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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
Abstract 2, Abstract Oil Painting
Abstract 2, Abstract Oil Painting

Abstract 2, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Layers of colors and gestures define this abstract piece. Soft green, orange, and blue contrast with touches of black. Expressive scratches and marks bring text...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Zig Zag 16-3-1 - Original Colorful Oil Painting Patterned Stripes with Texture
Zig Zag 16-3-1 - Original Colorful Oil Painting Patterned Stripes with Texture

Zig Zag 16-3-1 - Original Colorful Oil Painting Patterned Stripes with Texture

By Petra Rös-Nickel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

In Petra Rös-Nickel’s oil paintings playful, free forms along with compositional constructions develop into textures, referencing popular European design of the fifties and sixties, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil

Abstract 1, Abstract Oil Painting
Abstract 1, Abstract Oil Painting

Abstract 1, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Green, blue, and orange with black accents create a dynamic abstract composition. Scratches and marks add texture and energy. Artist Dorothy Gaziano used oil pa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Large Geometric Abstract. 'Traces No.9 Pour une Archéologie du Présent.'
Large Geometric Abstract. 'Traces No.9 Pour une Archéologie du Présent.'

Large Geometric Abstract. 'Traces No.9 Pour une Archéologie du Présent.'

Located in Cotignac, FR

Large 1970s abstract geometric acrylic and oil on plywood panel signed Rivel and dated 1977 to the bottom left. The painting is titled to the rear of the panel. Numbers of colour fields in muted shades jostle against one another. It is the shapes and the space between them which give energy to the painting whilst the colour palette restrains. The painting is highly textured as the artist has applied the paint thickly and energetically with both palette knife and large brushstrokes. At times layers of paint reveal underlying colours. This painting fits perfectly into the abstract genre with its focus on its formal qualities over and above its subject matter. Furthermore the artist experiments with reconstructing shapes and rejecting three dimensional perspective. A fine example of non objective art...

Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Board

My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving
My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving

My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Wire

Untitled 8. From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series
Untitled 8. From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series

Untitled 8. From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series

Located in Miami Beach, FL

"Ritmos Abstratos" invites us to explore the visual universe of the artist Juan Carlos Amador, who, through his unique perspective, translates the pulsations of space and the invisi...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Vintage American Framed Abstract Painting
Vintage American Framed Abstract Painting

Vintage American Framed Abstract Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American abstract painting. Gouache on board. Measuring: 18 by 22 inches overall and 12 by 16 artwork alone. Framed in antique gilt wood frame. Excellent condition, ready to...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Board, Gouache

Point d'equilibre, Abstract Library, oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art
Point d'equilibre, Abstract Library, oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art

Point d'equilibre, Abstract Library, oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art

By SOPHIE DUMONT

Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR

Point d’Équilibre Oil on canvas 50 x 50 cm (19.7 x 19.7 in) Framed dimensions available upon request Floater frame in natural wood (also available in black) Signed on the front Born...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Still Life Interior
Still Life Interior

Still Life Interior

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Frederick Serger (1889-1965). Still Life, ca. 1950. Oil on gessoed paper mounted to illustration board. Image measures 16 x 17 inches. Framed measurement: 25.5 x 25.5 inches. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

"Once Verdant" (flora, abstract, roses, blush, pink, green, dye, antique linen)
"Once Verdant" (flora, abstract, roses, blush, pink, green, dye, antique linen)

"Once Verdant" (flora, abstract, roses, blush, pink, green, dye, antique linen)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

ONCE VERDANT 2024 Paris, France This enchanting painting portrays the artist's vision of an abstracted, organic floral pattern. The floral shapes and shadows allude to traces of a ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Linen, Dye, Oil

Peppermint - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Peppermint - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on canvas

Peppermint - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on canvas

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This colourful contemporary abstract painting is by Carol Sutton. In the 1970s, the paintings of a young Carol Sutton caught the attention of one of America’s best-known art critics...

Category

1980s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Untitled (5)
Untitled (5)

Untitled (5)

By John von Wicht

Located in Columbia, MO

John von Wicht (German-American, 1888 - 1970) was a painter and printmaker whose abstract works evolved from European modernism to dynamic, expressionistic forms. Born in Holstein, G...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Reconstruction, Abstract Painting
Reconstruction, Abstract Painting

Reconstruction, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Several shades of blue sweep across a lightly textured background. Bits of orange highlight the focal point, adding warmth to the composition. Sections of gray ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Quiet Beauty in Nature, Abstract Oil Painting
Quiet Beauty in Nature, Abstract Oil Painting

Quiet Beauty in Nature, Abstract Oil Painting

By Ronda Waiksnis

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This abstract painting invites quiet reflection, evoking the stillness of a misty landscape mirrored in calm waters. A gentle palette of greens and blues wash...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Large Oil Painting on Canvas
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Large Oil Painting on Canvas

Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Large Oil Painting on Canvas

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 24 by 36 inches overall. Excellent condition, ready to hang ...

Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Contemporary Minimalist Earth Tones Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde
Contemporary Minimalist Earth Tones Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde

Contemporary Minimalist Earth 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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment

State of Blue
State of Blue

State of Blue

By Amy Van Winkle

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Encaustic on panel. blue teal aqua white yellow orange navy Red green chartreuse It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Encaustic

Ruz   Gray and Black Diptych  Very Big  original abstract canvas  acrylic
Ruz   Gray and Black Diptych  Very Big  original abstract canvas  acrylic

Ruz Gray and Black Diptych Very Big original abstract canvas acrylic

By Rafael Ruz

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

El brote- original abstract canvas diptic acrylic painting. virtual frame , Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psyc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled #542 by Murray Duncan - Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Untitled #542 by Murray Duncan - Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper

Untitled #542 by Murray Duncan - Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Untitled #542 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray Dunc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Glaze, Oil Pastel, Acrylic

Obvious things
Obvious things

Obvious things

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Obvious Things" is an exploration of what we usually take for granted. The project addresses the theme of personal values, which may seem ordinary to each individual, yet in fact fo...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

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

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

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Navy 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

The Beginning
The Beginning

The Beginning

Located in Zofingen, AG

“The Beginning” Oil on linen, multilayer technique This work captures the moment when form is born out of silence. Translucent layers of oil, laid one upon another like breaths of t...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract 5, Abstract Oil Painting
Abstract 5, Abstract Oil Painting

Abstract 5, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Patches of cream, turquoise, and grey fill this abstract painting. Blue and orange accents, along with black lines, create contrast. Scratches and marks bring d...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Flower Arrangement in Carved Wooden Bowl - Abstract Botanical Painting on Paper
Flower Arrangement in Carved Wooden Bowl - Abstract Botanical Painting on Paper

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil

Ocean's Jewels, Abstract Oil Painting
Ocean's Jewels, Abstract Oil Painting

Ocean's Jewels, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A layer of emerald green rests atop a base of purple, pale blue, and white, creating a striking contrast of light and dark. Scratches and marks added while the ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Paramount Ranch Oaks
Paramount Ranch Oaks

Paramount Ranch Oaks

By Karl Dempwolf

Located in Pasadena, CA

Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 14" x 18" FRAMED: 20.25" x 24.25" x 1.5" Signed "K Dempwolf" on lower right Artist Statement "This is a movie ranch whe...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

Abstract 2562

Abstract 2562

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this piece, I let emotions flow freely through sweeping layers of soft blues and warm beiges, blending impressionistic textures with abstract forms. The contrasts evoke a serene y...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

Red Cascade - Cypress Gardens
Red Cascade - Cypress Gardens

Red Cascade - Cypress Gardens

By Paul Fournier

Located in Bloomfield, ON

The kaleidoscope of colours and the dynamic form of nature are expressed in this joyful celebration of nature. Rendered in right red, yellow, blue, green, orange and yellow—the colou...

Category

1970s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Another Way To See, Small Works No. 143
Another Way To See, Small Works No. 143

Another Way To See, Small Works No. 143

By Sasha Hallock

Located in New York, NY

As a whole, these paintings continue my exploration of building forms through intuitive, responsive painting. It has been five years since my first show at SEFA Hudson, and I’m thril...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

French 20th Century Dual Bright Abstract Kitchen Scene Large Painting
French 20th Century Dual Bright Abstract Kitchen Scene Large Painting

French 20th Century Dual Bright Abstract Kitchen Scene Large Painting

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: overall very...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Original-Jardin d'Hiver-Cloud Dahlias in Blue-British Awarded Artist-Impasto
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-Cloud Dahlias in Blue-British Awarded Artist-Impasto

Original-Jardin d'Hiver-Cloud Dahlias in Blue-British Awarded Artist-Impasto

Located in London, GB

Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio with an expensive window view to the winter clouds while longing for the summer left behind. Ref...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame

Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American modernist painting. Gouache on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 20 by 15 inches overall. Handsomely framed in an antique Italian frame. Excellent condition, read...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Gouache, Board

Hand Painted X-Large-Gladiolus Glorious-British Awarded Artist-Limited Edition#8
Hand Painted X-Large-Gladiolus Glorious-British Awarded Artist-Limited Edition#8

Hand Painted X-Large-Gladiolus Glorious-British Awarded Artist-Limited Edition#8

Located in London, GB

This rare X-large Limited Edition is 80% hand painted and highlighted with original paint and brushstrokes painted by artist Shizico Yi. Only 10 Limited Edition has been made, last ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Archival Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée

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.