colors highlight that not one person is the same, and his artworks celebrate this individuality in a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Flowers in the Japanese vase with a red feeling"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This painting depicts a vibrant bouquet of flowers in a traditional Japanese vase, infused with deep, intense red emotions. The expressive brushstrokes and bold color palette create ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Orange Garden: Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Paul Wadsworth is one of the UK’s leading exponents of Expressionist paintings. His pieces are heavily worked with layers of richly applied paint, the result is paintings that sing w...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Topology with Knot 1/1" Abstract Representational Knot Painting Work on Paper
Located in New York, NY
This piece represents a part of the artist's "Kinetic Knots" series which symbolizes shapes of the knots that are not planned. It is like the “Dao” grabbing the artist and the power ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Black and White

Abstract Folk Art Western Figurative Painting of a Cowboy, Horses, and a Dog
Located in Houston, TX
Abstract folk art painting of a western scene by an unknown artist. The work features a cowboy wearing spurs in a corral with a white bulldog and a pair ...
Category

20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Outside World, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
"I've painted this contemplative piece when the pandemic started and the world started changing around us," shares artist Claudia Verciani. An elderly woman g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Angelique" Abstract Figure with Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting on Paper
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

Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

The City at Twilight: Twin Towers II, signed painting, Gruenebaum Gallery label
Located in New York, NY
Sonia Gechtoff The City at Twilight: Twin Towers II, 1985 Acrylic and pencil on paper (held in original frame with Gruenebaum Gallery, NY label) Signed and dated on the front; also b...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Pencil, Graphite

Mountain Pool Swim: Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Paul Wadsworth is one of the UK’s leading exponents of Expressionist paintings. His pieces are heavily worked with layers of richly applied paint, the result is paintings that sing w...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"India Bus Ride" Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Paul Wadsworth is one of the UK’s leading exponents of Expressionist paintings. His pieces are heavily worked with layers of richly applied paint, the result is paintings that sing w...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Oil on Canvas "OTL 8"
Located in Fresno, CA
“OTL 8” is 60”x 60”. Central figure of Vibrant to deep reds on a split field of warm beige/coral and deep red/black. The foreground exhibits heavy strokes and Arnold’s “8” and “X” fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Summer Vibes" Portrait of Young Girl with Sunglasses Oil Painting on Paper
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

Paper, Oil

Antique American Abstract Expressionist Vintage Framed New York School Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1940. Housed in a vintage frame. Image size, 18L x 24H.
Category

1940s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Rainy Day in Paris" Abstract Haute Couture Figure on Paper Wearing Chanel Gown
Located in New York, NY
A very whimsical depiction of a woman standing gracefully in a white gown against a cobalt blue background. This piece captures elegance and the essence of fashion in Pairs effortles...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Textured abstract figurative original mixed media, vibrant teal/white/brown)
Located in Maricopa, AZ
Svetlana Shalygina's signature figurative abstract, vibrant textured brown & teal create a bold original work of art. There is a unique range of expressionistic strokes, textures and...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Pen, Canvas, Mixed Media

"Parisian Mornings" Abstract Figure in Haute Couture Gown Oil Painting on Canvas
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, Mixed Media, Oil

"Kendall" Portrait of Young Girl with Sunglasses Oil Painting on Paper
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

Paper, Oil

"Young Andy" Figure of Andy Warhol NYC Oil Painting on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Portrait of Young Andy Warhol. Painted oil on heavyweight paper, signed and dated verso. Art measures 14 x 11 in Having built a diverse body of work since her early career ranging...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Clown Diva
By Jerry W Ward
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderfully vivid mid century abstract expressionist painting by San Francisco artist Jerry W Ward (American, b. 1968), circa 2000. Titled "Erotic Clown Diva" and signed verso. Condi...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

