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.
Soft Morning in Venice
Located in Zofingen, AG
Soft Morning in Venice from the Inner Landscapes series Abstract impressionist painting inspired by the quiet atmosphere of Venice in the early morning - a moment when the city app...
Canvas, Oil
ABSTRACT Artwork Earth by Contemporary Artist Italian Giorgio Petracci Landscape
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...
Acrylic, Oil, Wood Panel
Dawn at the Grand Canyon, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"For a few brief moments on the south rim, the morning sun lights up the canyon walls like neon while casting blue shadows into its depths," says artist Cryst...
Oil
New York Misses You Too, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"The source of inspiration for this painting came as I was walking in Manhattan in the rain," says artist Onelio Marrero. "This street is based on 8th Avenue ...
Oil
#204, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$746Sale Price|25% Off
Antique American Impressionist Upstate New York Landscape Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American impressionist landscape oil painting. Signed verso. Really nicely framed. Great color and thick impressionist impasto. Image size, 10L x 8H.
Canvas, Oil
$1,376Sale Price|20% Off
Evanescence of Time: Large Abstract Acrylic Painting in Bold Blue
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Evanescence of Time Evanescence Painting Large Contemporary Bold Blue Statement Figurative Modern Texture Stories In this vibrant acrylic painting, I've infused the essence ...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Original Collage on Canvas Titled: PDP 1291 ct23 5 x 7
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Post Dogmatist Painting on Panel, signed verso Art is 5 x 7 with frame approximately 6.5 x 8.5 ready to hang Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage...
Acrylic
$1,277
Nuances – Original Textured Abstract Landscape Oil Painting by French Artist
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Medium: Oil on linen canvas Canvas size: 40 x 40 cm (15.75 x 15.75 in) Framed size: 47 x 47 cm (18.5 x 18.5 in) Frame: Black or light wood floater frame (collector choice) Technique:...
Oil
Fred Kenknight "Midday Sun" Abstract Oil Painting c.1963
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fred Kenknight Vintage 1960s "Midday Sun" Abstract Oil Painting Fantastic vintage oil painting signed by Fred Kenknight. Though untitled, we are call...
Oil, Board
$700Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Oil Painting by Yvette Dubois-Habasque, Signed, 21st Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract, by Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016) signed with initials and dated verso oil painting on artists board, unframed painting measures: 9.5 x 13 inches Stunning original ab...
Oil
$700Sale Price|20% Off
Original 20th Century French Abstract Painting Cubist Colorful Shapes 1976
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French 1924-2013) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 8 x 15.75 inches inscribed verso condition: overall very good and pleasing. The ...
Oil
Storage for a Timeworn Minimum (Set of 5)
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & pastel on paper
Acrylic, Paper, Pastel
$2,350
Large Scale Ocean Seascape Abstract Monoprint - Acrylic and Pastel on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Large Scale Ocean Seascape Abstract Monoprint - Acrylic and Pastel on Paper A dynamic large-scale vintage abstracted seascape Monoprint by Dennis Frings...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Paper
#144, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Rasplerry folds. 3D abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This exquisite clay miniature, measuring just 26 × 32 cm, is created on a canvas fully formed from clay. The sculpted surface resembles softly draped fabric, with fluid folds seeming...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
Apple Garden Latte
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll Apple Garden Latte (from the Inner Landscapes series) This work is a visual embodiment of a May morning, a moment when space fills with light, fragrance, and movement...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,469Sale Price|20% Off
It Was Always Part Of The Picture - Minimalist Abstract Textured Painting
Located in Manchester, GB
Henry Woolway, It Was Always Part Of The Picture, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 122 x 92 cm (48 x 36.22 in) Artwork is set in a stained red wood frame with a 5mm shadow gap Hand-signed ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract expressive floral painting on canvas "Floral symphony in color""
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Floral Symphony in Color" is a vivid, expressive contemporary painting created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, and it forms part of her Floral series. In this series, Natalya ble...
