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.
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...
Oil
Back to Nature, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting captures the tranquil essence of nature through a harmonious blend of abstract shapes and realistic tree imagery. Soft, luminous shades of blue, green, and amber imbue t...
Acrylic
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Action Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
An abstract expressionist painting by Duayne Hatchett . Oil on canvas, circa 1990. Signed verso. Framed. Image size, 60"H x 56"L. Duayne Hatchett was a visual artist whose work...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artwork White Brown Earth Minimal Texture On Hansen
By On Hansen
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...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
Abstract expressionist woman's portrait acrylic on paper "Serenity of the woman"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman’s portrait "Serenity of the Woman" was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women. Thro...
Paper, Acrylic
Fireflies no. 5
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Fireflies no. 5', oil on canvas, painted in 2025 by Stephen Henriques. This piece measured 45 1/2 x 45 1/4 inch, vibrant and alive with rhythmic color. Stephen Henriques says “magni...
Canvas, Oil
Guerrero Celeste, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 200 X 150 CM Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic
$193Sale Price|20% Off
Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed
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...
Pencil, Graphite
$1,077Sale 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 unstretched canvas unframed: 14 x 21 inches condition: very good and impressive provenance: all the ...
Oil
$3,280Sale Price|20% Off
Out of the Blue, blue abstract expressionist painting on canvas, textured
Located in New York, NY
Lisa Fellerson’s paintings provoke an interplay and tension between line, shape, and color. With no preconceived idea in mind, she begins by dripping, scrapping, and gouging acrylic ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Dusk" - green, abstract, botanical, landscape
By Susan Hable
Located in Atlanta, GA
This abstract painting features hues of green, orange, tan. Susan Hable is inspired by the work of David Hockney, Milton Avery, Henri Matisse, Alex Katz, Howard Hodgkins, Hilma af K...
Canvas, Oil
Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting
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...
Canvas, Oil
$106Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) gouache painting on paper/ card unframed: 13 x 10 inches Signed condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings w...
Oil
Abstract Composition - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2021
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Painting is an original artwork realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo (b. 1947) in 2021. Original Oil Painting. Hand-signed, dated and titled on the back of the artwork. Hand-sign...
Canvas, Oil
$754
Water Lilies Original Painting Abstract Flowers Lotus Pond Art Kuwshinka Floral
Located in Zofingen, AG
Water Lilies Original Painting Abstract Flowers Lotus Pond Art Kuvshinka Floral Artwork” is a vibrant and expressive Original Painting that captures the poetic beauty of a blooming l...
Canvas, Oil
Spring Chaos #6, Jackson Pollock Style Landscape Painting, Modern Abstract Art
Located in Deddington, GB
Spring Chaos #6 by Lucy Moore [2022] Spring Chaos #6 - An Original semi-abstract painting by Lucy Moore. Using her signature string grass technique Lucy has created a semi-abstract ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Last Light" (2025) Abstract Figurative Oil and Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By John McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
John McCaw's (US based) "Still Life" is an abstract oil painting in greens, grey, black and yellow. John McCaw (b. 1967), the eldest son of American expressionist Dan McCaw and bro...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract impressionist floral painting on paper "In bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“In Bloom” is a contemporary floral composition by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to flowers — a body of work in which nature becomes a medium f...
Paper, Acrylic
"Echoes" (2023) By Danny McCaw, Original Abstract Portrait Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Echoes" is an original, handmade oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts an abstracted female figure. Bio/artist statement: Danny McCaw is the ...
Oil, Board
$2,400
Straight Into the Middle - Lively Impasto Thick Paint Colorful 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 a...
Canvas, Glitter, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Original Diptych-Sunset Song-British Awarded Artist-Plein Air evening oil
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song Series was created entirely en plein air, painted directly under the dimming light of late-summer and autumn sunsets and moonlight, with no artificial light to guide her...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,831
Contemporary Minimalist Yellow Earth Abstract Painting Canvas Tete 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...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment
$360
Abstract impressionist nature acrylic on paper "Serenity in the mountains"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract impressionist nature painting, infused with a touch of modernity and expressive flair, is titled "Serenity in the Mountains." Vibrant and evocative, this ...
Paper, Acrylic
Tidal Memories, Abstract Painting
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 ...
Acrylic
Movement Along a Horizon - Abstract Impressionist 2 Sided Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Movement Along a Horizon - Abstract Impressionist Oil Painting, Signed Vibrant abstract painting by Monterey, California based artist Vladimir Yerokhin (Russian b.1942 d.2019.) A ho...
Oil, Board
"Forms" Black, Green, Red, and Orange Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Houston, TX
This painting is a great example of David Adickes' early work that embodies the abstract geometric style. Most likely originally sold at DuBose Gallery in Houston, Texas. Circa 1960s...
Canvas, Oil
$7,900
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...
Canvas, Varnish, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Klee`s Mask
Located in Zofingen, AG
Klee's Mask In this work, an imaginary encounter takes place between two artists separated by time and style. The familiar image of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is reinterpreted thr...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$26,500
Large Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Acrylic Painting, Cleveland School
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres (American, 1927–2013) Untitled, 1968 acrylic on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 88.5 x 50.5 inches Has an indent and a tear in the canvas. See phot...
