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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
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Blue White Sails Wind
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Blue White Sails Wind

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Blue White Sails Wind

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition of Blue/ White Sailing Boats in the Wind signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45.5 x 35 inches condition: the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Memory of a landscape - abstract painting, landscape painting
Memory of a landscape - abstract painting, landscape painting

Memory of a landscape - abstract painting, landscape painting

Located in New York, NY

Memory of a Landscape Acrylic on canvas 100/70 2026 "Memory of a Landscape" is a captivating abstract expressionist painting that explores how our minds store the places we love -...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Belond time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Belond time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Belond time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Emily STARCK

Located in Yardley, PA

Large work of abstraction. Worked in several layers with raw emotions expressed by colors and gesture. Edges are painted in the continuity of the work. Dimensions are for stretched...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Italian Abstract Cityscape with Towers. Circa 1970
Italian Abstract Cityscape with Towers. Circa 1970

Italian Abstract Cityscape with Towers. Circa 1970

Located in Firenze, IT

Cityscape with skyscrapers. Stylized and almost abstract representation of a city with skyscrapers, some of which have the shape of a sail. Oil on canvas. In a 1970´s aluminium / wood period frame. Signed lower right: Raimondo. Landscape appears at first glance as a series of abstract, geometric, very bright objects. Very good condition. Painting comes from a collection in Turin, Italy which had numerous signed works...

Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Blue Wonder, Abstract Painting
Blue Wonder, Abstract Painting

Blue Wonder, Abstract Painting

By Krispen Spencer

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Deep blue and navy tones define this acrylic pour painting. White negative space emphasizes the fluid movement and texture of the paint. The poured layers creat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

ABSTRACT Black Bamboo Painting Texture Italian Artist Silvia De Marchi Minimal
ABSTRACT Black Bamboo Painting Texture Italian Artist Silvia De Marchi Minimal

ABSTRACT Black Bamboo Painting Texture Italian Artist Silvia De Marchi Minimal

By Silvia De Marchi

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Ink, Handmade Paper, Bamboo Paper

Serene Cove Waters, Feng Shui Seascape, Blue and White Ripples, Horizontal Print
Serene Cove Waters, Feng Shui Seascape, Blue and White Ripples, Horizontal Print

Serene Cove Waters, Feng Shui Seascape, Blue and White Ripples, Horizontal Print

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Serene Cove Waters" is a handmade cyanotype print portraying fresh ripples movements in a Greek Islands cove...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Emulsion, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, Lithograph, Monop...

Nocturne

Nocturne

By Marina Stern

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This work is part of our exhibition Marina Stern Luminary, the first retrospective of the artist since 2007. Marina Stern was a multifaceted New York-based artist whose works range...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

So British Oil Painting of Bulldog on Mini Car, Signed, 60x60 cm
So British Oil Painting of Bulldog on Mini Car, Signed, 60x60 cm

So British Oil Painting of Bulldog on Mini Car, Signed, 60x60 cm

By Fabriano

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "So British" by Fabriano is a delightful portrayal of quintesse...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid-Century French Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas.
Mid-Century French Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas.

Mid-Century French Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas.

Located in Cotignac, FR

A large mid-century French abstract expressionist oil and acrylic on canvas by Jean-Louis Ladislas. Signed and dated 69 to the reverse. Presented in a slim baton wood frame. A highl...

Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"Doves for the Dorians I" (pink, green, white, Greek warrior. sword, painting)
"Doves for the Dorians I" (pink, green, white, Greek warrior. sword, painting)

"Doves for the Dorians I" (pink, green, white, Greek warrior. sword, painting)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

The Dorians played a significant role in the development of the Greek city-states during the Bronze Age -- and Doves are widely recognized as symbols of peace, primarily in the bibli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Dye, Oil, Acrylic

Le Secret
Le Secret

Le Secret

By Olena Kishkurno

Located in Zofingen, AG

(Series: Le Jardin Privé / Your Private Paradise) “Some doors lead not to rooms, but to states of grace — hidden havens where the soul finally feels at home.” This contemporary paint...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic

Lineto I (Abstract Encaustic and Collage Painting on Linen)
Lineto I (Abstract Encaustic and Collage Painting on Linen)

Lineto I (Abstract Encaustic and Collage Painting on Linen)

