Abstract Portrait 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
Red Chair, Oil Painting by Jan De Ruth 1964
By Jan De Ruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jan De Ruth, Czech (1922 - 1991)
Title: Red Chair
Year: 1964
Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.l.
Size: 36 in. x 24 in. (91.44 cm x 60.96 cm)
Frame Size: 44 x 32 inches
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Miss Matched
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This original black and white acrylic portrait painting is inspired by the mid-century masters.
Framed in an ornate vintage gold frame, 10.5 in. wide x 13.5 in. high, ready to hang
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Naturalistic Pastoral Figurative Farm Painting of a Man Sowing Seeds in a Field
Located in Houston, TX
Naturalistic painting of a pastoral farm life scene. The work features a central figure dressed in a hat with a basket slung across his hip as he is throwing seeds into a field. Poss...
Category
20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Impressionist expressive acrylic painting of a couple on paper " Never let go"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressive figurative piece, titled "Never Let Go," was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and forms part of her intimate series dedicated to the theme of Lo...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Arcangela
Located in MADRID, ES
Surrealistic human figure. Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Mia" Painting 35" x 28" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Located in Culver City, CA
"Mia" Painting 35" x 28" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Artwork ships rolled in tube.
Vladislav Chenchik is a contemporary artist from Ukraine. His artwork combines abstract and reali...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Demeter & Persephone 1960s Vintage Figural Abstraction Painting, Women & Flowers
Located in Denver, CO
This stunning vintage 1960s oil painting, titled Demeter and Persephone, is an original signed artwork by renowned 20th-century Denver artist Edward Marecek. Drawing inspiration from...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Gainsbourg" / Acrylic on canvas / 50 x 70 cm
Located in Kraków, Województwo małopolskie
The painting "Gainsbourg" is a picture full of energy and at the same time contemplation. It draws the viewer in and it is hard to pass by it indifferently.
Framed in a beautiful sil...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Mixed Media
Artemisia Don't Leave - Oil Painting by Valeriya Shebelnichenko - 2023
Located in Roma, IT
"Artemisia don't leave" me is an original painting realized by Ukrainian artist Okno in 2023.
Oil, sanguine and acrylic on canvas personally constructed by the artist. Hand signed....
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
1950's Mid Century modern English oil portrait of a woman seated in an interior
Located in Woodbury, CT
1950's Mid Century modern English oil portrait of a woman seated in an interior
The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during the 1950s-1960s
Great use of color and abstract brush strokes...
Category
1950s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Panel, Oil
Queen Elizabeth 2 Oil on Birch Panel Unique Style Women in the Arts 30”x40”
Located in Houston, TX
LOOK FOR FREE SHIPPING AT CHECKOUT.
ARTIST EXPLANATION OF THE PAINTINGS:
Queen Elizabeth 2 30”x40” x 1.5" oil on birch panel . Ready to hang with wire on the back
They are blurred....
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Birch, Oil, Wood Panel
Vintage Incredible Large Abstract Portrait Thick Impasto Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist abstract portrait of Freddie Mercury. Oil painting by Abraham Pariente. Oil on canvas, circa 2000. Signed. Displayed in a modernist frame. Important large and impressi...
Category
1990s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
lovers
Located in Roma, GB
original oil paintings on canvas
hand signed
ready to be hanged on the wall
coloured borders
NO frame is required if decide to hang it on the wall as it is .
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Prayer
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Prayer for peace in Ukraine
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
lovers portrait
Located in Roma, GB
original oil paintings on canvas
hand signed
each canvas is 61x51x2cm
61x102x2cm both
ready to be hanged on the wall
coloured borders
NO frame is required if decide to hang it on t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Contemporary abstract expressive woman's portrait on paper " Before the mirror"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressive portrait of a woman was created by French-based Kazakhstani artist Natalya, who now lives and works in Lyon. "Before the Mirror" captures a youn...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Oil Pastel, Oil
Contemporary abstract expressive woman's portrait on paper " Behind green eyes"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Behind Green Eyes" is a compelling mixed media portrait by French contemporary artist Natalya Speaks, part of her evocative Women series—an introspective journey into the female exp...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Oil Pastel, Oil
Brotherhood 3
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Yes, I am black.
