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.
The Earth is round II by Frédérique Domergue - Abstract painting on metal, sea
Located in Paris, FR
The Earth is round II is a unique painting by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. This painting is made with oxidized zinc and bronze leaves on aluminium panel, patina fi...
Metal, Bronze
$7,200
Tompkins Square (Abstract Figurative Urban Landscape Painting of New York City)
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract Figurative city landscape painting of Tompkins Square in Manhattan "Tompkins Square" painted by William Clutz in 1960 Oil on canvas, signed at bottom 30 x 25 inches, 30.5 x...
Canvas, Oil
Ruz capeando el inframundo original abstract acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original abstract acrylic canvas painting Original work by the Spanish painter Rafael RUZ. Acrylic on canvas . Perfect condition. RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contemplating th...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Closure", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Blue, Red, Orange, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Closure" is a 30 x 30 inch abstract expressionist painting. The image is a vivid, expressive depiction of a figure in a contemplative or withdrawn pose. She is shown wi...
Canvas, Oil
One Truth - Impasto Inspired Thick Paint Pink Abstract Painting
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...
Canvas, Glitter, Acrylic
I Remember Your Warm Embrace
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll I Remember Your Warm Embrace This work is part of the "Inner Landscapes" series, an exploration of contemporary emotional impressionism. Within this abstract landsca...
Canvas, Acrylic
Peachy Saturdays, Contemporary Abstract Painting, original painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Rebecca's work is inspired by a lifelong love of nature, colour, and pattern. Growing up in Kew, she was deeply influenced by the beauty of Kew Gardens and its rich abundance of bota...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pink Indian Mountain Temple Garden
Located in Brecon, Powys
Paul Wadsworth has a very special, innate talent for transporting the viewer into other realms. In his stunning, vibrant works from his travels on the Indian sub-continent the painti...
Oil
#238, 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
Golden Accent. Abstract.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting on a small canvas, measuring 40x40 cm, is a unique work of art. The edge of the painting is crafted using modeling paste, forming circles. This edge is painted with bla...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media
La Gournaise l / Oil on Linen
Located in Burlingame, CA
La Gournaise l is a warm elegant golden cloud at sunset. Evocative, modern and unique. French American Frédéric Choisel, has had multiple solo and group exhibitions in New York, Par...
Linen, Oil
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled V (VII) (abstract, patterns, green, abstract landscape, pink, yellow)
By James Moore
Located in New York, NY
acrylic on paper
Paper, Acrylic
Infinite Harmonies - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This large-format acrylic on canvas masterpiece, titled "Infinite Harmonies", represents a stunning breakthrough in modern abstract surrealism. Moving completely away from convention...
Canvas, Acrylic
Parallel Fields 6, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Parallel Fields 6 is an original modern abstract painting created with acrylic paint on gallery-wrapped canvas. Measuring 24x48x1 inches, this horizontal artwork radiates vibrant ene...
Acrylic
Ruz Vertical Color original abstract acrylic painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
color original abstract acrylic painting. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same sense that Julius Bissier referred t...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,520Sale Price|81% Off
Fantastic vision by Vivaldo Martini - Oil on canvas 60x81 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
His first name sounds like a concerto. Vivacious, its name is reminiscent of an aperitif or a cyclist. The addition of the two evokes the Italianate. Indomitable and unavoidable. Moreover, I was born on November 11, 1908 in Bellinzona, one day became a portrait painter of the president of the confederation, residing most of his life in Geneva, Vivaldo Martini...
Oil, Canvas
Diptych 1 & 2 - acrylic on canvas
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Nina is an artist, ceramist and colorist with 20 years of professional experience and a lifetime of art appreciation. Originally from Virginia and having traveled and lived extensive...
Canvas, Acrylic
Butterfly
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Butterfly” The work explores a person’s inner transformation — the passage from limitations and fears toward a renewed sense of self. The image of the butterfly becomes a metaphor ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,731
Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, White-original still life realism oil painting-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
ORÍ GUERREIRO TAMOYO, Painting. From the Series Figures
Located in Miami Beach, FL
For Jose Ignacio Suarez an abyss of time and space distances him from those who were the first inhabitants of the Brazilian coasts and of this vast American continent. His initial la...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ruz Black yellow original abstract acrylic painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Ruz Black character- original abstract acrylic painting Original work of the artist RUZ Acrylic on paper Perfect state While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to ta...
