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.
$290,840
Untitled
Located in London, GB
1969 Gouache and pencil on paper 38 x 66 cm 15 x 26 inches signed lower left Bridget Riley is one of the most influential figures in postwar British art, celebrated for her rigorou...
Paper, Gouache, Pencil
$776Sale Price|20% Off
Open Blue, Abstract Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Open Blue, Abstract Oil Painting, Signed By British Schooled artist, 21st Century Signed indistinctly on the back top corner Oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas size: 23 x 19.5 inches Undeniably stylish abstract oil painting, using a rich palette of blue hues. I see the objects portrayed in the painting as fish in the deepest, darkest part of the sea. But as all abstract...
Oil
Abstract 2434
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this artwork, I harnessed the raw energy of nature's very own clash of calm and chaos. Swirls of soothing blues and shocking whites mirror the tranquility and turmoil fou...
Acrylic
$1,329Sale Price|20% Off
Fine British Abstract Original Contemporary Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Robert Somerton (British, born 1972) Abstract composition paint on box canvas 18 x 24 signed verso Superb original abstract painting by the contemporary British abstract artist Robe...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,274Sale Price|20% Off
Large French 20th Century Abstract Expression Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Marie Deloume (French born 1942) signed oil painting on paper stuck on canvas, unframed canvas size: 20 x 24 inches condition: overall very good...
Canvas, Paper, Oil
$1,380
Joyous Sea, Abstract Seascape, Horizontal Diptych, Paper, Turquoise Fish Pattern
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
$3,851Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Horses Spanish School, signed 'Santos' early 21st century acrylic painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 48 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, So...
Acrylic, Canvas
Large Scale Mid 20th Century Acrylic Painting by Vanguard Studios by Van Gaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large Scale Mid 20th Century Acrylic Painting by Vanguard Studios Signed Van Gaard Classic 1950s to 1960s acrylic painting of a guitar against a colorful ab...
Masonite, Acrylic
Forces of Nature 26 - Textural Abstract Minimalist Artwork on Canvas
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
$392Sale Price|40% Off
Green and pink by Olga Reiwald - Watercolor
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper White wooden frame with glass pane 44,5 x 52,7 x 1,5 cm
Gouache
"Textures" (2025) by Dan McCaw, Abstracted, Figural Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Dan McCaw's (US based) "Textures" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an abstracted figure in a moody interior setting. Artist Statement: Born: 1942 A solid founda...
Oil, Board
$5,500
Untitled
By Geoff Rees
Located in Vancouver, CA
Geoff Rees (1930–2018) A Modernist Voice of the West Coast Geoff Rees was a defining figure in Western Canadian abstraction, known for paintings that balance radiant colour, medita...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$3,600
AWH 163 - Original Figurative Abstract Still Life Soothing Floral Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer has created a positive stir at major international art fairs (Art Basel, Kunst Köln, etc.). His lively and mysterious compositions pique the taste of the serious art ...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Oil
$7,214Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Abstract Oil Painting Beautiful Colors
By Jean-Francois Pierre
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Absolutely stunning original French abstract oil painting, dating to 1961. The work is on a large scale, measuring 36 x 25.5 inches. It is by the 2...
Oil
$753Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on ar...
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
Sea of Blues N7, Abstract Blue and White Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Style
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Mixed Media, Watercolor
$1,794
"Flight" Vertical abstract large oil painting .Abstract expressionist works
Located in Oslo, NO
In creating this piece, I delved into the interplay of acrylic, oil, and ink to sculpt depth and movement. The swirling colors and patterns evoke an otherworldly seascape, rich with ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$7,000
Primary Sun - contemporary, minimalist, abstract, acrylic on archival paper
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary acrylic abstract painting is one of Milly Ristvedt’s earlier works. Known as a master colourist, this piece was painted in the 1970s when the Canadian artist was n...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
Abstract Acrylic Painting on Panel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Born in Havana, Cuba, in the late 70s during a well-documented time of religious and political oppression, abstract expressionist artist Mirtha Moreno, immigrated to the United State...
