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.
Whisper of Freedom
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Whisper of Freedom" is a new original abstract painting from Tetiana Pchelnykova's "Depths of Freedom" series. This artwork, created with acrylic paints, textured paste, and gold a...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$916Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Lime Tree Path in Autumn-British Awarded Artist-en plein air-Oil Canvas
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Lime Tree Path in Autumn is the newest work in Shizico Yi’s deeply personal Autumn Series, a project that has become an instant classic within her celebrated career. Painted en plein...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,820Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century French Impressionist Nocturnal Cityscape River Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early European impressionist cityscape painting. Framed. Oil on board. Image size, 11H by 8L.
Canvas, Oil
$30,000
Oliviers
By Roger Mühl
Located in Austin, TX
Waterline Fine Art, Austin, TX is pleased to present the following work: Oil on canvas. Signed lower right, titled and inventoried verso. 19.75 x 21 in. 23.25 x 24.25 in. (framed) ...
Canvas, Oil
#239, 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
French Marsh Abstract Landscape Painting, Oil on Canvas, Framed, 2010+
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
6059 Marshes,a contemporary abstract painting, oil on canvas displayed in a gilt wood frame,signed by P.Russo.Image size 20 H x 24 w
Oil
Morning Dew - Original Calm Soft Tone Abstract Blue Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Beyond Time and Walls
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×120 cm (overall size with stretching 107×130 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled The artwork "Beyond Time and Walls" is a profound painterly medita...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,656Sale Price|20% Off
Symbolist Modern British Painting River Landscape with Swan on Water under Trees
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Contemporary British artist, 21st century oil on board, unframed size: 30 x 20 inches This came from a private collection of artworks by the artist, a few of which are signed 'Andrew...
Oil
$614Sale Price|30% Off
А Quiet Еvening in Italy // oil original impasto 3d painting; impressionism.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil impasto painting was created in impressionism style. The artwork is dedicated to the beauty of Italian nature and the feelings of romanticism it evokes. It mast...
Oil
$495
Midnight Electric - Blue Lifeguard Stand on Beach Oceansacpe Original 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
Life Itself #4 - modern, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This is one of a series of colourful abstract expression paintings by Milly Ristvedt. For more than six decades, Milly Ristvedt has explored the power of colour as a visual language...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Brainiac VII Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Large-scale abstract with multi-colored brains layered on a neutral background by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Unsigned, but was acquired with a collection of h...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$800
"Take Me With You" (contemporary, black, flora, floral painting, antique linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
TAKE ME WITH YOU 2024 Paris, France Canvas composition is divided in half, with the upper potion focused on a floral bouquet, and the bottom half left unfinished other than a subtl...
Linen, Oil, Acrylic
Secrets of The World. Japandi, Minimalist, Wabi-Sabi, Contemporary, Shabby Chic
Located in Oslo, NO
This work fits seamlessly into the Japandi aesthetic—a rare blend of Japanese contemplative philosophy and Scandinavian understated elegance. It exudes a calm and visual quietude, pa...
Canvas, Acrylic
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Heartsease - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Pop Culture, People, Peace
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Good people close inside when they're broken, but those who look from the outside think they're clever." People will use your prejudice when they can't figure you out. Cause ain't no...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
"Bohemian Evening" floral large textured painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
Abstract textured acrylic painting on canvas 90x90x2 cm (35,4 x 35,4 x0,8inches). Mixed Media on gallery wrapped canvas. The work is ready to hang. No framing required. The sides of ...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$1,590Sale Price|20% Off
"Tree" Original abstract painting . Large .Abstract expressionist works
Located in Oslo, NO
In crafting this painting, I've melded acrylics, oils, and ink to capture the complexity of nature and the interconnectedness of life. My brushstrokes dance between fine art and abst...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Seeking Light - Impasto Colorful Abstract Painting - 100x100cm.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This captivating abstract artwork explores the dramatic contrast between shadow and illumination. Created with rich textures and layered palette knife strokes, the painting visualiz...
Oil, Acrylic
"Grapefruit & Honey", Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x70".
Located in Westport, CT
This large abstract painting by California artist Kristen Guest features a colorful palette with warm sienna, pink, and yellow tones contrasted by white negative space. The artist co...
Canvas, Acrylic
La Cueva, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Copper paint and Acrylic on canvas 150x100cm Signed and dated on the back About the artist Alejandro Legorreta...
Copper
$205Sale Price|20% Off
"My Lovely Provence in Summer", Small Acrylic Nature Landscape France Painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“My Lovely Provence in Summer” – Original Acrylic on Paper, 15 × 21 cm (5.9 × 8.3 inches) French contemporary artist Natalya Mougenot presents “My Lovely Provence in Summer,” a lumi...