China Patch Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Compelling and vibrant oil abstract work by Monterey Bay artist and gallery owner John O. Thomson. Signed lower right. Signed on verso John O Thomson and titled "China Patch 6-5-11 S...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large Original Oil Painting Abstract Expressionist Horse
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning large scale abstract expressionist horse's head/eye, circa 1990. Unsigned. Unframed. Size: 60"H x 60"W x 1.5.
Category

1990s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars

Pipe Dreams: African American collage painting w/ photographs figures, objects
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is an abstract collage / painting created from acrylic and found objects. It is framed in a wide, dark wooden frame with gold accents. It includes several manipulated historic photograph of figures in many guises, arranged as if on stage. It is signed and dated by the artist lower left. PROVENANCE: Exhibited in "Portals + Revelations: Richard J. Watson," the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Oct 2021 - Mar 2022. "Most of my works are supported by memories of the past and suggested realities. Issues of social politics, ancestral references, and astral projections are presented with fragmented elements of 'real life' collaged and collapsed, as dreams are prone to do. If connections are made, all the better. I feel that life should remind us of our dreams." - Richard J. Watson Richard J. Watson is an icon in the Philadelphia art world. Much of his work relates to his experiences as a Black African American man. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1968), has taught at his alma mater, and has served in the Exhibitions Department at the African American Museum in Philadelphia since the 1980s. He has been exhibiting his work for decades, and has an extensive bibliography. His work is held in the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art; the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; the Uniworld Corporation; Sony; the Federal Reserve Bank; the City of Philadelphia; Sprint; the Church of the Advocate; the poet Dr. Sonia Sanchez; and the Woodmere Museum...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Found Objects, Acrylic, Mixed Media

Figure with Hands Raised, Abstract Oil on Board by John F. Leonard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Figure with Hands Raised (17) John F. Leonard American (1921–1987) Date: circa 1965 Oil on Board (Double-Sided) Size: 18 in. x 10 in. (45.72 cm x 25.4 cm)
Category

1960s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Red Chair" Diana Kurz, 1962 Figurative Expressionist Painting New York School
Located in New York, NY
Diana Kurz Red Chair, 1962 Signed, titled, dated on verso Oil on canvas 53 x 41 1/2 inches Diana Kurz (born 1936) is an Austrian-born feminist painter. In 1938, Diana Kurz's family...
Category

1960s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Virus Americanus XII
Located in New York, NY
Virus Americanus XII, 2002 oil enamel on canvas 150 x 128 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Enamel

High Grass Full (square geometric abstract hard-edge modern red black blue)
Located in Quebec, Quebec
In High Grass Full Moon, Kurt Herrmann channels his signature colorist instinct into a bold, multichromatic geometric abstraction. Executed in acrylic on a square canvas, the paintin...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Kinetic Knot No. 2/3" Abstract Representational Knot Painting Work on Paper
Located in New York, NY
This piece represents a part of the artist's "Kinetic Knots" series which symbolizes shapes of the knots that are not planned. It is like the “Dao” grabbing the artist and the power ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Pen, Black and White

"Arabic Calligraphy 2" Abstract Painting 28" x 31.5" inch by Mohamed Hassan
Located in Culver City, CA
"Arabic Calligraphy 2" Abstract Painting 28" x 31.5" inch by Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Hassan is a traditional Arabic calligraphist, he obtained his official license to practice this a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Seated In Perpetual Motion, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Using a light and soft palette, artist Mary Pratt paints a figure in a buoyant tulle dress surrounded by contrasting geometric shapes. With a pink rose in her hand, and a palm delicately placed under her chin, the woman exudes elegance heightened by her graceful manner. "I portrayed a scene where the levitating objects create action in an otherwise restful place."