The right hand of the morning sun
Glittering on my skin,
Showcasing the beauty of my flesh,
Not the power that I possess.
Yes, I am black.
My origin is the vivid pa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Minimal Abstract Impressionist Recling Nude Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Modern abstract female nude painting in neutral tones. The work has Oris Robertson's signature textured surface that creates an uneven painting surface. ...
Category
1970s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Oil
Judith Brenner, Rich Dancing 1, Original Abstract Impressionist Figurative Paint
Located in Deddington, GB
Judith Brenner
Rich Dancing 1
Original Figurative Painting
Mixed Media on Paper
Size: H 84.1cm x W 59.4cm x D 0.1cm
Sold Unframed
Please note that insitu images are purely an indicat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Vintage Incredible Large Abstract Portrait Signed Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist abstract portrait oil painting by Abraham Pariente. Oil on canvas, circa 2000. Signed. Displayed in a modernist frame. Important large and impressive work!
Category
1990s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Portrait, Abstract Acrylic and Mixed Media on Paper Painting by David Stern
By David Stern
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: David Stern
Title: Portrait
Year: 1997
Medium: Acrylic & Mixed Media on Paper, signed l.r.
Size: 30 x 22 inches (76.2 x 55.88 cm)
Category
1990s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Above Heads" (Abstract, Floral, Roses, Pink, Rustic, Vintage, Antique Wood)
Located in Paris, IDF
"ABOVE HEADS"
2024
Paris, France
This is a small, but impactful piece, full of character. The title, "Above Heads" slightly indicates hallucinations from either the past or the fut...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil, Acrylic
Vintage American Modernist Portrait of a Man Original Signed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
American school abstract painting. Watercolor on paper, circa 1970.
Signed. Image size, 5.5"L x 8.5"H.
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache
"Figure de Notier" framed, signed oil on canvas painting by artist Max Papart
By Max Papart
Located in Boca Raton, FL
"Figure de Notier" oil on canvas painting of a human figure by Max Papart. Signed Max Papart on front. Signed and titled "Max Papart Figure de Notier" on back. Additional markings o...
Category
1950s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Aging Sucks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
I created Aging Sucks at the beginning of my painting career. Modeled after a relative of mine, the man acts almost as an inverse to the car, which is old and run down. The young man...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Blonde Portrait with Blue Eyes with Vertical Lines Abstract French Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition
signed by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924)
oil painting on canvas, unframed
canvas size: 40 x 39.5 inches
Inscribed verso
condition: overall ve...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Glitch" Small Abstract Expressionist Male Portrait by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
This 14" x 11" work titled "Glitch" by Masri embodies 'Shattered Cubism', where the essence of a face is captured in a constellation of fragmented shapes and vibrant colors. Against ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media
"Soyva" Painting 20" x 16" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Located in Culver City, CA
"Soyva" Painting 20" x 16" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Vladislav Chenchik is a contemporary artist from Ukraine. His artwork combines abstract and realistic styles, with a focus on p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Invisible Women Vermella
Located in New York, NY
Angels Grau is a Catalan artist who spends her time between Barcelona, New York, and a small village located in the breathtaking Priorat, one of the most notorious wine regions in Europe.
This combination allows her to have the best of three worlds; it brings together the creativity and passion that her paintings demand.
"I invest time in my work. You must look at paintings on different days, with different eyes. There is a need to go back to it again and again.”
Born to a family of artists, she grew up surrounded by drawings, tapestries, and paintings that awakened a special sentiment that over time matured into her work. A graphic designer first and painter by evolution, in 2018 she decided to make the leap into becoming a full-time artist. Nothing has deterred her since.