Acrylic, Cardboard
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
colorful contemporary abstract acrylic painting expressionist busy signed
By Alayna Rose
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Ongoing" is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Alayna Rose, signed by the artist in the lower left. Influenced by Abstract Expressionists like Helen Frankenthaler, Rose's wor...
Canvas, Acrylic
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Abstract Standing Figure Expressionist Ink Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Abstract Standing Figure Expressionist Ink Painting Medium: Black ink/ gouache painting on paper, unframed French, circa 1950's Size: 23.5 inches x 15.75 (h...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
$1,590
Sepia Murmur by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spac...
Acrylic
The Surf Lodge - Figurative Vibrant Textural Entertainment Bar Original Painting
By Zabel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Guided by her passion for life and her spirit, French Canadian painter Zabel creates vibrant artworks filled with romance and immersive textures. With a belief that art is all about ...
Gold Leaf
"From the Inside" (Contemporary, Abstract, Original, Dark, Textured, Black)
Located in Paris, IDF
From The Inside 2025 Paris, France This abstract oil painting features a textured surface with deep black tones and natural cracks spreading across the canvas. The fissures expose a...
Oil, Linen
$850
On top of the World - Painting Maximalism Crown Flowers Bold Small-scale Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
On Top of the World explores the emotional landscape of freedom, human connection and quiet triumph through Karnish's distinctive language of Innocent Impressionism. Expressive brush...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars, Woodcut
#144, 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
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
Phenomena Procession Falls
By Paul Jenkins
Located in Palm Desert, CA
"Phenomena Procession Falls" is a watercolor on paper work by Paul Jenkins, made in 1975. The artwork size is 41 3/4 x 30 inches. The framed size is 47 1/8 x 35 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches. T...
Paper, Watercolor
"Umbrella - Silent Rain No.2, Abstract Painting, 21st Century, Acryl, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Part of Roger König's iconic Umbrella Series, this original mixed media artwork explores themes of protection, memory, resilience and human presence. The umbrella is not a symbol of ...
Clay, Acrylic
Large American School Modernist Abstract Landscape Framed Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 37 by 45 inches overall, and 30.25 by 38.25 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to hang and...
Oil, Canvas
$401Sale Price|30% Off
Double Blue Painting, Abstract Acrylic on Paper, Framed, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The painting is acrylic on cartoon, according to my opinion evoking a good illusion of depth and imagination. Delivered in an easy frame - recommendation -leave it as it is and put t...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,000
Blue Moon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chen Yu’s art started with lacquer painting. On this foundation, her materials experiments and conceptual extensions have developed in two directions; she is serious and measured, an...
Canvas, Lacquer, Mixed Media
$687Sale Price|20% Off
"Table in bloom" Contemporary abstract figurative still life painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“A Table in Bloom”: A Vibrant Original Floral Still Life in a Contemporary Expressionist, Metamodern Style by French Artist Natalya Mougenot This original mixed media painting (50 ×...
Paper, Acrylic
The Orchestra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Orchestra, 1950, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left, 21 1/2 x 25 3/4 inches, labeled verso “Brown University, Trustee, The Walter Feldman Trust for Artwork” titled verso,...
Canvas, Oil
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Original Abstract Painting on Canvas "Volcanic Eruption" , Signed, Framed
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This is an expressive original acrylic painting on canvas in a fantasy abstract style by Alan Nolan (American Artist) Titled "Volcanic Eruption" Bright colors make this painting ver...
Acrylic
Bo Zhang Abstract Original Oil Painting "Weightless World"
By Bo Zhang
Located in New York, NY
Title: Weightless World Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 12 x 14 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting...
Canvas, Oil
Nexa #1. 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...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Pink Jazz, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Liz Zorn
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on canvas. Stretched on heavy duty bars. Can also be shipped rolled in a tube. :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
Oil
Colour Study 3 - minimalist, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Aron Hill
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The distinctive minimalist colourful paintings of Aron Hill are inspired by the modernist art movement. The colour field work of Aron Hill showcases their intuitive sense of colour...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$825Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Coastal Beach Landscape Blue Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Mediterranean Coastal Beach Landscape Blue Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Artist: Unknown Year: 2012 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 140 × 81 cm (55.12 × 31.89 in) Frame: Unf...
