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Abstract 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
Item Ships From: Tri-State Area
Thomas Easley - Hidden In Plain Sight, Painting 2023
Located in Greenwich, CT
This abstracted painting offers glimpses of a woman's body in a burst of vibrant colors, but only if you can see her. Shades of red -- from bright hues to deep red-browns -- dominate...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Live Composition II by African American Artist Bai, Work on Paper
Located in New york, NY
In contrasting colors that pop Live Composition II, 2024 by African American artist Bai is a 30” x 22” abstract acrylic, oil pastel, and ballpoint pen work on paper, presented in an ...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Rag Paper, Ballpoint Pen

"#10 Big Orange and Turquoise" Diana Kurz, Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in New York, NY
Diana Kurz #10 Big Orange and Turquoise, 1962 Signed lower right Oil on canvas 53 x 47 1/2 inches Diana Kurz (born 1936) is an Austrian-born feminist painter. In 1938, Diana Kurz's...
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Dreaming of De Kooning" Colorful Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel Framed
Located in New York, NY
With layers of bright oils, whisking brush strokes, and thrown paint, Shaoul captures a love story through her paint pallet and abstract expression. The artist explores something new...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel

"Two Figures, " Louis Stone, Abstract, American WPA Modernism
Located in New York, NY
Louis K. Stone (1902 - 1984) Two Figures, 1980 Mixed media on paper Sight 52 x 42 inches Signed and dated lower right Louis King Stone was born in Findlay, Ohio in 1902 and received...
Category

1980s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Untitled t-nail drawing, unique geometric abstraction hand signed framed
Located in New York, NY
James Siena Untitled t-nail drawing (reference: two against two), 1999 Graphite on paper Pencil signed, titled, annotated and dated on the reverse of the sheet (see photos) also penc...
Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Graphite, Pencil

Halloween- earth tone color circular abstract geometric watercolor drawing
Located in New York, NY
Richard Garrison collects information from typically overlooked aspects of daily life. Observed data from places like big box stores and parking lots are systematically transformed i...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite

"Quadrivium 78" 2024 acrylic and collage on paper
Located in New York, NY
Peter Stephens Quadrivium 78, 2024 acrylic and collage on paper 30 x 22 in image size:16 x 16 in (ste028)
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Antique American Impressionist Pekingese Dog Portrait Signed Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American dog portrait oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring 8 by 10 inches overall and 6.5 by 9 painting alone.
Category

1930s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Monumental American Abstract Expressionist Signed Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
A large and very impressive late 20th century painting by listed Ohio artist, James Massena (1953 - 2021). Oil on canvas. Titled "Storm Surge".
Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Vintage Signed American School Abstract Pop Art Large Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract signed oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed.
Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Girl with Golden Balloons" Figure in Chanel Oil Painting on Canvas with Dog
Located in New York, NY
“Girl with Balloons” was created from a vision aritst Cindy Shaoul had during the height of the pandemic. She wanted to create a piece with a light heart but also translate a message...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Vintage American Abstract Geometric Modernist Signed Mid Century Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract geometric signed oil painting by Paul Kelpe (1902 - 1985) . Oil on board. Vibrant color and confident composition. Framed. Artist Bio: A German arti...
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Beach Patterns Abstract
Located in Greenwich, CT
Della-Volpe early abstractions are rare and good. Even at this early time he abstracted off "beach" elements such as shapes and colors. With minimal shapes here he creates a compos...
Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Dreamer" Colorful Abstract Contemporary Oil & Gold Painting Wood Panel Framed
Located in New York, NY
With layers of bright oils, whisking brush strokes, and thrown paint, Shaoul captures a love story through her paint pallet and abstract expression. The artist explores something new...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel

Geometric Painting by Martha Lloyd, Carrie Haddad Gallery Provenance
Located in New York, NY
Martha Lloyd (American, 1927-2018) Thaw, 1997 Oil and wax (encaustic) on canvas 20 x 20 in. Framed: 21 1/4 x 21 1/4 x 1 3/4 in. Inscribed verso Provenance: Carrie Haddad Gallery, Hudson, NY Martha Anne Lloyd...
Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Encaustic, Oil

