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
20th Century French Expressionist Portrait of Man in Bright Blue Pastel Shirt
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Blue Shirt Portrait
by Akos Biro (Hungarian 1911-2002)
pastel painting on artist paper, unframed
painting: 12 x 9 inches
provenance: the artists estate, France
condition:...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Pastel
20th Century French Expressionist Portrait of a Blue Eyed Girl in Blue Sketch
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Blue Eyed Portrait
by Akos Biro (Hungarian 1911-2002)
pastel painting on artist paper, unframed
painting: 12 x 9 inches
provenance: the artists estate, France
Superb ori...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Pastel
Personaje 1
Located in MADRID, ES
Surrealistic human figure. Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Personaje 2
Located in MADRID, ES
Surrealistic human figure. Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
HUMAN ATMOSPHERE 7 - contemporary artwork, oil on canvas
Located in London, GB
In this collection, British painter Michael Pemberton (b. 1974) suggests we each have a personal HUMAN ATMOSPHERE. An ether where we truly exist, unseen by the naked eye but as real ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Peter Robert Keil Acrylic on Canvas Colorful & Dynamic Portrait
By Peter Keil
Located in Hudson, NY
Peter Robert Keil painting on stretched thick canvas. Lovely colorful portrait.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
"Green Table" by Danny McCaw (2024) Abstracted Figure, Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Green Table" is an oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts an abstracted figure at a green table.
Bio/artist statement:
Danny McCaw is the yo...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
“Abstract Elvis" RKO31, Abstract, Portrait Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 19.68 x 19.68 inches
Frame measures 27.55 x 27.55 inches
Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding.
Color: Gold patinated
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Clay, Acrylic
Contemporary large expressive acrylic painting of a woman on a lilnen canvas
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork " Woman with a vase of flowers" is a striking piece characterized by its abstract depiction of a seated figure and a vase of flowers.
The artist embraces her roots and...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Linen
Metamorphosis
Located in THOMERY, FR
In "Metamorphosis," artist Linda Clerget invites the viewer on a journey of transformation and self-discovery. This contemporary artwork is a fusion of vivid colors, dynamic textures...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Shaping Landscapes" by Danny McCaw (2024) Abstracted Figures, Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Shaping Landscapes" is an oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts two abstracted figures in an interior of black and grey.
Bio/artist statemen...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Acrylic "PART DE MOI" Jazzu 2019
By Jazzu
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
PART DE MOI
33x24 without frame
40x31 with frame
Acrylic and various on canvas
2019
350€
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Large expressionist acrylic portrait on linen canvas -"Blond woman on the beach"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This expressive artwork " Blond woman on the beach" captures the essence of abstract impressionism through bold brushstrokes and vivid color contrasts. Central to the composition is...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Peter Robert Keil Acrylic on Canvas Colorful & Dynamic Portrait
By Peter Keil
Located in Hudson, NY
Peter Robert Keil painting on stretched thick canvas. Lovely colorful portrait.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
"Congratulatory" (Abstract, Figurative, Black & White, Portrait, Antique Wood)
Located in Paris, IDF
CONGRATULATORY
2020
Paris, France
Subtle, black & white, figurative portrait in chalk on antique wood. Wood itself has a lot of character, with a beautiful, grey patina. Evidence o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Acrylic, Chalk
Echoes of Heaven
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I infused layers of emotion into the dynamic textures and contrasting colors that characterize my vision of transcendence and spiritual beauty. The angelic fi...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Seduction Series" RK9IR4, Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. König combines modern painting with acrylic with old techniques and in this way, h...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Clay, Acrylic
"Beulah" - Acrylic Portrait Painting with Floral and Nature Motifs, 2023
Located in Denver, CO
"Beulah" is an original acrylic and glow-in-the-dark medium painting on canvas by artist Ifeoluwa Alade. Created in 2023, this distinctive piece measures an impressive 56 x 48 inches...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Still I Rise" - Acrylic Figurative Portrait With Birds and Morning Glory Vines
Located in Denver, CO
Ifeoluwa Alade’s *Still I Rise (2)* (2024) is an original acrylic painting on canvas, created using the artist’s distinctive Araism technique—a rhythmic, interwoven brushstroke style...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Still I Rise (1)" - Acrylic Figurative Portrait With Butterflies and Vines
Located in Denver, CO
Still I Rise (1)* is an original acrylic painting by Nigerian artist Ifeoluwa Alade, created in 2024 as part of his solo exhibition *The Sprout of Hope* at Abend Gallery. Executed in...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Oasis" - Acrylic Figurative Portrait With Butterflies and Floral Motifs
Located in Denver, CO
Ifeoluwa Alade’s 2024 painting, *"Oasis"*, is a striking example of his use of the Araism technique—an indigenous Nigerian painting style that builds forms using interwoven brushstro...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Plant Whispers
Located in THOMERY, FR
Discover "Plant Whispers," a captivating piece by Linda Clerget, created using acrylic and oil on wood, measuring 50 x 40 cm. This painting evokes a harmony between humanity and natu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Acrylic, Board
Lion in Bowler Hat Graphic in Yellow, Red Blue, Holiday Magazine Mid-Century
Located in Miami, FL
A high-impact graphic of a whimsical Lion sporting a bowler hat is depicted for a cover for Holiday Magazine, April 1958. The issue was about England, and the editors finally ran a ...
