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.
$5,578
Ethereal Abstract Painting Floral Composition Coral, Peach and Blue Celia Lees
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...
Ink, Oil, Acrylic
Green Depth - Large Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas: 200x150cm.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Experience the captivating interplay of light, color, and texture with this original abstract painting. "Green Depth" is a visual metaphor for a positive and dynamic vision of life, ...
Oil, Acrylic
$9,750
Untitled (Blue 1969), signature and year on verso. Additional marking on canvas
By Mala Breuer
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1927 - 2017 Mala Breuer grew up attending classes in painting and drawing from a young age at the California College of Arts and Crafts. After high school she attended the, now, San...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,900
Mid-Century "The Horse Race" Pierre Bosco #50 B (Italy/France, 1909-1993)
By Pierre Bosco
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Mid-Century "The Horse Race" #50 B Pierre Bosco (Italy/France, 1909-1993) Oil on canvas Signed lower right. 15 x 12 inches, frame size “The savage art of Bosco bears its rudeness a...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$22,000
Joyce Kozloff - Tepoztlan II unique, signed gouache & pencil, coveted 1970s work
Located in New York, NY
Joyce Kozloff Tepoztlan II, 1973 Gouache and colored pencil on paper Signed, dated and titled twice: once on the back of the work (shown) and once on the original board which has bee...
Gouache, Color Pencil
Lotus 28: Photo Realist Still Life Painting of Green Lotus Plants on Grey
Located in Hudson, NY
Photo-realist still life painting of lush green lotus plants on a soft grey sky background "Lotus Number Twenty-Eight", painted by Frank DePietro in 201...
Canvas, Oil
Spring Day
Located in Zofingen, AG
A tranquil rural landscape in which green grass awakens after winter and a modest rural house rests among the awakening trees surrounded by geese grazing nearby This painting reflec...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
"The Dancer 2" Fauvist Abstract Original Oil Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist painting by Southern California artist Chris Hamamoto (American, 20th century). Image, 40"H x 30"W. Unframed. Chris, a native of Southern California, has en...
Canvas, Oil
"Forever"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
In the luminous embrace of gold and shadow, this commanding abstract composition unfolds as a symphony of form and emotion. Bold, sweeping curves intertwine with geometric precision,...
Gold Leaf
$4,628
Contemporary Minimalist Abstract Painting in Earth Tones by Emma Labattaglia
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, Linen, Charcoal
$1,800
"The Peacock & The Crane" Contemporary Gestural Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Neutral toned gestural abstract painting by contemporary artist Ian Francis. The work features a variety of gestural marks accented by black and white triangular shapes set against a...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Campeche, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Tracy Burke
Located in Yardley, PA
This piece was created on museum quality gallery wrapped canvas stretched over a hand-crafted wooden stretcher frame. Edges are staple-free and painted to compliment the artwork. No ...
Acrylic
Eternal Sakura - Original Textured Neon Pink Landscape Artwork
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
Mid-century Abstract Expressionist painting
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful ca. 1960-70 abstract painting in the style of Vietnamese artist, Hoi Lebadang (1921-2015) Oil on canvas measures 22 x 28 inches. Framed measurement 29.5 x 33.5 inches. Un...
Oil
Serenity with Fuchsite and Amethyst stones 48 X 48
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Serenity with Fuchsite and Amethyst stones this painting is 48 X 48. Amethyst is known for having healing properties. Nancy Seibert began her art stu...
Canvas, Acrylic
$25,000
Blue Lagoon - large, colourful, modernist, gestural abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Milly Ristvedt has captured, in vivid colour, and expressive form the wonders of the ‘deep’ in this gorgeous abstract painting. Against a rich blue colour field, ethereal forms and g...
Canvas, Acrylic
Trees of Life II - Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Blue Fish in the Sky: Large Abstract Expressionist Painting, 78x158 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue Fish in the Sky Large and strikingly beautiful abstract expressionistic artwork. This piece will create a beautiful focal point in any collectors establishment or home....
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas
Sleeping beauty, Original art, Semi Abstract Landscape Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Sleeping beauty is part of my “Imagined places” series of works. Inspired by an amalgamation of memories and feelings from walks around my studio near the River Thames in Surrey and ...
Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Canvas
$902Sale Price|20% Off
White Nights. Abstract expressionist, grey, Japandi, Wabi-Sabi, Shabby Chic
Located in Oslo, NO
The viewer sees a work in which the abstract language of painting acquires poetic power. The work is made using the mixed media technique: the translucency of the epoxy resin, superi...
Canvas, Epoxy Resin, Acrylic
$379Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting "Edge of becoming"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman’s portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women. In this body of work, Mougen...
Canvas, Acrylic
$850
A Vibrant, 1960s Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting, Burning Fire (Flame)
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vibrant, Unique Surrealist 1960s Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting of Burning Fire (Flame) by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon. A vivid, eye-catching example of Haydon...
Canvas, Oil, Board
Boats in Harbor (French Riviera painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Michel Colin (b.1934). Boats in Harbor, 1969. Gouache on paper, sheet measuring 16 x 20 inches. Signed and dated lower right. Sheet is unframed. Michel Colin, born in 1934, live...
Paper, Gouache
Poppies. Oil on cardboard. 35x25 cm. Unsigned
Located in Riga, LV
Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Saratov Art School, graduated from the Depar...
Canvas, Oil
Cheers to Life! - Silver Gold Abstract Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Exist"
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Exist” 2026 Series “From Simple to…” This work addresses simple things that lie in the basic settings of life. Repetitive, almost unnoticed actions that over time create a sense of ...
Acrylic
Golden tulips on a green background
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork is created with acrylic on canvas and enhanced with gold leaf. On a deep emerald-green background, stylized tulips are depicted. Their petals and leaves are rendered in...
Canvas, Acrylic
$10,681
TN666-D by Hachiro Kanno - Calligraphy-based abstract painting, diptych, red
Located in Paris, FR
TN666-D is a unique diptych painting by Japanese contemporary artist Hachiro Kanno. The painting is made with ink and acrylic on canvas, dimensions are 100 × 130 cm (39.4 × 51.2 in)....
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Lily of the Valley - Original Framed Floral Art on Antique Botanical Book Page
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring focuses his contemporary paintings on vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday momen...
Paper, Mixed Media
The Assembled Whole. 1
Located in Zofingen, AG
An abstract work from the series **“The Assembled Whole. 1”**, in which fragmented elements are brought together into a unified composition through the interplay of geometry, texture...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Love is in the Air - Blue and Purple Abstract Composition
Located in Soquel, CA
Love is in the Air - Blue and Purple Abstract Composition Multicolored, lightly iridescent abstract composition by Judith W Winslow (JW) (American, 1943-2023). This piece is feature...
Canvas, Acrylic, Precious Stone
Renaissance - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, New
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Elegant form and a delightful pastel palette. This is ‘Renaissance’ , an abstract painting by Milly Ristvedt. The master colourist is playing with soft colours here—against a sky-blu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Spring Impression near Mount Fuji / oil impasto painting, Sakura bloom.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting combines the pure beauty of nature with an impressionistic view of spring. Blooming can't just be seen, it can be felt. This art work vibrates with the ener...
Oil
Fields of Gold
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Encaustic on panel. It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I’m painting and let my intuition be my guide. I love laying do...
Encaustic
Dress Floral Original Painting Peony Rose Skirt Fashion Figure
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original artwork from the Fashion Dresses series (4th piece) focuses on the dress as the central subject, where fashion becomes fine art. The human figure is intentionally secon...
Acrylic
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Moving Waters, Abstract Impressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 60x48 inches
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
I intuitively paint each of my paintings based on my mood of the day or at that moment. I never know what I am going to create until I see the end result. Sometimes it is a colorful,...
Canvas, Acrylic
Veil of Dusk
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Encaustic on panel. It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I’m painting and let my intuition be my guide. I love laying do...
Encaustic
$29,500
"Seduction Series" 4SF9 Abstract, Figurative Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. König combines modern painting with acrylic with old techniques and in this way, h...
Clay, Acrylic
Lavender Fields Forever, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Natalie George displays a dreamy abstract landscape of lavender fields. The panorama stretches across the canvas as energetic shapes of harmonizing col...
