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.
to
74
139
125
122
79
76
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
142
399
4
14
18
13
10
11
4,414
1,201
863
609
578
541
456
356
334
166
132
100
25
24
390
79
70
205
156
125
89
50
40
40
21
17
17
13
11
7
7
6
4
4
4
4
4
486
253
237
237
195
28
15
12
11
9
124
60
260
236
Style: Abstract
"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
"Girl with Beret" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist
Located in Arp, TX
Sylvia Rutkoff (1919-2011)
Sr9-1
c.1950s
"Girl with Beret"
Impasto oil paint on Masonite
32x32 period frame
Collection acquired from family estate
*Custom framing available for addit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Masonite, Oil
History secrets (idols from Easter Island)-abstract painting, made in pink, grey
By Galin R
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
The artwork is showing idols from Easter Island and in some way it resembles Presents Mountain in the USA.
About the Artist: Art Decorator, working in contemporary colors for interio...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
All Smiles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This acrylic portrait painting is inspired by the mid-century masters.
Framed in a vintage black frame, can be hung up or stand, 10 in. wide x 12 in. high
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
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
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
"Hey Sinatra" Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas Portrait of Iconic Frank Sinatra
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
This painting is from the artist's Hollywood abstract series, where she instills the character on the lower half of the composition and depicts abstract colors and movements around t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Nature and Human Relationships – Embrace 2 – 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
Kate Playboy #5S
By Ant Pearce
Located in Brecon, Powys
Matt Emulsion, Gloss Varnish, 24 carat Gold Leaf on Aluminium
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Aluminum, Gold Leaf
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman reading, seated
Located in Woodbury, CT
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman seated reading in an interior.
The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during t...
Category
1950s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Man with Pipe - Paint by Buntoon Brothers - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Man with pipe is an artwork realized by Buntoon Brothers in the 1970s.
24 x 19 cm ; 40 x 34 with frame.
Hand signed in the lower right part.
Oil on canvas.
Good conditiions!
Category
1970s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
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
$11,600 Sale Price
20% Off
1946 Antique German American Abstract Expressionist Jesus Christ oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
Joachim Probst
(1913-1980)
signed and dated verso 1946
oil on canvas
original frame
Joachim Probst was an American German Abstract painter
Here we have a an image of Christ done i...
Category
1940s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"THE NEW YORK SESSIONS - NATALIE" Oil Painting 49" x 31" in by Charles Malinsky
Located in Culver City, CA
"THE NEW YORK SESSIONS - NATALIE" Oil Painting 49" x 31" in by Charles Malinsky
Full name: "THE BLACK COAT PROJECT - THE NEW YORK SESSIONS - NATALIE"
Artwork ships rolled in a tube...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"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 varie...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
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
Oil, Panel
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Couple, Figurative, , Acrylic, Black, White by Indian Artist "In Stock"
By Tapas Ghosal
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Tapas Ghosal - Untitled - 24 x 24 inches (unframed size)
Acrylic Dry Pastel & Pigment on Canvas, 2014
It will be delivered in a roll form.
Style : In Hindu philosophy, the 'Antahka...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment
"Le Gilet Bleu” The Blue Jacket
By René Genis
Located in Berlin, MD
Rene Genis (French 1922-2004) "Le Gilet Bleu” The Blue Jacket. Portrait of a young man in a blue jacket/sweater with an insignia on the breast and a blue ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Laid Paper
Abstract Expressionist Self Portrait in in Acrylic and Pastel on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Self Portrait in in Acrylic and Pastel on Paper
A colorful abstracted self portrait painting by California-based artist Ricardo de Silva (American/Brazil, 20t...
Category
1980s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Pastel
20th Century Abstract Portrait of Lady "La Dame a la Fleur Blanche" Michel Rodde
By Michel Rodde
Located in Surfside, FL
Michel Rodde (1913-2009)
Oil on Canvas Painting
Portrait of a woman: "La Dame a la Fleur Blanche"
Hand signed lower right.
Provenance: Findlay Galleries, New York with gallery stamp...
Category
20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
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 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
$10,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique American Modernist Surreal Original Framed Figurative Drawing
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist drawing. Framed. Drawing on paper. Signed. Image size, 14H by 11L.
Category
1980s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$236 Sale Price
20% Off
Abstract in Blue, Green, and Red, Modern Oil Painting by Miriam Bromberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
Abstract in Blue, Green, and Red
Miriam Bromberg
Date: 1970s
Oil on Canvas
Size: 38 x 18 in. (96.52 x 45.72 cm)
Frame Size: 45 x 25.5 inches
Category
1970s 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
Acrylic, Mixed Media, Archival Paper
Small Longitudinal Dark Toned Abstract Portrait of a Pregnant Woman
By Pat Colville
Located in Houston, TX
Small longitudinal dark green and yellow toned portrait by Houston, TX artist Pat Colville depicting a young pregnant woman with short hair and a sleeveless top. The subject's striki...
Category
1950s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"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 varie...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
Caregiver 2
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oil on canvas.
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary semi-abstract portrait of women acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Bound by Strength, We Stand Together is a captivating piece by Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her Women Series, where she delves into themes of femininity, strength, and the pr...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Rimbaud
By C. Dimitri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An imagine portrait of Arthur Rimbaud, 19th century modernist author of "Illuminations" and "A Season in Hell." Oil paint, Weathered-Oak wood stain, and mixed media on panel.
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oak, Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
Be Thy Self with Glory
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oil on canvas.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
JAZZU - L’envol vers le renouveau
By Jazzu
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Jazzu
L’envol vers le renouveau
Techniques mixtes sur papier fort
2025
Signé et daté au recto au crayon
Titré , signé et daté au verso au feutre
76 x 56 cms
890 euros
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
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 highl...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
Vintage Large American Modernist Surreal Framed Abstract Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist abstract painting by Alton S. Tobey (1914 - 2005). Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Image size, 24 by 66 inches.