Paper, Acrylic
$35,000
"Raked Off" Lynne Drexler, Abstract Expressionist, Patterns, Orange, Green
Located in New York, NY
Lynne Drexler Raked Off, 1989 Signed, titled and dated on the reverse Oil on canvas 36 x 31 inches Provenance The artist The Collection of Jerry Vis, Monhegan Island Meredith Ward F...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
20th century abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas 12 x 10 inches Note: Small dent in canvas. See pictures for details. Richard Andres was born in Buffal...
Ink, Acrylic
$3,150Sale Price|25% Off
Midday in Lombardy, 100x170 cm, acrylic on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Midday in Lombardy, 100x170 cm, acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
“The Flower That Nourishes” Series: Flowers That Feed Us
Located in Zofingen, AG
The Flower That Nourishes” explores the connection between beauty and usefulness — the wisdom of nature we often forget. Nasturtium is a plant that nourishes and heals, yet remains a...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Sculpture', C. 1995 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
Saguaro No. 2 Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 50"x30".
Located in Westport, CT
This large abstract vertical painting by California artist Kristen Guest features a colorful palette with yellow, green, and light blue organic forms, line work, and dripped paint el...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,539Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Formula 1 Motor Racing
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition, Formula 1 Motor Racing Cars signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45.5 x 32 inches condition: the work is in ...
Canvas, Oil
$8,889
l'odre du temps- Large Abstract Library – Oil on canvas –Contemporary, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas – Sophie Dumont Dimensions: Unframed: 100 × 100 cm (39.4 × 39.4 in) Framed (floating frame, natural wood or black): 107 × 107 cm (42.1 × 42.1 in) Sophie Dumont is a Fr...
Canvas, Oil
Forces of Nature 20 - Rich Textured Abstract Minimalist Beige Canvas Painting
By Len Klikunas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Len Klikunas paints minimalist artworks to modify experienced reality through visual perception. The Blocks series is a mix of art and architecture, hovering between painting and scu...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media
$3,500
Melissa Meyer - unique Signed encaustic on paper, made at Garner Tullis workshop
Located in New York, NY
Melissa Meyer - Original encaustic on paper, created at Garner Tullis workshop Encaustic on paper created at Garner Tullis workshop pencil annotated GT/MM (Garner Tullis/Melissa Meer...
Encaustic
$1,877Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2411
Located in Zofingen, AG
""There’s something different about the homes of creative people. They like to surround themselves with inspiring things, from unique tablecloths to the incredible paintings on the w...
Acrylic
$3,644Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2288
Located in Zofingen, AG
There’s something ethereal, almost magical, about contemporary paintings. The incredible Expressionism bleeds through the canvas, transforming any room into an entirely new experienc...
Acrylic
Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist Oil, 'La Vendeuse d'Oranges'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A mid-century French Abstract Expressionist oil on board painting of an orange seller by Raphael Arnal. Presented in a gilt wood frame. Signed an...
Oil
Merne Anooralya - Delmore Gallery Cat No.95G004
Located in Miami, FL
EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY (1910 - 1996) Country: Central/Eastern Desert, NT Language: Anmatjerre Community : Utopia, Soakage Bore/ Alhalkere Merne Anooralya, 1995 Synthetic polymer paint ...
Cotton Canvas, Polymer, Canvas, Linen
$3,733Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled. Contemporary oil abstract painting by Polish Young Artist, Big format
By Klaudia Lata
Located in Warsaw, PL
Big scale abstract oil painting by Polish artist Klaudia Lata. Painting can be paired as a dyptich with another Untitled painting from ''transFORMATIONS" cycle. Artwork is colorful- ...
Canvas, Oil
Relic Of The Past, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Karen Hale
Located in Yardley, PA
This original abstract painting is worked on a gallery canvas . There are 15+ layers of acrylic paint, texture medium, pen, and mica all which give the piece nuance, depth and inter...
Acrylic
Green Mesa
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
$100Sale Price|20% Off
Serg Graff Original “Brigel” Acrylic Ship Painting Gold Leaf Frame Nautical
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This striking original acrylic painting by Serg Graff, titled “Brigel” , captures the luminous power of the open sea and the symbolic voyage of human spirit. Painted in 2025, the wor...
Acrylic
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Sky and Magenta Field - Abstracted Landscape in Acrylic on Canvas
By Ilana Ingber
Located in Soquel, CA
Pink Sky and Magenta Field - Abstracted Landscape in Acrylic on Canvas Vibrant landscape by Ilana Ingber (American, b. 1984). A bright magenta field unfolds towards the horizon, whe...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Contrast and Form 2. Absrtaction.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting is a unique creation executed on a square canvas using modeling paste. The artist employed only two colors - white and gold - to craft an exquisite and elaborate image....
