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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
“Autumn Garden”
“Autumn Garden”

“Autumn Garden”

Located in Zofingen, AG

“Autumn Garden” Presence gives way to tone. Space is condensed into an inner sensation. Color retains warmth, depth, and emotion. This is a garden distilled to its essence, a quiet ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ebb and Flow 3
Ebb and Flow 3

Ebb and Flow 3

By Amy Van Winkle

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Encaustic

Lilacs In Vase - painting #1
Lilacs In Vase - painting #1

Lilacs In Vase - painting #1

Located in Zofingen, AG

Abstract flower painting with bouquet of lilacs contains a lot of positive energy, the bright picture is a beautiful wall decor for interior and wonderful gift for your loved ones. ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Colorful painting on paper, Unique piece, Abstract Expressionist
Colorful painting on paper, Unique piece, Abstract Expressionist

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pencil

Lighthearted II, Abstract Painting
Lighthearted II, Abstract Painting

Lighthearted II, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Pastel blues and creams blend in this abstract painting. Subtle line work adds a sense of structure to the composition. The soft and airy colors exude a calming...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Eternal Sunsets Sacred Feminine - Meditative Abstract Pink Geometric Painting
Eternal Sunsets Sacred Feminine - Meditative Abstract Pink Geometric Painting

Eternal Sunsets Sacred Feminine - Meditative Abstract Pink Geometric Painting

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Studio Archive No.87 Earth Pigments on Raw Studio Weave Cotton
Studio Archive No.87 Earth Pigments on Raw Studio Weave Cotton

Studio Archive No.87 Earth Pigments on Raw Studio Weave Cotton

By Rebecca Wing Sze Lam

Located in STRETTON, AU

Studio Archive No. 87 is a seminal work that explores the visceral connection between human form and raw materiality. What makes this piece unique is the intentional dialogue between...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Archival Ink, Acrylic

Fire Bird Blue #2 - painting, acrylic on canvas
Fire Bird Blue #2 - painting, acrylic on canvas

Fire Bird Blue #2 - painting, acrylic on canvas

By Paul Fournier

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This colourful expressionist acrylic painting by Paul Fournier has a bird theme. He is known as the ‘exotic modernist’—Canada’s Paul Fournier has always loved the world of colour an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Yang Yellow Abstract
Yang Yellow Abstract

Yang Yellow Abstract

By Maximo Caminero

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Yellow Abstract Mixed Media On Canvas Maximo Caminero (Dominican, Born 1962). An original mixed media painting on canvas. Oil and other elements. Titled, "Yang." An Industrial art...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil

Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm
Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm

Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Arturs Nikitins (born 1936) - painter, graphic artist. 1962 – graduated from the Latvian Art Academy, Graphic Department with the diploma work “The workers of Novorosijsk” under th...

Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Fanum

Fanum

Located in Dallas, TX

Oil on paper

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Large French Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Armand Rottenberg
Large French Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Armand Rottenberg

Large French Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Armand Rottenberg

By Armand Rottenberg

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Artist: Armand Rottenberg (French, 1903–2000) Medium: Oil on board Size: 37.5 x 27 inches (framed) Signature: Signed lower right Condition: Painting in good condition; minor age-rela...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Monmouth County Hunt Race Meet NJ Landscape
Monmouth County Hunt Race Meet NJ Landscape

Monmouth County Hunt Race Meet NJ Landscape

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Claus Hoie (1911-2007). Monmouth Hunt Race Meet 2, 1967. Watercolor on paper. Measuring 15 x 19 inches; 24 x 28 inched framed. Signed and titled lower left. Original label on verso. Hoie was born in Stavanger, Norway, November 3, 1911. He lived for a few years in Oslo before emigrating to the United States at the age of thirteen, when he settled in Brooklyn, NY. He spent time at sea (two years), a heritage from his grandfather and father who were both ship’s captains. During World War II, Hoie served four years in the Army as a Sergeant in a special Norwegian-American battalion of the mountain infantry (99th Infantry Battalion), whose mission was to assist in the liberation of Norway. His Battalion also landed on Normandy Beach five days after D-Day. ​ After the war, he studied art at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Claus also attended Pratt Institute, and at the Art Students League in New York. Hoie worked as an independent artist creating primarily watercolor works and graphics However, also was a commercial artist. In the 1950s he met the young artist and fashion designer, Helen Hunt Bencker and in 1957 they wed. Helen Hoie...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Immersion -Original contemporary abstract painting- modern artwork- decor art
Immersion -Original contemporary abstract painting- modern artwork- decor art

