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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
"Ghost of the Gardens" (original flora, floral, vibrant, abstract landscape)
"Ghost of the Gardens" (original flora, floral, vibrant, abstract landscape)

"Ghost of the Gardens" (original flora, floral, vibrant, abstract landscape)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

"Ghosts of the Gardens" is a mysterious and captivating abstract painting, evoking the untamed beauty of wild gardens and chaotic floral motifs with its energetic and loose movement....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Crayon, Oil Pastel, Oil, Acrylic

High-Rise, Abstract Painting
High-Rise, Abstract Painting

High-Rise, Abstract Painting

By Dorothy Gaziano

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This abstract composition features blocks and shapes in shades of blue, teal, gray, black, and white, forming a towering, building-like structure. A light blue ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed
Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed

Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed

By George Dannatt

Located in Bournemouth, Dorset

George Dannatt (1915-2009) Small Linear Composition on Graphite 1997 Image: 19.0 x 14.0 cm Mount: 27.6 x 20.5cm Reference number: 1345 George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Pencil, Graphite

Straight Into the Middle - Lively Impasto Thick Paint Colorful Abstract Painting
Straight Into the Middle - Lively Impasto Thick Paint Colorful Abstract Painting

Straight Into the Middle - Lively Impasto Thick Paint Colorful Abstract Painting

By Shiri Phillips

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 a...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Glitter, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Whisper In A Hurricane
Whisper In A Hurricane

Whisper In A Hurricane

By Lloyd Tabing

Located in Jönköping, SE

This painting is part of a series titled Wander, Wonder and Recall. The series is about movement. The movement of wind and water in nature. Have you ever just stopped and listened t...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Contemporary Minimalist Yellow Earth Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde
Contemporary Minimalist Yellow Earth Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde

Contemporary Minimalist Yellow Earth Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde

By Teté Alurralde

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

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment

Two Lovers - Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century
Two Lovers - Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century

Two Lovers - Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tidal Memories, Abstract Painting
Tidal Memories, Abstract Painting

Tidal Memories, Abstract Painting

By Dorothy Gaziano

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This abstract painting explores a serene yet dynamic seascape through rich layers of turquoise, teal, and deep indigo. Subtle passages of white and warm orange ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Flower Arrangement in Carved Wooden Bowl - Abstract Botanical Painting on Paper
Flower Arrangement in Carved Wooden Bowl - Abstract Botanical Painting on Paper

Flower Arrangement in Carved Wooden Bowl - Abstract Botanical Painting on Paper

By Krisanne Souter

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Krisanne Souter weaves together elements of nature and ancient feminine archetypes, such as the Mother and the Mystic. Botanical themes, playful elements, and unexpected surprises ar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil

Reclaimed 10, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Reclaimed 10, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Reclaimed 10, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Hilary Winfield

Located in Yardley, PA

Reclaimed 10 is an original painting, created with acrylic paint on gallery-wrapped canvas. It has a width of 48 inches and a height of 30 inches with a depth of 1.5 inches (30x48x1....

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting
Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting

Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting

By Ekaterina Ermilkina

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ekaterina Ermilkina’s original, abstract fine art paintings are created using a skillful combination of applying and removing oil paint with a palette knife on canvas. Her inspiratio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Midnight Blue - Large Modern Abstract Textured Color Drenched Landscape Artwork
Midnight Blue - Large Modern Abstract Textured Color Drenched Landscape Artwork

Midnight Blue - Large Modern Abstract Textured Color Drenched Landscape Artwork

By Lee Herring

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lee Herring is a contemporary painter specializing in vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday m...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Varnish, Mixed Media, Acrylic

P2

P2

By Jason Hackenwerth

Located in Denver, CO

This painting by Florida - based artist Jason Hackenwerth from the features a bright yellow background, gestural black pigment, and bold configuration. Hackenwerth's expressive mark-...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Bright & Colorful French Signed Abstract Oil Painting Amazing Shapes & Colors
Bright & Colorful French Signed Abstract Oil Painting Amazing Shapes & Colors

Bright & Colorful French Signed Abstract Oil Painting Amazing Shapes & Colors

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition French School, circa 1970's indistinctly signed and dated oil painting board, unframed overall size: 18 x 21.5 inches condition: overall good and sound provenanc...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape
1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape

1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape

By Gilbert Pelissier

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso dated 85' canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: ov...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

ABSTRACT  Color Lines Artwork by Big Dimensions Contemporary Celia Lees
ABSTRACT  Color Lines Artwork by Big Dimensions Contemporary Celia Lees

ABSTRACT Color Lines Artwork by Big Dimensions Contemporary Celia Lees

By Celia Lees

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

A work of very large dimensions. It would need to be sent rolled to the recipient's address. We can provide support for assembly at the customer's destination. 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 Authenticity, guaranteeing its originality and provenance. We offer secure worldwide delivery to any address you specify, ensuring that your purchase arrives in pristine condition. If you require additional shipping options or a bespoke quote from our trusted network of carriers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the best solutions for a smooth and secure delivery experience. Celia Lees...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Ink, Oil, Acrylic

Abstract Landscape, large mid-century green painting, COBRA art movement
Abstract Landscape, large mid-century green painting, COBRA art movement

Abstract Landscape, large mid-century green painting, COBRA art movement

Located in Beachwood, OH

Erik Ortvad (Danish, 1917 - 2008) Abstract Landscape, 1946 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right 32 X 37.5 inches 35 x 40.5 inches, framed Born in 1917 in Copenhagen, Erik Ortvad was a surrealist painter and a founding member of the COBRA art...

Category

1940s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Golden Day - Original Abstract Ocean Beach Still Life Landscape Acrylic Painting
Golden Day - Original Abstract Ocean Beach Still Life Landscape Acrylic Painting

Golden Day - Original Abstract Ocean Beach Still Life Landscape Acrylic Painting

By Kathleen Keifer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Still Life 10 - Original Abstract Still Life Oil Pastel on Colored Paper, Signed
Still Life 10 - Original Abstract Still Life Oil Pastel on Colored Paper, Signed

Still Life 10 - Original Abstract Still Life Oil Pastel on Colored Paper, Signed

By Valerie Etitinwo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Valerie Etitinwo's unique approach to abstract figurative painting celebrates the unconventional beauty found in imperfection and awkwardness. The Nigerian-Swiss artist uses bold col...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Paper, Oil

A dynamic futurist inspired painting with a color-filled pallet
A dynamic futurist inspired painting with a color-filled pallet

A dynamic futurist inspired painting with a color-filled pallet

Located in Colfax, CA

A dynamic abstract painting from the 1950s. The work appears to be signed, Nicotine, Nicotina, or Vicotina? The artist was clearly influenced by earlier styles of abstraction, includ...

Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

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.