Ky Anderson "Lift" 2024 Acrylic on paper
Located in New York, NY
Artist Statement: My work falls somewhere between abstraction, formalism and narrative painting. I see the content and story when I look at my work, but shape and color are equally...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

"Edge of Forever, " Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This large abstract statement painting by Julia Contacessi is made with acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas. It features a cool blue and warm violet palette, and is fluid in compositio...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Ledge and Sea, Early Morning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Provenance: Fischbach Gallery Tibor De Nagy Gallery Exhibited in The Virginia Museum, 1979 Nell Blaine, painter of still lifes and landscapes in brilliant colors, created abstract wo...
Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Girl with Balloons - Parisian Twilight" Paris Figure Haute Couture Oil on Paper
Located in New York, NY
“Girl with Balloons” was created from a vision aritst Cindy Shaoul had during the height of the pandemic. She wanted to create a piece with a light heart but also translate a message...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Archival Paper

Early American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Mid Century Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist abstract oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas.
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique American School Signed Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American school signed abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Image size, 19L x 13H.
Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique American Impressionist Signed Still Life Framed Interior Scene Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Finely painted American modernist still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 22H by 28L.
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Incredible Mid Century Abstract Artist Interior Studio View Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very impressive mid 20th century modernist interior view. So well painted with great color and bold expressive strokes. Signed illegibly. Housed in a period modernist frame. Oil ...
Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ky Anderson "Periscope" 2024 Acrylic on paper
Located in New York, NY
Artist Statement: My work falls somewhere between abstraction, formalism and narrative painting. I see the content and story when I look at my work, but shape and color are equally...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

"Sunshine and Shadows" Antique American Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American oil painting by Elaine Crawley. Oil on canvas board. Signed. Framed. Measuring 21 by 25 inches overall and 20 by 24 painting alone.
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Colorful Abstract Waterfall by Johanna Secor
Located in New York, NY
Johanna Secor (American, 1920-1998) Waterfall, Late 20th Century Oil on canvas Framed: 35 3/8 x 29 1/8 x 1 7/8 in. Signed and inscribed verso: Johanna Secor "Waterfall" “Mrs. Seco...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, 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 Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Monster treats - red pink orange circular abstract geometric watercolor drawing
Located in New York, NY
Richard Garrison collects information from typically overlooked aspects of daily life. Observed data from places like big box stores and parking lots are systematically transformed i...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite

Antique Ukrainian American Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ukrainian American abstract painting by Misha Reznikoff (1905 - 1971). Oil on canvas. Signed verso in monogram. Measuring 20.5 by 30.5 inches.
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Standing Tall, Intersections Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Painting description: This is a new example of my ongoing series, "Intersections". My attempt to capture urban abstraction. Shapes and colors intersect and overlap. With the use of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

The Upend, Oil, Monochromatic, minimalist, black, Textured, painting, movement
Located in Riverdale, NY
The Upend is a monochromatic, textured oil painting by James Austin Murray. It is an all black oil painting on wood panel. It is 36x36, square It is a stunning abstract painting t...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Wood Panel

Kaleidoscopic Architecture Painting by Mark Kaplan
Located in New York, NY
Mark Kaplan (Russian, b. 1950) Les visiteurs tardifs, c. mid-late 20th century Oil on canvas 31 3/4 x 39 in. Framed: 36 1/4 x 43 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. Signed upp...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Skowhegan-Wesserunsett, signed, framed oil painting by protege of Hans Hofmann
By Paul Resika
Located in New York, NY
Paul Resika Skowhegan-Wesserunsett, 1976 Oil on board painting: Abstract Expressionist landscape Signed 'Resika' lower left, also signed, titled and dated on the reverse; verso also ...
Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Dreaming of Franz Kline" Gold Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel Framed
Located in New York, NY
With layers of bright oils, whisking brush strokes, and thrown paint, Shaoul captures a love story through her paint pallet and abstract expression. The artist explores something new...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel

C.286, Geometric, Hard Edge and Optical painting
Located in Greenwich, CT
It is rare to see a painting by Vasa Mihich available. These works are carefully worked through and planned with the aid of Computers. Mihich will work through the sequencing of co...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Plywood, Acrylic

Mid-Century Oil on Canvas Abstract Still Life Entitled "Tavolo E Oggetti"
Located in New York, NY
Infuse your art collection with a remarkable piece of mid-century modernism: the oil on canvas abstract still life entitled "Tavolo E Oggetti," signed Giancarlo Isola, Italy, circa 1...
Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antique American School Modernist Abstract Fall Landscape Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist landscape painting. Oil on canvas. Framed.
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Before The People - Abstract Versus Figurative Painting with Yellow Blue Colors
Located in New York, NY
Parris Jaru's Before The People is a 54 x 37 inches oil painting. The main colors are yellow and blue. The surface is defined by a thick impasto of paint, made with plant-based pigme...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Resin, Pigment

Abstract
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A textured "Cosmic Abstraction " that we attributed to Yeffe Kimball. While the work is unsigned the technique used with the blistering paint closely resembles her work. A dynamic mi...
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Night Garden" Modern Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This Modern Abstract Expressionist painting by Stanley Bate is made with oil paint on canvas and features a warm red geometric rectangular shape at the center of the composition, wit...
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Presagio - Earth Tone Abstract Painting, South American, Geometric and Organic
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant abstract painting features a dynamic blend of earthy oranges, golds, and soft blues, with organic shapes that seem to emerge and dissolve across the canvas. The composition evokes a sense of movement and spontaneity, making it a perfect statement piece for a contemporary living room or office space. The artist’s use of color creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the fluid shapes add energy and intrigue to the environment. Titled "Presagio", meaning “omen” in Spanish, the painting invites contemplation. The shifting forms and colors suggest a moment of transition or revelation, making it ideal for spaces that foster thought and reflection. The abstract nature of the work draws comparisons to the vibrant, geometric compositions of Carlos Rojas...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Setting Sail - Original Geometric Blue Abstract Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Setting Sail 24.0 x 24.0 x 1.5, 3.0 lbs Acrylic paint Hand signed by the artist Artist's Commentary: "Glenn Fischer is an abstract artist working in collage and painting to create...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Birth of Light - Abstract Gestural Oil Painting with Orange and Yellow Colors
Located in New York, NY
Ruggero Vanni's Birth of Light is a 60 x 48 inch abstract gestural oil painting. It is an abstract landscape of vigorous brushstrokes and light, with a strong luminous central focus. The main colors are orange, yellow, and rust. There are clear references to the masters of the Hudson River School, also known as Luminism, as well as the Romantic paintings of English artist William Turner. Vanni states, "My works allude to natural phenomena, in a raw state, devoid of the limiting constrictions of literal representation. Nature is there, as a landscape, a view looking up in the air, or plunging down underwater. Imagery kept on the edge of recognition, so the final association is created in the mind. Contrasts of matter, color, light, are created to provoke emotional responses. In the large paintings the atmospheric composition is built by raised brushstrokes shattered and reassembled to reveal an underlying struggle. In the smaller works paper is cast tumultuously as a counterpoint to its inherent frailness. References to the history of painting are multiple and mixed: Venetian impasto and glazing, Luminist light, Abstract Expressionist texture, Baroque perspective. It is important to avoid mannerism, metabolize the suggestions and integrate them with empirical visual stimuli. Dissecting responses to everyday experiences into light, color, matter. There is no intent to escape reality, but to create a visual experience that communicates directly with our psyche; open to be reinterpreted continuously through our own evolution and the changing times." Ruggero Vanni was born in Paris. He studied painting from 1973 to 1978 at the Istituto d’Arte in Rome, Italy, under the guidance of Italian artist Michelangelo Conte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Untitled
By Jack Meanwell
Located in Summit, NJ
Perfect example of Meanwell’s work. Amazing texture. Framed in a gold wood frame. The piece measures 17.75 x 22 inches framed, 13.5 x 17.5 inches unframed. Signed and dated lower l...
Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Dan Teis, Abstract Acrylic Painting with Collage
Located in Long Island City, NY
This is an acrylic painting on canvas by American artist Dan Teis. This work follows his signature style, geometric compositions in acrylic and paper collage on canvas. His work achi...
Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Acrylic