Immersion -Original contemporary abstract painting- modern artwork- decor art

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Immersion" by Roman Goss is an original abstract painting tha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Geometric Minimalist Oil Painting
Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Geometric Minimalist Oil Painting

Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Geometric Minimalist Oil Painting

By Duanye Hatchett

Located in Buffalo, NY

An abstract expressionist painting by Duayne Hatchett . Oil on canvas, circa 1990. Signed verso. Framed. Image size, 60"H x 50"L. Duayne Hatchett was a visual artist whose work included prints, paintings, sculpture, and found objects. He was born on May 12, 1925 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the Air Force where he trained to become a fighter pilot. After leaving the militrary he studied design at the University of Oklahoma. His highly technical military training combined a mathematical intelligence with a love for physics and a daring embrace of new experience, all of which would soon be the tools for his evolution through art. Two major influences interacted on his early development at OU. Emelio Omero, a colleague and close friend of Diego Rivera, introduced him to the revolutionary art ideas of Mexico City, while teaching him a wide range of printing techniques that would culminate in a Masters Degree in Painting in 1952. During this time he met Bruce Goff, a renowned Wright disciple, who was teaching architecture at OU and befriended Hatchett, introducing him to the most avant-garde architecture of that time. He spent his summers while at OU designing for a small sign shop, which introduced him to new materials used for building neon, plastic, and metal signs. The use of new materials and a keen sense for design would soon become invaluable building blocks for future sculpture. During this time he met and married Mary Ellen Jeffries. They would spend their lives together and raise three children, David (me), my brother Dana, and my sister Jeffri. As children, they were immersed in art from childhood and benefited greatly from this loving art and domestic environment. Hatchett was always interested in the techniques of construction, often watching different tradesmen working, understanding how materials are put together to create the manmade environment that surrounded him. While teaching printmaking at Oklahoma City University from 1951 through ‘54, he began to build sculpture employing some of the materials and techniques that he saw workers using. He was beginning to draw the attention of architects and he became interested in their work-trade processes, moving from blue prints to construction. He accepted an invitation from Alexander Hogue...

Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Abstract Expressionist Painting American 1960's Mid Century New York Colorful
Abstract Expressionist Painting American 1960's Mid Century New York Colorful

Abstract Expressionist Painting American 1960's Mid Century New York Colorful

Located in Buffalo, NY

Mid Century Modern, American Abstract Expressionist Painting on Masonite. This wonderful work in exciting colors is housed in a contemporary white wood frame presentation.. The art...

Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Acrylic

Framed abstract Persian calligraphy painting on photogravure print; black, blue
Framed abstract Persian calligraphy painting on photogravure print; black, blue

Framed abstract Persian calligraphy painting on photogravure print; black, blue

By Nazanin Moghbeli

Located in Bryn Mawr, PA

This is an original, framed mixed media work (hand painting on top of a photogravure print) in Nazanin Moghbeli's "Words from My Mother" series. It is float framed in a contemporary ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photogravure

Liza Zhdanova "Flowers #6" Framed Contemporary Floral Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
Liza Zhdanova "Flowers #6" Framed Contemporary Floral Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

Liza Zhdanova "Flowers #6" Framed Contemporary Floral Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

Located in Los Angeles, CA

“Flowers #6” is a framed, one-of-a-kind acrylic painting on canvas by contemporary Ukrainian artist Liza Zhdanova, completed in 2024. Part of her ongoing “Flowers” series, the work b...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Magic 6 Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting
Magic 6 Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting

Magic 6 Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting

By Iryna Kastsova

Located in Zofingen, AG

Magic 6. It is very important to remember that there is magic in each of us. A modern, abstract, expressive, sophisticated painting that fits into a modern interior. The work was cre...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Nexa #1 and #2. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
Nexa #1 and #2. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas

Nexa #1 and #2. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas

By Alec Franco

Located in Miami Beach, FL

DNA is genetic information, hidden and encrypted in body fluids. Veiled data that we load, that we do not know and that someone knows how to decipher. Such specifications characteriz...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