Oil
$2,033
"Wisdom tree" Vertical semi-abstract oil painting on hardboard . Large size
Located in Oslo, NO
In this painting, I've unleashed a vibrant symphony of emotions, blending acrylic, oil, and ink to create a cascading spectacle of color and form. Inspired by the raw beauty of natur...
Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Burkhardt Abstract Oil On Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Framed abstract oil on canvas, signed and dated 1968 in the lower right corner. Canvas size 30"H x 25"W Gilt-wood frame.
Oil, Canvas
$746Sale Price|25% Off
Huge Antique American School Original Oil On Canvas Landscape Abstract Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract landscape. Oil on canvas, circa 1950. Unsigned. Image size 60L x 36H. Unframed
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract figurative expressive human figure portrait "Inner being"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Inner Being” is a contemporary portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing exploration of the human presence beyond appearance — a direction closely connected to...
Paper, Acrylic
$850
Joyous Turquoise Sea, Abstract Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Seascape on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Star Trek - Large Original Abstract Painting Ready to Hang
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 Los Angeles. Rubenstein's work has a rigid edge and strong composition but maintains organic shapes and soft colors as well. His works have a character that brightens a space. His paintings pull from abstract expressionism and cubism but maintain a contemporary edge that strikes the viewer. His work seems collectively new and timeless at once. This large affordable one-of-a-kind 42 inch high by 66 inch wide and 1.5 inch deep artwork is a mixed media composition on canvas. It is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. This large abstract painting is signed by the artist on the front and back of the artwork. The sides are painted and it does not require framing. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and worldwide shipping available. Provenance: Artplex Gallery. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. While the artist has chosen to keep the price upon request, this captivating piece embodies both sophistication and exceptional value. Bruce Rubenstein specializes in large-scale artworks, using huge canvases to tell his stories. Born and raised in New York, he moved to Los Angeles in 1985. His mixed media artworks defy categorization, blending abstract forms and organic shapes with subtle hints of figures and symbols. Adrien Brody and Mickey Rourke are among Rubenstein’s collectors. Bruce Rubenstein’s artistic influences include artists from Joan Miró and Jean Arp to Gerhard Richter and Pablo Picasso. “He is an artist, and that means someone who cannot restrain the flow of ideas,” says author David Rodgers. “He is someone who they just burst out of, who cannot help but communicate, and who sees no reason to stop. He’s a man not limited by media to communicate the stories that he needs to (and must) tell, through any medium he feels necessary.” His works are represented by Artplex Gallery Los Angeles and have been exhibited and collected worldwide, including exhibitions in Austria and Israel. REPRESENTATION Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Beijing Contemporary Art Expo Crossing Art Collective Beijing, China 2022 Shenzhen Art Fair, Shenzhen, China Westbund Art Fair, Shanghai, China MAC Fine Art, Power Painters, Delray, FL Westbund Art & Design, Shanghai, China (solo) Context Art Miami, Miami, FL (solo) Crossing Art Gallery, NYC, NY (solo) 2021 “Space Time Fragments,” Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAC Fine Art, Jupiter, FL MAC Fine Art, Miami, FL (solo) 2020 MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL Wynwood Art Festival, Miami, FL Artspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL (solo) Gottling Gallery, Palm Springs, CA (solo) Castelli Art Space, Culver City, CA (solo) 2019 MAC Fine Art, Jupiter, FL Artspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Palm Springs Art Fair, Palm Springs, CA Glenn Dallas Gallery...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
Summer Mountains Wyoming Gold Diggins Abstract Landscape by Erle Loran, Berkeley
By Erle Loran
Located in Soquel, CA
Bright and vibrant abstracted landscape depicting the Wyoming mountains on a summer day by Erle Loran (American, 1905-1999). From a collection of his works. Estate stamp on verso. Un...