"The Earth LXXV-III" Contemporary Mixed Media Sculptural Painting on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Having travelled the world from her native Belarus to Asia, the Americas, and other parts of Europe and having the great fortune to interact with people from around the globe and abs...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Epoxy Resin, Mixed Media, Oil

Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist New York City Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Image size, 24L x 36H.
Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique American Framed Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very nicely painted mid century abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. Great colors and bold brush strokes.
Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique American School Large Great Color Abstract Modernist Original Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American school modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1950. Unsgned. Image size 36L x 60H.
Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Big Blue" Abstracted Dog Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This abstracted painting of a dog features a loose, energetic style and vibrant, colorful palette. The artist layers wide brush strokes and thin, swirling lines to create the dog's f...
Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"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 Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Archival Paper

Mid 20th Century American Abstract Large. Comprised of Four Canvases Color Field
Located in New York, NY
Mid 20th Century American Abstract Large. Comprised of Four Canvases Color Field James Daugherty (1887 - 1974) The Sun is but a Morning Star Acrylic on canvas, c. 1965. 100 x 100 inches Comprised of four canvases measuring 50x50 inches each Each canvas is signed, J. Daugherty, on verso. The upper left canvas is inscribed as titled on verso Provenance: Estate of the Artist. Exhibited: Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, NJ, "James H. Daugherty Retrospective," January 28 - March 25, 1973. BIO Among the early American modernists, James Daugherty was one of the first exponents of abstract color painting. Throughout his career, whether he was working in an abstract or a representational mode, Daugherty felt pure color to be the most effective means of creating powerful and evocative works of art. Daugherty was born in Asheville, North Carolina, near the Great Smoky Mountains. He received his formal training at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia during the early years of the last century. Although he was in Europe from 1905 until 1907, he remained unaffected by avant-garde art until the groundbreaking Armory Show of 1913. Daugherty worked in a futurist manner until late 1914 or early 1915, when he came into contact with Arthur B...
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Meg Atkinson, Sunset at Waverly Park, 2015, oil on canvas, Abstraction
Located in Darien, CT
It was Picasso who said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." While her work in the exhibition Child's Play is not meant specifical...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Signed Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting by Christine Opolus. Oil on canvas, circa 1960. Signed. Framed. Image size, 32L x 12"H.
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Huge Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Action Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
An abstract expressionist painting by Duayne Hatchett . Oil on canvas, circa 1992. Signed verso. Framed. Image size, 60"H x 55"L. Duayne Hatchett was a visual artist whose work...
Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Table 2, Couple 1, unique signed framed abstract collage by beloved Texas artist
Located in New York, NY
Henry Rayburn Table 2, Couple 1 (unique framed collage by beloved Texas artist), 1995 Acrylic and Mixed media collage on paper Signed in graphite pencil on the front Unique Frame inc...
Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Laid Paper, Acrylic

Composition Abstract in Blues
Located in Greenwich, CT
Germain's composition is a great example of abstract expressionism on the French front and they called the movement Lyricism. Startling blue movements mixed with myriad of other col...
Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract 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 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, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Giorgio Lo Fermo, Sumit Mehndiratta, Nestor Toro, and Cindy Shaoul. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Synthetic Resin 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 0.1 inches across are also available.

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