Category
1950s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Ink, Acrylic, Illustration Board
Dorado. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this drawing, I wove pastels and pencils together, conjuring a tapestry of realism kissed by dreams. Surreal whispers weave through each stroke, while expressionist fervo...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
The Football Match, large original French 20th century oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Josyne Gallet
Title: ' La Match'
Medium: signed oil painting on canvas, framed
framed: 29.5 x 24.25 inches
canvas: 28.75 x 23.75 inches
Provenance: private coll...
Category
20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Cygnus. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this artwork, I sought to blend the ethereal qualities of dreams with the intense emotions of reality. My use of pastels and pencils captures the softness of the subject's gaze wh...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Contemporary Face , Abundance is Who I Am.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
The artwork size is 40x30 inches, oil on canvas.
Abundance is Who I Am
This painting is a reflection of my personal transformation. It carries two of my signatures—one from before a...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Portrait Oil Painting
By Chuck Close
Located in Buffalo, NY
American modernist abstracted portrait oil painting in the style of Chuck Close. Framed. Oil on paper. Image size, 23H by 20L.
Category
1990s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Blue boy
Located in Roma, GB
a blue boy oil on canvas original painting
one of a kind
hand signed
'Like Henri Matisse and Italian Renaissance painters like Giotto, I experiment with the vibrant power o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
"Warm Thoughts" by Danny McCaw (2024) Abstracted Figures, Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Warm Thoughts" is an oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts two abstracted figures in an interior with a green chair.
Bio/artist statement:
D...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Contemporary colorful abstract portrait of woman acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract artwork titled "Contemplating future dreams " was created by Natalya Mougenot, a French artist of Russian descent, born in Kazakhstan. It is part of a ser...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Flirt-abstraction art, made in grey, pale pink, brown, ochre, beige color
By Galin R
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Flirt.
About the Artist: Art Decorator, working in contemporary colors for interiors.
"I love to draw from an early age, so my profession was predetermined. After graduating from Art School in 1993, I started working as an illustrator in a printing company. That experience led to a second profession as a textile designer. Since 2010, I have devoted myself completely to my creative endeavors and began to create paintings for my clients' interiors. My works are now included in private collections in The USA, Spain, Russia. The style of my work is an abstract vision of ordinary people...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
"Blissfully Oblivious" By Christopher Clark, Original Surrealist Oil Portrait
Located in Denver, CO
Blissfully Obvious is a beautiful surrealist original oil painting created by renowned artist Christopher Clark, depicting a woman in spiritual repose, her eyes locked to a key being...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
Figurative abstract watercolor painting naked woman paper "A woman's moment"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary figurative piece with an abstract touch, titled "A woman's moment" by French artist Natalya Mougenot, depicts a faceless naked woman. The painting blends abstract a...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Quiet 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
Capricornus. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I sought to blend expressionism with a touch of surrealism, capturing the ethereal yet potent essence of a cultural guardian standing in a timeless doorway. M...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Nature and Human Relationships – Embrace 3 – 50F" Portrait of Princess Diana
By Suki Maguire
Located in New York, NY
Unorthodox; yet effective, Suki treats us to a series of works that tantalizes the imagination with bold strokes of dark and light, hinting at shapes both human and ethereal and pull...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Mixed Media
'The Power of Words', Berlin School
Located in London, GB
'The Power of Words', oil on board, Berlin School, (circa 1950s-1970s). A thoroughly modern depiction clearly in the style of Italian Futurist, Fortunato Depero (1892-1960). Futurism...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
The Queen- original-royal figurative cubism-portrait painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online.