After traveling the world and bringing up four children who are almost living their own lives, the artist feels the need to empower the role of women inspired by her own journey. “Invisible Women” is a tribute to each and every woman that fights from anonymous positions, in everyday jobs and everyday lives, to improve their family, their society, their world.
Some of her pieces are part of the personal art collections of different CEOs of fortune 100 companies. “Invisible Women” is part of a recent purchase...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Obras" Painting 39" x 28" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Located in Culver City, CA
"Obras" Painting 39" x 28" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
ATT: ships rolled in a tube
Vladislav Chenchik is a contemporary artist from Ukraine. His artwork combines abstract and reali...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Miriam & Sue Orr with Flute
By Franz Kline
Located in New York, NY
Signed (at lower left): KLINE
EXHIBITED: Washington Gallery of Modern Art, Washington, D.C., October 30–December 27, 1962; Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachuset...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Abstract Visage" Painting 16" x 10" inch (1970) by KAMAL KHALIFA
Located in Culver City, CA
"Abstract Visage" Painting 16" x 10" inch (1970) by KAMAL KHALIFA
Kamal Khalifa is regarded as one of Egypt’s most prolific modern artists. He left the art world with several catego...
Category
20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Contemporary figurative art portrait of two women oil pastels on paper "Sisters"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary figurative piece with abstract touches, depicting two women, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Through her dynamic approach, Mougenot explores the intr...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Oil Pastel
Family Portrait, Figures, contemporary art.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
"Family Portrait", sighed lower right KOKO and artist certificate of authenticity is included. 48"x60" oil on canvas.
Los Angeles artist Koko Hovagumian now celebrating 20 Years of...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Late 20th century colorful close up face portrait oil painting red and green
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Pan" is a fauvist-expressionist-figurative oil on canvas painting by American artist Matthew Schaefer. Primary colors of red, yellow, and blue fill the figure with brown hair and is...
Category
1990s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Arlequín
Located in MADRID, ES
Surrealistic human figure. Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Shapes and Patterns" (2025) By Danny McCaw, Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
"Shapes and Patterns" is a beautiful original abstract expressionist oil portrait, created by American artist Danny McCaw. His highly varied and technical use of brushstroke create l...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
lovers
Located in Roma, GB
original oil paintings on canvas
hand signed
ready to be hanged on the wall
coloured borders
NO frame is required if decide to hang it on the wall as it is .
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Iv" Painting 35" x 28" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Located in Culver City, CA
"Iv" Painting 35" x 28" inch by Vladislav Chenchik
Ships rolled in tube
Vladislav Chenchik is a contemporary artist from Ukraine. His artwork combines abstract and realistic styles...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Contained Emotions" (2025) By Danny McCaw, Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
"Contained Emotions" is a beautiful original abstract expressionist oil portrait, created by American artist Danny McCaw. His highly varied and technical use of brushstroke create la...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
"Groupings" (2025) By Danny McCaw, Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
"Reminiscing" is a beautiful original abstract expressionist oil portrait, created by American artist Danny McCaw. His highly varied and technical use of brushstroke create layered t...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
"Reminiscing" (2025) By Danny McCaw, Abstract Expressionist Oil Portrait
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
"Reminiscing" is a beautiful original abstract expressionist oil portrait, created by American artist Danny McCaw. His highly varied and technical use of brushstroke create layered t...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
"Essence Of" (2025) By Ron Hicks, Original Abstract Portrait Oil Painting
By Ron Hicks
Located in Denver, CO
Ron Hicks' (US based) "Essence Of" (2025) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an abstract portrait of a woman, face in view and her clothes abstracted into the flowing...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
oil canvas portrait
Located in Roma, GB
artist:
Anastasia Aureum
original oil painting on canvas
hand signed
Aureum is an internationally renowned visual artist with the background in fine art and interior design. Antiq...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Cotton, Oil
"THE NEW YORK - DOMINIQUE CLAIRE" Oil Painting 49" x 31" in by Charles Malinsky
Located in Culver City, CA
"THE NEW YORK - DOMINIQUE CLAIRE" Oil Painting 49" x 31" in by Charles Malinsky
Full name: THE BLACK COAT PROJECT - THE NEW YORK SESSIONS - DOMINIQUE CLAIRE X
Artwork ships rolled ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait paper "Strength in grace*
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid abstract portrait of a woman, infused with touches of expressionism and art brut, is a striking piece by French artist Natalya Mougenot. It forms part of her ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
jesus christ superstar oil on canvas painting abstract expressionism
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Nerea Caos (1993) - jesus christ superstar - Oil on canvas
Canvas size 80X60 cm.