Acrylic
$3,600Sale Price|25% Off
'Abstract in Ochre, Rust and Jade', Mid-century Modernist American Woman Artist
By Dora Masters
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Stamped, verso, on canvas with certification of authenticity for Dora Masters (American, 1916-2003), bearing stamped wax seal and painted circa 1955. Provenance: Acquired from the a...
Canvas, Oil
Spaces 9870: Abstract Landscape Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2010-
Located in BARCELONA, ES
I use the word landscape in a broad sense that encompasses internal and external perceptions, but not necessarily what is visible. The landscape, in a space-time context, becomes a t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$3,441
Contemporary Minimalist Dusty Rose Tones 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
Untitled No. 63 Abstract Composition Mixed Media
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Untitled No 63, abstract composition 1987 Mixed media on wood panel, wax, oil, paper. signed with initials, gallery label. Abstract painter Michael David is best known for his use of encaustic, a technique that incorporates heated beeswax and pigment. Considered an inheritor of Abstract Expressionism, David’s abstract work primarily centers on the use of a densely layered surface to facilitate a direct and immediate spiritual experience. He often incorporates religious iconography and symbolism, art historical themes such as the nude, and contemporary politics into his paintings resulting in a critical dialogue between the layered abstraction of the surface and the integrated representational imagery. Alongside his work on canvas, David has developed a body of studio photography that recreates paintings by Caravaggio, Manet, and Mantegna, among others, in works that confront racism, homophobia, and sexism. David also works in mixed media and environmental sculpture...
Oil, Paper, Wax, Wood Panel
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Geometric Line Study C - 7 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C- 7 is an original mixed-media work on paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, part of his ongoing exploration of gestural geometry, spatial rhythm, and atmosp...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
$1,065
avp_1021 - Colorful Textured Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Bark - Original Impasto Colorful Textured Paint Abstract Artwork on Paper
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...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 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
En Flor - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 24in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This acrylic on canvas fine art piece, titled "En Flor", is a profound example of surreal still life, characterized by its intricate tapestry of interconnected, biomorphic floral and...
Canvas, Acrylic
Colorful painting on paper, Unique piece, Abstract Expressionist
Located in Carballo, ES
TUSET (1997, A Coruña, España) Mixed media painting on paper Ready to frame One-of-a-kind Signed on back Includes certificate of authenticity 2021 65 x 50 cm. It belongs to the ser...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pencil
Red Cascade - Cypress Gardens - Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1970s
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Rendered in right red, yellow, blue, green, orange and yellow—the colours of this famous Florida garden pop against the white background. The kaleidoscope of colours and the dynamic...
Acrylic
Hard and Soft Folds. Abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
Mixed media on a plywood art board. The work is executed in a restrained color palette: the central section is rendered in taupe, while the side elements feature a pearlescent champa...
Fabric, Plywood, Mixed Media, Board
$5,489
Sweet Grass-original modern abstract floral oil painting - contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Copper
Carta de Navegación: Mixed Media Artwork, Abstract, Framed, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Jim Rattenbury’s work is of our time, yet it is filled with signs from other eras, both distant pasts and distant futures. He creates marks on his works that are accessible to childr...
Iron
Stalling and Waiting, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The title of this painting expresses artist Onelio Marrero's observations of people sitting alone in restaurants and cafes. In this case, a woman waits agains...
Oil
Las Máscaras V and VI. From Las Mascaras (The masks) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This series draws inspiration from Hatillo’s Fiesta de los Santos Inocentes, translating the festival’s vibrant movement and collective energy into a refined abstract vocabulary. Thr...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"ṭāhēr 2891", Gold Painting, 2025
Located in Delaware , OH
"ṭāhēr 2891", Gold Painting, 2025 This is a highly textured, multi-media abstract in gold and has a dark patina around the edges. All of Addison's text in her paintings are her jour...
Gold
JAZZU - Coup de Chance
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Jazzu Coup de chance Techniques mixtes sur papier 2025 Signé et daté au recto Titré , signé et daté au verso 76 x 56 cms 890 euros
Acrylic
$1,168Sale Price|20% Off
Morning Stretch, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
By Ana Valdes
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 150 x 120 cm 2024 Signed and dated on the side About the Artist Painting was always present in Ana Valdes's life, but it was ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Emerald Pathway", Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By June Johnson
Located in Yardley, PA
a relaxing pathway through a dreamscape :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed:...
Acrylic
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.