Canvas, Acrylic
#166, 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
$199Sale 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
$12,375Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Vibrations (original vibrant blue abstract)
By Jane Burton
Located in Maricopa, AZ
Original vibrant abstract painting by Jane Burton. The artist uses a variety of techniques and mediums to layer unique texture and expressionistic strokes, creating movement and life...
Mixed Media
Abstract Expressionist Landscape Israeli Modernist Oil Painting, Moody Blue
By Shimon Avny
Located in Surfside, FL
Shimon Avni Shimon Avny, painter, born 1932, Paris Shimon Avny (Stein) was born in Paris, France. He grew up in the Belville neighborhood. In 1942, when the Nazis occupied France, h...
Jute, Oil
"An Orange Seducing a Lemon while a Bunch of Grapes Look On" Edward Zutrau, 1953
Located in New York, NY
Edward Zutrau An Orange Seducing a Lemon while a Bunch of Grapes Look On, 4/20/1953 Signed, dated and titled on stretcher bar, and on the side of the work Oil on linen 18 x 21 inches...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (Green and Purple Circle)
Located in Austin, TX
Acrylic on canvas. Signed verso. 36.5 x 36 in. 42.75 x 42.25 in. (framed) Custom framed in a solid maple tray frame with an heirloom white finish. Provenance Private Collection, C...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tropical Kaleidoscope, square, mixed media, tropical, abstract
Located in Oslo, NO
This mixed media painting (acrylic and ink pencils) is inspired by the lush local flora of Singapore, where the artist currently resides, and particularly a coconut tree beside the a...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Abstract Portrait Important Original Signed Painting Abraham Pariente
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist abstract figurative painting by Abraham Pariente. Oil on canvas, circa 2000. Signed. Displayed in a modernist frame. Important large and impressive work!
Canvas, Oil
Breaking Through - human figurative abstract expression painting modern 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...
Canvas, Oil
Rich Reds - Red Abstract Color Field, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Rich Reds is a one of a kind original contemporary abstract color field painting with rich color and texture by Suzanne Vaughan. An abstract expression...
Acrylic
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstract Pop Art Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract painting titled "Praying Mantis". Oil on canvas, circa 1970. Signed. Image size, 12L x 16H. Housed in a period wood frame.
Canvas, Oil
$1,675
Modern abstract impressionist nature painting on canvas " Happy memories"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Happy Memories" – Original Acrylic Painting by French Artist Natalya Mougenot This contemporary abstract-impressionist nature painting, executed with touches of Art Brut and Impres...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Naturea's Duality, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This abstract painting captures the striking contrast between a restless sky and the quiet strength of the land below. Storm clouds churn in layered blues and...
Oil
Sister Bouquets
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
Timeless Adventures 4
By Ann Shogren
Located in Napa, CA
Abstract expressionist Ann Shogren depicts vivid landscapes and paints tapestries of colors that have simultaneously calming and rejuvenating effects on her audiences. Having lived in Iowa, Utah, and the California Wine...
Canvas, Oil
$2,354
Electric Garden - original artwork - abstract art - contemporary painting
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...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$8,372
Geometric Minimalist Diptych Soft Contemporary Abstract Carolin Kreutzer New
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Diptych composed of two individual panels. The dimensions provided refer to the full installation. The spacing between panels is not included. At our gallery we are committed to mai...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$765Sale Price|20% Off
Femme Fatale Abstract Oil Painting, Signed, 50x40 cm Canvas
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Femme Fatale Artist: Nerea Caos (Ferrol, Spain, 1993) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 50 × 40 cm 19.7 × 15.7 in Framing: Unframed Period: Contemporary (ca. 2020s) Signatur...
Canvas, Oil
$14,500
Abstract Flow Red Blue Acrylic Painting 42 H X 68"W, Balance of Independence
By Irena Orlov
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract Red Blue Original Acrylic Painting 42 H X 68"W, Balance of Independence SPECIFICATIONS: - Artist-grade canvas. - 1" deep wooden support bars - Gallery Stretching & Wrap Expr...