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Self Series: Intro-inspection - Oil Painting by Valeriya Shebelnichenko - 2022
Located in Roma, IT
"Serie dell’Io: Intro - ispezione" (eng: Self series: Intro – inspection) is an original painting realized by Ukrainian artist Okno in 2022.
Oil, bronze powder and spray cans on ca...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Powder Coating, Spray Paint
Contemporary American Abstract Expressionist Modernist Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Contemporary abstract expressionist oil painting by Michael Merisola. Oil on canvas. Vibrant color and confident composition. Nicely framed. Signed verso.
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$1,020 Sale Price
20% Off
Jazzu - Sens du bleu
By Jazzu
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Jazzu
Sens du bleu
La vie est belle
Acrylique sur papier fort
2025
Signé , daté et titré
2025
490 euros
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Jazzu - Souffler la joie
By Jazzu
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Jazzu
Souffler la joie
Techniques mixtes sur papier fort
2025
Signé, daté et titré
42 x 29,7 cms
490 euros
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"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
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
Ross Bleckner Geometric Abstract Painting, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Ross Bleckner (American, b. 1949)
Untitled (Geometric Abstraction)
Acrylic on board
19 1/2 x 16 3/4 in.
Signed lower right: Ross '66
Ross Bleckner grew up in Hewlett, Long Island, N...
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Board
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
Queen Horse - Oil Painting on Canvas, White Horse Portrait 72 H X 48" W Rolled
By Irena Orlov
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Queen Horse - Oil Painting on Canvas 72 H X 48" W
Rolled
Artist Irena Orlov. Signed
Certificate for authenticity.
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
$10,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Signed American Illustration "Romeo and Juliette" Framed Rare Portrait Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American illustration painting. Signed. Framed. Measuring 20 by 24 inches overall and 16 by 20 painting alone.
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Woman in Pink, Blue, and Gray", acrylic painting, cubist portrait, classic pose
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"Woman in Pink, Blue, and Gray" is an acrylic on canvas painting measuring 24" tall by 18" wide. It's very active, with a woman wearing a colorful cap with feather, her tresses falling down behind/beside her, portrayed with cubist abandon as the artist folds in Picasso with Philip Guston... Note all the formal elements are present – her eyes, her smile, her dress and bosom – yet assemble and disassemble in front of our eyes.
From Peter Schenck...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Millie by Shelly Madruga, Contemporary Artwork Portrait
Located in Atlanta, GA
'Millie' by Shelly Madruga is a character-rich portrait rendered in oil on canvas. Measuring 7 x 5 in, this piece showcases the artist's distinctive style and command of composition....
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Eve by Shelly Madruga, Contemporary Artwork Portrait
Located in Atlanta, GA
'Eve' by Shelly Madruga is a character-rich portrait rendered in oil on canvas. Measuring 7 x 5 in, this piece showcases the artist's distinctive style and command of composition. A ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Green and Blue Abstract Portrait of a Bald Man
Located in Houston, TX
Abstract portrait of a man by artist Carla Nickerson-Adams. This portrait depicts a seated bald man with a green garment with a red and yellow lining. Signed ...
Category
1990s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Audrey Hepburn as Ariane Farrell, Original art, still-life, Pop art, Abstract
By Agent X
Located in Deddington, GB
Original
Digitally produced painting on Canvas
Image size: H:147 cm x W:147 cm
Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:147 cm x W:147 cm x D:1cm
Sold Unframed
Please note that insitu image...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Digital
"The Gatekeeper", acrylic, oil stick, judge, jury, portrait, proscenium, stage
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"The Gatekeeper" is a mysterious painting, seemingly both a portrait and a situation – perhaps a portrait of a barrier. Gatekeeping suggests inclusion a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Abstract Expressive Figurative Acrylic Portrait of a Woman "Inner strength"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Inner Strength" is a contemporary acrylic painting portraying a faceless woman with flowing brown hair against a rich dark orange background. The woman’s face is divided into two co...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Paper
Libra original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my artwork, I've melded realism with surreal touches, creating a harmonious blend that captures both the physical and emotional essence of my subject. My use of pastel and pencil ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Vintage Incredible Large Abstract Portrait Signed Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist abstract portrait of Mozart 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
$10,000 Sale Price
20% Off
"Plein Air Painter", artist, palette, creativity, portrait, battle, risk, figure
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"Plein Air Painter" is a key work of art among Peter Schenck's many remarkable paintings, and addresses situations that continue to fascinate the artist ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil Crayon, Oil
"Flower girl"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Portrait painted over the flowers still live.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, 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
Untitled
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Oksana Domnytska "Untitled"
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Divinity (Radiant Innocence) - Contemporary Portrait of a Joyful Smiling Child
Located in Ibadan, NG
This captivating painting by Bukola Orioye, Radiant Innocence, is a bold celebration of joy, purity, and hope. What makes this piece truly unique is its ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Glue, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Boxer Knockout Punch - Esquire Magazine Mid- Century Sports - Action Painting
By Bob Peak
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliant American Illustrator Bob Peak captures the fury and power of a punch to the face with rapid broad strokes of the brush. Combined with a somber color scheme and gestural bru...
Category
1960s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Masonite
'O Happy Day' - pure abstract, meditation, red clay, moody
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large-scale pure abstract painting features hues of blue, orange, brown and green. This piece includes acrylic, diamond dust, red clay & mica on canvas.
Sachi Rome is inspired ...
Category
2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, 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.