Step into regal elegance with Borja Guijarro's striking portra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
portrait woman
Located in Roma, GB
portrait of woman
"Thanks to this psychological analysis, my paintings show emotions that people never experience in the mirror or through
We expect joy to be a smile, sparkling e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Cotton, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Huge MultiColoured French Abstract Cubist Figures Dancing Original Oil Painting
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Multi-Coloured French Abstract, Figures Dancing, Original Oil Painting
By Akos Biro (Hungarian 1911-2002)
Signed by the artist on the lower right hand corner
Oil painting on canvas,...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Striking Portrait, Cubist Abstract, Red Colour, Original Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Striking Portrait, Cubist Abstract, Red Colour, Original Oil Painting
By French artist Beatrice Werlie, early 21st Century
Oil painting on canvas, unframed
Canvas size: 22 x 18 inche...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Self-Portrait. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
I am interested in portraits that reveal all the complexity and versatility of a person's spiritual appearance, when the inner content is revealed through the external.
Painting a po...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Der Wunsch"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Rudolf Leitner-Gründberg (1955–present)
"Der Wunsch"
Oil on canvas
Framed: 156 × 126 cm
Flat: 136 × 104 cm
A striking example of Rudolf Leitner-Gründberg’s evocative and expressive s...
Category
20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Stunning 1960's Abstract Portrait of Young Man - Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Superb 1960's original oil painting depicting this head portrait of an abstract man. Unique image with dramatic and vivid brushwork.
The painting is signed by the 20th century Brit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Renewal" (2024) by Josh Sorrell, Original Oil Painting, Surreal Portrait
Located in Denver, CO
"Renewal" (2024) by Josh Sorrell depicts a abstract expressionist portrait of a woman in shining blue light. This painting measures 14 x 11 x 2 inches and is unframed but ready to ha...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
RENE LEROY (b.1932) SIGNED FRENCH CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT CUBIST PAINTING FIGURES
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Rene Leroy (French b. 1932)
Title: Abstract/ Cubist Composition
Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed, signed
Size: framed: 26.5 x 22.5 inches
paint...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Mid-Century "The Emigrants" Pierre Bosco #34 (Italy/France, 1909-1993)
By Pierre Bosco
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Mid-Century "The Emigrants" #34
Pierre Bosco (Italy/France, 1909-1993)
Oil on canvas
19 1/2 x 16 1/4 inches, frame size
“The savage art of Bosco bears i...
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Laßt Blumen Sprechen and Felt Diptych. Mixed media portrait photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Laßt Blumen Sprechen and Felt Diptych, 2022 by Hunter & Gatti
From the series Infinite
Acrylic and scratch on fine art metallic paper with a pearlescent coating
Overall size: 21 in H...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Archival Paper
SISTER. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've married realism with strokes of expressionism and impressionism to evoke a deep, introspective atmosphere. I've captured a moment of profound emotion, the ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Audrey in Gold" Audrey Hepburn Gold Leaf Haute Couture Oil Painting on Canvas
By Cindy Shaoul
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 Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
"Girl with Doll" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist
Located in Arp, TX
Sylvia Rutkoff (1919-2011)
sr2-1
c.1950s
“Girl with Doll”
Impasto oil paint on Masonite
30x24 framed wood period frame
Label on reverse
Collection acqui...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Masonite, Oil
IREN. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant work, I've mingled acrylics, watercolors, and colored pencils to capture a tumult of raw emotions. Infusing expressionism with dashes of impressionism and pop art, I ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman laying on a bed
Located in Woodbury, CT
Well painted 1950's mid-century modern English portrait of a nude woman laying on a bed.
The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during the 1950s-1960s
Oils on artists ...
Category
1950s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Panel, Oil
Contemporary British Abstract Painting Colourful Wacky Portrait Of Man
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'Abstract Portrait'
by Bolly Frost
Acrylic painting on canvas
signed
painting: 24 x 18 inches
Superb original modern abstract portrait painting by the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
be reborn oil on canvas painting abstract expressionism
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Nerea Caos (1993) - Be reborn- Oil on canvas
Canvas size 50X20 cm.
Frameless.
Nerea Sánchez Castro, born in Ferrol, Galicia in 1993, an art student since high school, with constant ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Blue flowers Abstract Colorful Portrait of Girl with Flowers by German Artist
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original portrait painting by the German artist Ljubow Jung.
Jung is a professional artist and clothes designer.
Imitation of stained glass windows. Stained glass windows are made o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Contemporary expressive abstract figurative acrylic painting of woman on canvas
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Integrity" is a contemporary, expressive figurative oil painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, marking a transformative chapter in her artistic journey. As part of her evolving...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
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.