Acrylic
Cream Blossoms 25, Original Painting, Abstract art
Located in Deddington, GB
Cream, Beige, Off White and Raw Umber - Mini - Blossoms or Pebbles - I was experimenting with forms and colours for a smaller square version of my blossom paintings. I particularly l...
Canvas, Acrylic
Piquant: Abstract Geometric 3D Wooden Wall Sculpture in Red, Pink, Peach, Maroon
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract geometric three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in bright hues of red, peach, pink, maroon, white and beige Piquant, hand-carved wooden wall sculpture by Hudson Valley artis...
Wood, Dye, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Blue Flow III - impressionistic painting on linen canvas with 3d roses
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Look at the flowers. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are." — Osho Original painting on 100% linen canvas, size 60 × 60 × 4 cm (23.6 × 23.6 × 1.6 inches). The artwork is...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
#261, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$478
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on paper "Emergent self"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Emergent Self" is a captivating contemporary female portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and personal transformation. This expre...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,094Sale Price|24% Off
'Migration: In Flux Collection' by Peter Healy, 2020; Framed Watercolor
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
'Migration: In Flux Collection,' by Peter Healy, Watercolor Painting, 2020 This framed 27" x 37" watercolor painting is from the 'In Flux' Collection by I...
Ink, Watercolor, Paper
Frozen Logic, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Dorothy Gaziano highlights shades of white with pastel undertones in this lightly textured abstract. Darker areas of blue, purple, and gray frame the lig...
Acrylic
Antique American School Abstract Expressionist Nature-scape Gilt Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early American school modernist abstract landscape. Oil on canvas. Nicely framed.
Canvas, Oil
$1,435Sale Price|20% Off
Anna - XXI Century, Contemporary Abstract, Figurative Acrylic Painting, Textured
Located in Warsaw, PL
MICHAL SIKORSKI (born in 1972) He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, at the atelier of Professor Stanislaw Kortyka at the department of painting. PhD in Fine Arts. Assis...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Contemporary Painting in Black and Acid Yellow, Textural Mixed Media
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, Oil, Pigment
Sphere Definition 10 Abstract Artwork Original Painting Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Vahe Yeremyan Title: Sphere Definition 10 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2025 Style: Abstract Art Dimensions: 36.5" x 69.5" x 2" inch (93 x 177 x 5cm) Presentation: Framed,...
Canvas, Oil
Realms of Paradise: Study 1
Located in Zofingen, AG
Realms of Paradise: Study 1, 2024 Oil, mixed media on paper (oil, sindur, milk paint) 22 × 19 cm x 0,2 (33 × 30 x 0,8 cm mounted) In Realms of Paradise: Study 1, Yuliia Holovatiuk-U...
Mixed Media, Oil, Archival Paper
Still Life
Located in New Orleans, LA
Frederick Conway (1900-1973) was a painter, educator, and lecturer. From 1929 to 1970, Conway was a member of the faculty of the Washington University Art School. When Max Beckmann was in residence at Washington University, he and Conway became close associates. Conway was one of the first to realize the importance and seriousness of Beckmann's teaching. In 1949, Beckmann painted Conway's portrait. Conway was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, and studied at the Saint Louis School of Fine Arts and in Paris at the Academie Julian, the Academy Moderne, and the Academy Grande Chaumiere. He painted murals for the WPA (Works Progress Administration...
Canvas, Oil
Pajaro de Fuego, Colorful Abstract Painting by Leonardo Nierman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Original oil painting on masonite by noted Mexican abstract artist Leonardo Nierman (1932 - ), signed lower right. In its original gilt wood frame measuring 38.5 x 30.5 inches. Ar...
Oil, Masonite
AWH 168 - Original Figurative Abstract Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer has created a positive stir at major international art fairs (Art Basel, Kunst Köln, etc.). His lively and mysterious compositions pique the taste of the serious art ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
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.