Canvas, Acrylic, Paste
$2,432Sale Price|25% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Colourful Market Scene Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Colourful Market Scene signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45.5 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good...
Canvas, Oil
$10,500
Return to Forever - Large 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
$2,871Sale Price|20% Off
HUGE 1970'S FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT SIGNED FRENCH OIL - BRIGHT & COLORFUL NUDE
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed lower corner, circa 1980's period. Title: Cubist abstract composition of figures. Medium: oil painting, on canvas. Size: frame: 32.5 x ...
Canvas, Oil
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Abstracted Floral Still Life
By Ilana Ingber
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Still Life with White Flowers Vibrant still life by Ilana Ingber (American, b. 1984). This piece has bright pink, yellow, and orange floral shapes that pop ou...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$45,000
Large Color California Abstract Expressionist Copolymer Vinyl Painting Ron Davis
By Ronald Davis
Located in Surfside, FL
Ronald Davis (American, b. 1937) Pitch, 1983 cel-vinyl copolymer on canvas Hand signed verso and further inscribed with title, date, size and PTG 751 67 x 110 1/2in. Framed 69 x 112i...
Canvas, Acrylic Polymer
$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
Mémoire Obscure - Large Abstract Oil Painting, Signed, 2026, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Artist Presentation Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter whose work explores abstraction through memory, architecture, and the silent presence of objects. Working primaril...
Canvas, Oil
$5,500
Hello Jit - Large Abstract Color Drenching Organic Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
By Rue Bootay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rue Bootay, a New York-born artist now rooted in the vibrant artistic landscape of Los Angeles, navigates the avant-garde realm of nonrepresentational surrealism with a style uniquel...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$6,901
Abstract Painting Landscape with Organic Earth Tones by Rose Madone Contemporary
By Rose Madone
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 A...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media
“Cloud Services”, Abstract, Acrylic Painting, Blue, Green, White, Red, Ochre
By Sandra Cohen
Located in Franklin, MA
"Cloud Services" is a 12 x 12 x 1 inch abstract acrylic painting on cradled wood, in blue, green, ochre, black, white, and red text. A turquoise blue and green cloud has passed throu...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Citrus With Bowl - contemporary, abstracted still life, oil on canvas
By Mel Davis
Located in Bloomfield, ON
A traditional still life is re-imagined in this delightful painting by Mel Davis. The Montreal-born artist creates abstract artwork that re-imagines traditionally familiar themes in ...
Canvas, Oil
$421Sale Price|20% Off
"Apples and Roses" Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Still Life Painting on Paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Original still life painting, contemporary floral and fruit artwork, expressive acrylic wall art, “Apples and Roses,” by Natalya Mougenot invites the viewer into a world of expressiv...
Paper, Acrylic
Mugs in a circle. 3D textured
Located in Zofingen, AG
The image depicts a work of art created on canvas, featuring a circular composition made of circles cut from air-dry clay. Each circle is crafted from clay, allowing for a creative s...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
$5,848
Gold of the Old Walls, Impressionist Oil and Acrylic, 100/120cm.
Located in Zofingen, AG
A poetic tribute to light and timeless architecture. The city emerges through a golden morning haze, where every stone seems to retain the warmth of the sun. The sophisticated blend ...
Oil, Acrylic
$1,213Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Textured Mixed Media Wall Sculpture with Candy-Like Spheres and Circle
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Colorful textured mixed media wall sculpture composed of clustered candy-like spheres and a contrasting lavender circular form. This wall-mounted artwork by Elizabeth Art Candy pres...
Clay, Spray Paint, Board
$327Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract impressionist nature forest acrylic painting on paper "Dance of trees"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary, expressive abstract impressionist painting, "Dance of Trees", vividly captures the serene essence of a forest landscape through the lens of a dynamic, impressionis...
Paper, Acrylic
Water, Ice + Hotspot - modern, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary colourful abstract painting is by Milly Ristvedt. Signed on verso, bottom right "Water, Ice + Hotspot © Ristvedt / 24" Highly regarded for her intuitive, almost vi...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,058Sale Price|20% Off
Modern large abstract animal figurative portrait of two dogs "Faithful Duo"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Faithful Duo" by French artist Natalya Mougenot is a large contemporary figurative painting of two dogs, celebrating loyalty, friendship, and the enduring bond of companionship. M...
Paper, 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.