Acrylic
$645
Flower Arrangement in Carved Wooden Bowl - Abstract Botanical Painting on Paper
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...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil
Still Life 10 - Original Abstract Still Life Oil Pastel on Colored Paper, Signed
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...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Paper, Oil
#271 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
$592Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2554
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into thick, textured acrylics, letting colors collide and dance freely. It’s a celebration of spontaneity and lightness, capturing moments of joy and vulnerability. The blend of soft pastels and bold strokes brings warmth and energy, ready to uplift any space with its vibrant, expressive spirit. It invites you to feel the movement and breath of life in every layered stroke. ⭐ Artist : Alex Senchenko Title: Abstract 2554 📐 Size: 100cm. x 30cm. 🖌️ Medium: Professional Gallery Canvas, Acrylic Paints Original Painting on a 1.5cm. Deep "GALLERY WRAP" Stretched Canvas 🎨 Style: Abstract Contemporary Modern Wall Art...
Oil, Acrylic
$521Sale Price|25% Off
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Surreal Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on paper. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
Reclaimed 10, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
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....
Acrylic
Tropical Coral Reef Painting, Textured 3D Oil on Canvas, Signed
Located in Zofingen, AG
Hawaii Painting Coral Reef Original Art Textured 3D * Materials: oil, stretched canvas, mixed media * Shipping: gallery standards packaging, express shipping with tracking number ...
Paste, Cotton Canvas, Oil
$464
Contemporary abstract expressive painting with shapes and forms "Dialogue"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract painting is part of a collection in soft, neutral earth tones—grey, brown, suede, black, and white—designed to bring calm and harmony to modern interiors. ...
Paper, Acrylic
$4,296
Contemporary Minimalist Green Earth Abstract Painting Canvas Tete 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...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment
$4,412Sale Price|24% Off
Lovers Portrait Nude in Blue, Realist Oil on Canvas, 21st Century
Located in London, London
FRAMED All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. 50x70cm each one will be shipped framed as one piece or as two separate pieces -YOU decide. white or grey frame ...
Canvas, Cotton, Cotton Canvas, Oil
0316. Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The process of creating a painting leaves behind a series of elements that become the starting point for a new piece. A mark, a line, color and shape become elements of a new paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic
Golden Day - Original Abstract Ocean Beach Still Life Landscape Acrylic Painting
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 ...
Canvas, Acrylic
One of One Artist's Proof-Hand Painted-Dahlias-British Awarded Artist-Aluminium
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This is a rare hand-painted Artist's Proof by contemporary artist Shizico Yi, created on a deluxe matte-finish giclée aluminium panel. Each edition is 90% hand-painted with Shizico’s...
Metal
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Landscape, Woodstock painting, contemporary art.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Untitled Landscape, Woodstock, 1969 Oil on canvas, signed by Arthur Pinajian on the lower right. Includes a certificate of authenticity from the Estate of Arthur Pinajian. Arthur Pin...
Oil
$13,933
Metaphor of Thought- Large Abstract Library, Contemporary, French art 50x50 in
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont – Metaphor of Thought (métaphore de la pensée) Unframed: 120 × 120 cm (47.2 × 47.2 in) Framed (natural wood floating frame): 127 × 127 cm (50 × 50 in) Natural wood or ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,831
Contemporary Minimalist Violet Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde 2025
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, Acrylic
#263 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
$15,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Oil
Untitled (Abstract Expressionist Painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jesse Redwin Bardin (1923-1997). Untitled, ca. 1960. Oil on canvas, 18 x 31 inches; 21.5 x 36.5 inches framed. Signed lower right. Provenance: Private collection, Philadelphia; F...
Canvas, Oil
$2,261
Traces Of Each Other and Harbour And Surf diptych, Original painting, Abstract
Located in Deddington, GB
this is a diptych of Traces Of Each Other and Harbour And Surf. Both paintings are the same size and are framed. Please see the additional information bellow Camilla Clark...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Large Original Oil Painting Abstract Expressionist Horse
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning large scale abstract expressionist horse's head/eye, circa 1990. Unsigned. Unframed. Size: 60"H x 60"W x 1.5.
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Cosmic (Las Alamos) Martini
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,...
Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic
$551
Hand painted Artist Proof-Magnolias-Weaver Series-British Awarded Artist #2 of 3
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This stunning Artist's Proof is an one-off, oil hand-painted and gilded by the artist , signed at front and on the back label too; each proof is 80% hand painted and gold gilded by S...
Gold Leaf
Tender abstract sunset painting DEEP INSIDE 108, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
DEEP INSIDE is an original large abstract oil painting inspired by the quiet horizon where sea and sky meet. Soft gradients create a feeling of infinity, while a thin horizon line gu...
Oil
"The wind in the mountains was chasing the clouds"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
"The wind in the mountains was chasing the clouds" painted from life in the mountains during a windy spell.
Canvas, Oil
$306Sale Price|34% Off
Stain and Stain Abstract Painting, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, Framed
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
This was originally an oil painting on canvas from an unknown artist - which nobody liked. I tried to make an optimistic -abstract painting out of what it originally was. Hope that t...
Oil, Acrylic
"Blue Moon Landing" Mixed Media Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
This mixed-media painting by contemporary artist Patrick Burns is a departure from his "Concrete Gardens" flower paintings, yet continues his use of heavy texture and reverberating, ...
Concrete
Let's Climb The Mountains - Large Colorful Abstract Nature Landscape on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,500
Multicolor Geometric Cubist Gouache and Watercolor Painting by André Morin
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding post‑cubist geometric composition by André Morin (France, 20th Century), this dynamic work—executed in gouache and watercolor—showcases the artist's command of color, ...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
Holy Split II Mixed Media Painting on Canvas, Abstract Landscape, 2026
Located in Paris, IDF
HOLY SPLIT II 2026 Paris, France HOLY SPLIT II is an ethereal mixed medium painting on canvas depicting a surreal dreamlike rift in a serene landscape. Abstract fuchsia forms sugges...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Pencil
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.