By Alaina Enslen

Located in Hudson, NY

"Lineto I" made by Hudson Valley artist, Alaina Enslen, in 2025 Encaustic, dyed fabrics, and paper mounted on panel 36 x 48 x 2 inches unframed, sides reveal raw panel and wrapped fa...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Encaustic, Linen, Monotype

Lighthearted, 2024, by Murray Duncan, Mix Media on Canvas, Geometric Abstract
Lighthearted, 2024, by Murray Duncan, Mix Media on Canvas, Geometric Abstract

Lighthearted, 2024, by Murray Duncan, Mix Media on Canvas, Geometric Abstract

By Murray Duncan 1

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Lighthearted By Murray Duncan Lighthearted is a large-scale abstract composition defined by gestural movement, architectural line-work, and a warm, luminous ground. Working in layer...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil

Abstract Expressionist Painting American Late 1960's Mid Century New York Brown
Abstract Expressionist Painting American Late 1960's Mid Century New York Brown

Abstract Expressionist Painting American Late 1960's Mid Century New York Brown

Located in Buffalo, NY

Mid Century Modern, American Abstract Expressionist Painting on Masonite. This wonderful work in hues of blue comes house in a contemporary natural wood frame presentation.. The ar...

Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Acrylic

"Ranunculus II" Large Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Blush Rose Abstract 84"x60"
"Ranunculus II" Large Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Blush Rose Abstract 84"x60"

"Ranunculus II" Large Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Blush Rose Abstract 84"x60"

By Karina Gentinetta

Located in New York, NY

"Ranunculus II", 2024, 84" H x 60" W. Large-scale abstract painting in hues of blush crimson consisting of acrylic, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-born artist Karina...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil

Geometric Resonance — Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas
Geometric Resonance — Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas

Geometric Resonance — Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas

By SOPHIE DUMONT

Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR

French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont presents in Geometric Resonance a refined geometric abstraction structured through a subtle dialogue between curved forms, architectural line...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Aldo Caselli. Venice. Industries And The Dragon. Dated 1978.
Aldo Caselli. Venice. Industries And The Dragon. Dated 1978.

Aldo Caselli. Venice. Industries And The Dragon. Dated 1978.

Located in Firenze, IT

Aldo Caselli. Venice. Industries and the Dragon. Dated 1978. Born in Venice, in 1942 where he lives and works. The painting, at first impression abstract, with more accurate observ...

Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting
Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting

Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting

By Guy Harloff

Located in Roma, IT

Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting Wonderful Guy Harloff large abstract painting Titled “Composition” 1954 Mixed media on paper applied to masonite. Inscription G...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Watercolor

Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint
Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint

Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint

By Spanish artist

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Horses Spanish School, signed 'Santos' early 21st century acrylic painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 48 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, So...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Capulin Volcano
Capulin Volcano

Capulin Volcano

By Lynn Sanders

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Lynn Sanders is an artist excited by beauty: architecture, foliage, landscapes, seascapes, interiors. She finds palettes and shapes in her environment and propels them into her work,...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic

Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting
Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting

Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting

By Bruce Rubenstein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Flourishing Fields' features whimsical details and vi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

White Series n2 and n3 Diptych. Abstract Painting
White Series n2 and n3 Diptych. Abstract Painting

White Series n2 and n3 Diptych. Abstract Painting

By Rosario Briones

Located in Miami Beach, FL

In this series the artist represent the force of white that invades with its free forms, strongly over the structure of black. White is the absolute color, the purest, the most perfe...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Lacquer, India Ink, Watercolor, Pigment

Field Study — Group of Four Mixed Media Works on Paper by Murray Duncan
Field Study — Group of Four Mixed Media Works on Paper by Murray Duncan

Field Study — Group of Four Mixed Media Works on Paper by Murray Duncan

By Murray Duncan 1

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Field Study is a group of four mixed-media works on archival cold-press watercolor paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, each measuring 18 × 24 inches. Part of his ongoing Untitled ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil

A little bird on a lettuce background.
A little bird on a lettuce background.

A little bird on a lettuce background.

By Svetlana Saratova

Located in Zofingen, AG

An exotic bird is depicted on a 40×40 cm canvas, painted with acrylics. Its plumage shimmers with vibrant shades of green, blue, turquoise, and yellow, creating a sense of living ra...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

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.