R. Poch Square Big. 112. aire. 120x120. acrylic painting
R. Poch Square Big. 112. aire. 120x120. acrylic painting

R. Poch Square Big. 112. aire. 120x120. acrylic painting

By Ramon Poch

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

112. AIRE 120 x 120 cm acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Blue Signed SG
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Blue Signed SG

Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Blue Signed SG

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Blue Signed SG by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on ar...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic, Gouache

Beautiful Chaos #6
Beautiful Chaos #6

Beautiful Chaos #6

By Lucy Moore

Located in Deddington, GB

Beautiful Chaos #6 – By Lucy Moore [2022] original Acrylic on canvas Image size: H:60 cm x W:98 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:60 cm x W:98 cm x D:1.5cm Sold Unframed Plea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Huge French Abstract Composition Painting Cubist Shapes, Muted Color Palette
Huge French Abstract Composition Painting Cubist Shapes, Muted Color Palette

Huge French Abstract Composition Painting Cubist Shapes, Muted Color Palette

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Artist/ School: French School, mid/late 20th century Title: Abstract composition Medium: oil on canvas, unframed Size: canvas: 36 x 25.5 inches Provenance: private collection, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fire Escapes
Fire Escapes

Fire Escapes

Located in Greenville, DE

Edward L. Loper Jr. was a self-taught artist, while being strongly influenced by his father's later work. 34 1/2" x 45 1/2" Framed. Signed lower left.

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Gestural Painting
Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Gestural Painting

Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Gestural Painting

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Gestural Painting Medium: Black ink/ gouache painting on paper, unframed French, circa 1950's Size: 25.75 inches x 19.75 (h...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Gouache

Slider (Abstract painting)
Slider (Abstract painting)

Slider (Abstract painting)

By Karl Bielik

Located in London, GB

Slider (Abstract painting) Oil on 300gsm paper — Unframed. This work is exclusive to IdeelArt. Karl Bielik is a contemporary British artist known for his abstract paintings characte...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Gems in Gold 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Gems in Gold 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Gems in Gold 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Iryna Kastsova

Located in Yardley, PA

Gems in Gold 2. Abstract dynamic composition, filled with light, filled with air, using gold paint. Curved lines, shapes, texture, texture made with a palette knife add expressivenes...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Figurative Invest
Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Figurative Invest

Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Figurative Invest

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Free Spirit Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Bold Delight Invest Mixed Media One-of-a-kind This strikingly beautiful artwork by Karnish, depicts...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars, Mixed Media

"Layers of Life, " Abstract Painting
"Layers of Life, " Abstract Painting

"Layers of Life, " Abstract Painting

By Ned Martin

Located in Westport, CT

Layers of Life is a powerful mixed media painting by Brooklyn-based artist Ned Martin, combining photorealistic rendering with abstract overlays to explore the tension between realit...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Metal

Bird

Bird

By Robert Petrick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bird Just pure painting Series 2005 Acrylic on raw canvas 14X10 inches Signed, dated and titled on the reverse side Robert Petrick's artwork draws a link between the street culture...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

ABSTRACT Contemporary Artwork White Brown Earth Minimal Texture On Hansen
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artwork White Brown Earth Minimal Texture On Hansen

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Handmade Paper

Original Diptych-Sunset Song-British Awarded Artist-Plein Air evening oil
Original Diptych-Sunset Song-British Awarded Artist-Plein Air evening oil

Original Diptych-Sunset Song-British Awarded Artist-Plein Air evening oil

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Remembering Spain, oil, horizontal, landscape, abstract
Remembering Spain, oil, horizontal, landscape, abstract

Remembering Spain, oil, horizontal, landscape, abstract

Located in Oslo, NO

Remembering Spain is an oil painting inspired by the artist’s recent travels, capturing the atmosphere, colours, and impressions gathered during time spent in Spain. Focusing on feel...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Happiest Place on Earth - Large Monochrome Contemporary Abstract Painting
Happiest Place on Earth - Large Monochrome Contemporary Abstract Painting

Happiest Place on Earth - Large Monochrome Contemporary Abstract Painting

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Charcoal, Mixed Media

R. Poch   Woman Blue on Sofa    acrylic painting
R. Poch   Woman Blue on Sofa    acrylic painting

R. Poch Woman Blue on Sofa acrylic painting

By Ramon Poch

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

37.-Woman blue on sofa 90 x 65 cm acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production compan...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

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.