Canvas, Acrylic
$6,389
Emma Labattaglia Abstract Large Contemporary Grid Painting in Earth Tones
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection includes a Certificate of Authe...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Melody
Located in Zofingen, AG
Melody This work is part of the Infinity Map series, dedicated to exploring the inner world and the search for personal points of reference. A young woman sits by an open window, lis...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Charcoal
$22,000
"Fantastic Life" Large Colorful Textured Oil Impasto Contemporary Abstract Art
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Fantastic Life" 2023 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars Signed in the bottom right corner and on verso. "Fantastic Life" is an expansive 72” x 7...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Sense of Wonder, Abstract Painting
By Alicia Dunn
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Alicia Dunn captures an ethereal moment in time. She presents an abstract landscape in bold blue tones with orange accents. Alicia paints with heavy st...
Acrylic
Le Promenade
Located in Zofingen, AG
La Promenade shipped in roll (Series: Le Jardin Privé / Your Private Paradise) “Some paths are not meant to lead us somewhere, but to bring us back to ourselves.” This work, titled ...
Canvas, Acrylic
One Truth - Impasto Inspired Thick Paint Pink Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Glitter, Acrylic
$430Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) oil painting on board unframed: 11 x 7.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have for sale ...
Oil
$2,000
Fire in the Belly 2 - Colorful Energetic Abstract Acrylic Textural Drip Painting
By Marc Raphael
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Marc Raphael's abstract expressionism paintings are influenced by New York's abstract expressionist movement. After encountering Jackson Pollock’s work for the fir...
Canvas, Acrylic
$635
Glowing Sunset II - Original Vibrant Warm Tone Textured Abstract Artwork Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
$533Sale Price|20% Off
Large 20th Century Original French Expressionist Oil Painting
By P Vilette
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Original oil painting by P. Valetti (French, second half 20th century) oil on canvas, unframed size: 19.75 x 28.75 inches condition: very good provenance: from the artists estate, Fr...
Canvas, Oil
Summer Nights - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This captivating acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel, titled "Summer Nights," offers a compelling journey into the realm of figurative abstraction. The piece features a complex, harmoni...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
Large Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Expressionist Signed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large vintage American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Handsomely framed. Excellent condition, ready to hang and ...
Oil, Canvas
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
Fragrance of Memory, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Sheila Grabarsky demonstrates an abstraction of interlacing colors with hints of green, blue, and white peeping from the predominantly maroon, black, and mustard yellow background. A whimsical portrayal of ever-changing moods. Sheila incorporates dried acrylic skins within the multilayered composition, creating textures, depth, and history. The expressive gestural strokes depict a sense of sinuous motion.
About the Artist
Sheila Grabarsky is known for her bold, gestural nature scenes. Her fluid paintings have been compared to those of Vasily Kandinsky...
Acrylic
Esmeralda - Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 1980s Colorful Art
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract colourful oil painting is by Milly Ristvedt. Glorious colour dominates the canvas in this expressive painting by one of Canada’s finest contemporary artis...
Canvas, Oil
$316Sale Price|20% Off
American School Modernist Large Abstract Expressionist Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist signed abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Image size, 36L x 36H.
Canvas, Oil
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
El Gozo de la Tribu, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 204x340cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 19...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,480
Turquoise and Nocturnal Marina, Modern Seascape Diptych in Blue Tones, Organic
Located in Barcelona, ES
This diptych draws on the visual language of the seascape, using flowing, interlaced lines to evoke the movement of water and shifting currents. Contrasting tones of turquoise and de...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
$1,394
Partition coloree, Abstract Library, oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Partition colorée Oil on canvas, 2026 Unframed: 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in) Framed: 47 x 47 cm (18.5 x 18.5 in) Floater frame available in natural wood or oak or black Signed lower ...
Oil
$2,400Sale Price|42% Off
Soaring. 100x100cm, acrylic on canvas
By Olga Rikun
Located in Yerevan, AM
Soaring. 100x100cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,808
Crimson Sunset: (SPACES Series) Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, 60x120 cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
A masterpiece exploring coastal dusk, celestial fire, and the infinite. This panoramic 60x120cm oil, acrylic canvas captures a sublime transition from rugged shoreline details into a...