Frameless.
Nerea Sánchez Castro, born in Ferrol, Galicia in 19...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Gingham
Located in New York, NY
Angels Grau is a Catalan artist who spends her time between Barcelona, New York, and a small village located in the breathtaking Priorat, one of the most notorious wine regions in Eu...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
TOMMASO PRINCIPE (b1942) LARGE ITALIAN SIGNED OIL - ELEGANT LADIES IN PARKLAND
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Walking in the Park"
by Tommaso Principe (Italian b.1942)
signed lower corner
oil painting on canvas, unframed
canvas: 19.5 x 27.5 inches
Beautiful Italian Impressionist oil...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Brave Girl II
Located in New York, NY
Angels Grau is a Catalan artist who spends her time between Barcelona, New York, and a small village located in the breathtaking Priorat, one of the most notorious wine regions in Eu...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Acrylic
Invisible Women Ratilles
Located in New York, NY
Angels Grau is a Catalan artist who spends her time between Barcelona, New York, and a small village located in the breathtaking Priorat, one of the most n...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Brave Girl 18
Located in New York, NY
Angels Grau is a Catalan artist who spends her time between Barcelona, New York, and a small village located in the breathtaking Priorat, one of the most notorious wine regions in Eu...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Contemporary figurative portrait of women acrylic on canas "You are my force"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"You Are My Force" is a contemporary abstract figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, depicting a profound connection between two women. Rooted in the artist's cultura...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
The Death of the Minotaur - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media Abstract by G. De Goya
Located in Watford, Hertfordshire
Professor George De Goya. PhD. MA. FRSA. Born In Budapest, 1915-1992, related to the Spanish artist Goya on his mother’s side. Educated in Budapest and France where he received a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne, Paris. Returned to Budapest to study art at the Fine Arts Academy, then continued his studies at the Academie Julienne, Paris, where he was influenced by the post impressionist artists including Picasso, Salvadore, Dali and Chagall. His motto was “history is the inevitable conveyance of great situations by great personalities.”
He came to England due to the Hungarian uprising in 1956 where he taught history of art and art appreciation. Started receiving commissions for book and commercial illustrations in 1961.
Keywords: Oil, Abstract, Mid 20th Century, mixed media, The Death of the Minotaur, mythical, wood, techin, hand, 2 headed snake...
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Board
nude painting lovers
Located in Roma, GB
the item will be shipped rolled.
the 2cm thin stretcher bars are available and shall be included in the parcel if requested by the buyer.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
La Icone de Paris
Located in Zofingen, AG
La Icône de Paris is an exquisite mixed-media painting that exudes grace, sophistication, and timeless elegance. The artwork portrays a confident, regal woman adorned with textured i...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Resin, Acrylic, Cardboard
20th Century French Expressionist Portrait of a Girl in Orange Flat Cap Portrait
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Girl in Flat Cap Portrait
by Akos Biro (Hungarian 1911-2002)
pastel painting on artist paper, unframed
painting: 9 x 12 inches
provenance: the artists estate, France
condi...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Pastel
Abstract portrait paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract portrait 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 portrait 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, purple, red, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Beatrice Werlie, Carlos Carnero, Masri Hayssam, and Addison Jones. 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 portrait paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available. Prices for portrait 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 $22 and tops out at $570,000, while the average work sells for $1,960.