Canvas, Oil
Fields of Gold: Abstract Encaustic Painting, 21st Century, Framed
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
Abstract P30 Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Minimalist, Signed, 2010+
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
This abstract painting is inspired by minimalism, modern art and hard edge. This work is signed, dated and tilted by Artist on the back. Signed certificate of authenticity. This work...
Canvas, Acrylic
Avalon Oil Painting, Large Abstract Landscape, 117x150 cm
Located in Silverthorne, CO
In this oil painting, I've embraced the spontaneity and emotion of expressionism, blending it with the ethereal qualities of impressionism. The abstract forms and warm palette evoke ...
Oil
Swiss Abstract Contemporary Art by Pierre-Alain Michel - Untitled
Located in Paris, IDF
Acrylic on canvas Pierre-Alain Michel is a Swiss painter born in 1959 who lives & works in Delémont in Switzerland. In 1989 he was enrolled at the School of Fine Arts in Basel ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Untitled oil on canvas, signed and dated 1988 by American artist Giorgio Cavallon (1904-1989) on the reverse. Cavallon was a founding member of the American Abstract Artists and a ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$421Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract expressive floral acrylic painting on paper "Floral Vitality""
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
The vibrant artwork "Floral Vitality" by French artist Natalya Mougenot bursts with color, featuring dynamic vertical strokes that evoke the sensation of a wild, abstract field in mo...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,495
Contemporary Yellow, Brown, and Tan Geometric Hard-Edge Abstract Painting
By Stephanie Beukers
Located in Houston, TX
Geometric abstract painting by contemporary artist Stephanie Beukers. The work features layers of hard-edged shapes in yellow, brown, black, and tan set against a light background. S...
Canvas, Acrylic
Current #5 - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, 33x25 in
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract painting features colourful geometric patterns. For several decades, the dynamic acrylic paintings of Yvonne Lammerich have attracted the attention of bot...
Acrylic, Board
Alter04 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Marcus Aitken is a contemporary British artist renowned for his dynamic, gestural abstract paintings, which blend intuitive process with sophisticated technique. His unique backgro...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Celia Lees — Atmospheric Abstract Painting in Blush, Coral and Powder Blue
By 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...
Cotton Canvas, Ink, Oil, Acrylic
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Original Painting on Canvas by Serg Graff, "Gravity", Cosmic Art, COA included
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This original acrylic on canvas, titled “Gravity”, is a vibrant and imaginative work by contemporary artist Serg Graff. The composition depicts three astronauts engaged in a surreal ...
Acrylic
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Dripping Wildflowers Supreme /// Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Huge Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Dripping Wildflowers Supreme" Series: Eclecticism *Signed by Graves lower right. It is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year:...
Canvas, Paint, Acrylic
Astra, abstract.
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Astra” is created on a round canvas using the acrylic pouring technique. The composition is built on the interplay of deep black, white, blue, and brown tones, enriched by two shad...
Canvas, Acrylic
Waiting for the Sun: Abstract Landscape Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting has only been shown in a gallery setting. All images have light and shadow reflections due to the reflective nature of the resin finish. Yury was born in Belarus and...
Resin, Acrylic, Panel
Bury by Sam Peacock Contemporary Oil Painting steel, abstract landscape painting
By Sam Peacock
Located in DE
Artist: Sam Peacock Title: Bury Materials: Oil, Coffee and Parafin on steel Medium: Mild steel sheet Size: 85 x 35 cm Edition: Original Artwork Year: 2018 ____________________...
Steel
Spaces 9869: Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010s, Framed
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Marcela Jardón delves into the interplay between spatial perception and emotional resonance. Utilizing a blend of mixed media techniques, the composition invites viewers to explore t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
First Light, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft tones, texture, and linework shape this abstract painting. Warm oranges, creams, and yellows contrast with deep blacks, greys, and teals. Artist Dorothy Ga...
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.