Oil, Acrylic
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
The Alchemy of Letting Go. Modern colorful abstract painting 100x100 cm
By Anna Selina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This vibrant abstract piece, titled "Alchemy of Letting Go," features energetic, sweeping brushstrokes in bold, vivid colors. The dynamic composition embodies a process of transforma...
Oil
#49, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Remanescence, Contemporary Abstract Seascape Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Remanence is an original oil painting on canvas by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont. Measuring 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in), 47 x 47 cm framed (18.5 x 18.5 in), the artwork is...
Oil
$1,858
Contemporary Mixed-Media Abstract Painting on Canvas by Emma Labattaglia 2025
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection includes a Certificate of Authe...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Peony and Buttercup
Located in New York, NY
Signed and dated by artist on verso
Foil
Shazam
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shazam Acrylic on canvas 48 x 48 x 1.5 Edges painted white, back wired, ready to hang. Sarah Trundle is a Charlottesville, Va. painter who, after beginnings in representational ar...
Acrylic
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Geometric Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist abstract geometric oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas.
Canvas, Oil
Original-Dahlias in Dusk-Gold Leaf and oil-British Awarded Artist-abstract
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
With strokes of Gold, Oil, Gesso and Acrylic, Shizico painted a visual symphony of abstract expression in this on-going series [Landscape Memories]; it's a part of her [Sunlit Series...
Gold Leaf
$680
Untitled #SP-206, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #SP-206 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray D...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Abundance - Uncaged Splendor: Painting, Large Figurative Landscape, New
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Abundance - Uncaged Splendor This striking and breathtakingly beautiful artwork by Karnish, depicts abundance and freedom. The eyes connect to figurative art portraying femininity...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Panel', C. 1994 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Paper, Watercolor
$10,000
Luminary Nights, Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting by James Hiroshi Suzuki
By James Suzuki
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luminary Nights James Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese/American (1932) Date: 1960 Oil on Canvas, signed lower right, dated and titled on verso Size: 23 x ...
Canvas, Oil
$4,879
Sounds From The Paper Airplane, red, ochre, water, De Kooning, green, movement
Located in Jönköping, SE
NOTE: THIS PAINTING CANNOT BE SHIPPED UNTILL MID AUGUST. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE DRYING TIME. IT WILL BE SHIPPED IN A CRATE AND READY FOR HANGING. This painting is from my series ...
Oil
$24,500
"Colorful Stories" by Masri - Large Gestural Contemporary Abstract Expressionist
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri (Lebanese, born 1965) "Colorful Stories" 2018 Acrylic paint, Oil paint, Mixed Media, Canvas, Stretcher bars The artist signed the back of the painting. "Colorful Stories" by M...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Minimalist Abstract Painting, Black Linear Forms, 2025, Alicia Gimeno New
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...
Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$555
Moody - Color Drenched Impasto Inspired Textural Thick Paint Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Acrylic
White Ruffles & Gold
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “White Ruffles & Gold” is created on canvas using a mixed-media technique. The sculptural ruffles, formed from clay, create an expressive relief that evokes movement, so...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Monumental Red Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, 1969
Located in Arp, TX
Monumental Red Abstract Milburn Smith March 1969 Acrylic paint on canvas 65 x 64 x 1.25 Signed and dated lower right in ink Very Good Condition: Consistent with age and history. Fro...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,706Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Mid Century Modern Large Geometric Abstract Framed Hard Edge Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted large geometric abstract painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Image size, 48 by 36 inches.
Canvas, Oil
Breath. Diptych Abstract Painting, 50x80 cm, New, Layered Composition
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Breath” is about the quiet moment between an inhale and an exhale — a state where the unnecessary fades away, leaving only a sense of presence, movement, and life within.
Canvas, Mixed Media
The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”
In his current show at New York's Lehmann Maupin gallery, the Puerto Rican–born talent reveals new paintings with a semiautobiographical aspect.