About the Artist
Mary Pratt, a Georgia-based artist, is known for her impressionistic yet modern oil paintings that capture the world with a jovial poise. Her soft, ethereal palette is complemented by the occasional bright pop of color. The artist’s aesthetic choices are intuitive rather than premeditated. Through her gestural brushstrokes, Mary’s paintings summon a joyful, even childlike, emotional response. Her style is nuanced by a range of inspirations, including scenery from the state of Georgia. The personal edge that Mary brings to each painting alters and enhances recognizable subject matter, cultivating an imaginative visual experience.


Words that describe this painting: figure, figurative, contemporary, woman, people, dress, fashion, gentle, flower, soft, pastel, impressionism, oilpaint, impressionism, people, oil painting, pink


Seated In Perpetual Motion...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Tickled Pink, Original Abstract Painting, Bright Contemporary Abstract Artwork
Located in Deddington, GB
Tickled Pink by Alison Gilbert is an original painting and a statement piece at 120cm x 120cm (48″ x 48″) These bold pastel colour combinations are having a party as they dance across the canvas in a vibrant celebration of joy and life. This painting is sold framed, the frame will be custom made upon sale, so please allow for an extra week for dispatch. Discover original artwork by Alison Gilbert with Wychwood Art online and in our Deddington gallery. Alison is a British contemporary abstract artist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Matisse with Pears, Original Painting, Contemporary, Paris
Located in Deddington, GB
This vivacious still life painting draws inspiration from Matisse's iconic 1910 masterpiece 'Dance' and the enchanting ambiance of the French 'salon'. The artist adds a contemporary ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Panel

In Venice
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Like his mentor the great American Impressionist William Merritt Chase, Charles Webster Hawthorne was equally admired in his own day as both a talented painter and a highly influential instructor. Hawthorne first studied with Chase at his Shinnecock Summer School of Art, which was specifically dedicated to open-air landscape painting. Not only did Hawthorne quickly absorb all the principles of Chase’s instruction, but he also became determined to found his own school based on the same model. In 1899 Hawthorne discovered the small fishing village of Provincetown on the furthermost tip of Cape Cod, and after purchasing a large house on Miller Hill, he opened the Cape Cod School of Art, which proved to be an immediate success. While Hawthorne’s own approach as a teacher owed much to Chase, he developed a distinctly unique painting style and teaching method that defies easy categorization. He was greatly impressed with the work of Franz Hals, which he was exposed to during his trip to Holland in the summer of 1898. Hawthorne was particularly struck by Hals’ Regentesses of the Old Men’s Almhouse, and from this work he absorbed a deep appreciation for the power of human expression and an economy of technique. Hawthorne applied these lessons to his own realistic portraits of Provincetown fishermen and their families; these works have a somber, almost melancholy quality to them, and they reveal a sense of the vulnerability of the human condition. Stylistically, Hawthorne maintained a life-long commitment to the importance of color. “Beauty in art,” he said, “is the delicious notes of color one against the other.” Of equal importance to him was capturing the effects of light. He told his students: “Everything in painting is a matter of silhouettes. Hold light against shadow, not light against light.” He developed a particular technique of layering glazes and texturing the surface of his paintings, which heightens the relationship between the colors and creates a light effect that seems to emanate from within the painting. These stylistic techniques in combination with his straightforward compositions of one or more figures shown at close range create the hallmarks of Hawthorne’s best paintings. Hawthorne and his wife Ethel’s 1905-1907 trip to Italy did not result in a drastic impact on his artistic style. Nonetheless, it proved to be a transformative and enlightening voyage. The extensive trip was financed by collectors who paid in advance for a painting to be produced abroad. On the trip, Hawthorne explored the work of old masters and was struck particularly by the paintings of Titian, which to Hawthorne, demonstrated the master’s true adoration for the act of painting itself through his handling of paint and color. Where Titian’s paintings...
Category

Early 1900s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Brainiac III Abstract, Large-Scale Vertical Abstract in Neutrals, Black & White
Located in Soquel, CA
Large-scale vertical abstract of brains in a neutral color palette of black & white by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Unsigned, but was acquired with a collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Oil

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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