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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
Joyous Sea, Abstract Seascape, Horizontal Diptych, Paper, Turquoise Fish Pattern
Joyous Sea, Abstract Seascape, Horizontal Diptych, Paper, Turquoise Fish Pattern

Joyous Sea, Abstract Seascape, Horizontal Diptych, Paper, Turquoise Fish Pattern

By Enric Servera

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint

"Memories I" by Masri - Colorful Action Abstract Expressionist in Warm Palette
"Memories I" by Masri - Colorful Action Abstract Expressionist in Warm Palette

"Memories I" by Masri - Colorful Action Abstract Expressionist in Warm Palette

By Masri Hayssam

Located in Carmel, CA

Masri (Lebanese, born 1965) "Memories I" 2018 Acrylic paint, Oil paint, Mixed Media, Canvas, Stretcher bars The artist signed the back of the painting. "Memories I" by Masri is a st...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Untitled_2021 - painting, acrylic on canvas
Untitled_2021 - painting, acrylic on canvas

Untitled_2021 - painting, acrylic on canvas

By Paul Fournier

Located in Bloomfield, ON

"This contemporary abstract painting by Paul Fournier captures the tropical colours of the Caribbean. For more than six decades, the brilliant, colourful artwork of Paul Fournier ha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Vintage American Abstract Expressionist Pastel and Watercolor Painting
Vintage American Abstract Expressionist Pastel and Watercolor Painting

Vintage American Abstract Expressionist Pastel and Watercolor Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American abstract expressionist painting. Framed. Measuring: 23 by 28 inches overall and 20 by 25 painting alone. Signed and dated lower right. Excellent condition, ready to ...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel, Watercolor

Montreat Series: Untitled  - acrylic on canvas
Montreat Series: Untitled  - acrylic on canvas

Montreat Series: Untitled - acrylic on canvas

By Stephanie Visser

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Stephanie Visser, a native of southwestern Michigan, was educated at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids Michigan. She continued her education in fine arts and painting...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Blossom Diptych, Monoprint on Japanese Paper, Pastel Tones Flowers Patterns 2025
Blossom Diptych, Monoprint on Japanese Paper, Pastel Tones Flowers Patterns 2025

Blossom Diptych, Monoprint on Japanese Paper, Pastel Tones Flowers Patterns 2025

By Enric Servera

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint

Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art
Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art

Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art

By Taro Yamamoto

Located in New York, NY

Taro Yamamoto Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, ca. 1957 Watercolor wash, drips & splatter on rice paper Pencil signed on the front 12 × 16 inches Unframed Mid century mod...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Rice Paper, Pencil

Blue Doors of Havana (colorful abstract painting)
Blue Doors of Havana (colorful abstract painting)

Blue Doors of Havana (colorful abstract painting)

By Jane Burton

Located in Maricopa, AZ

Original abstract painting created with charcoal, graphite, inks, and acrylic on rolled canvas. Can be stretched prior to shipping upon request. Artist statement : My visual langu...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Robert Tosa Mid Century Modern Abstract Portraits c.1952
Robert Tosa Mid Century Modern Abstract Portraits c.1952

Robert Tosa Mid Century Modern Abstract Portraits c.1952

Located in San Francisco, CA

Robert Tosa Mid Century Modern Abstract Portraits c.1952 Outstanding Mid Century Modern Painting. Various abstract portraits of a dancer. Original oil on board housed in a handsom...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

20th Century French Geometric Abstract Composition Oil Painting Red Colours
20th Century French Geometric Abstract Composition Oil Painting Red Colours

20th Century French Geometric Abstract Composition Oil Painting Red Colours

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition signed by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French oil painting on canvas, unframed size: 29 x 24 inches provenance: private collection, Paris, France condition: overall g...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Abstract 2437
Abstract 2437

Alex SenchenkoAbstract 2437, 2024

$2,159Sale Price|20% Off

Abstract 2437

By Alex Senchenko

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this piece, I harnessed the vibrant chaos and serenity of nature's own contrasts. Using acrylics allowed me to layer and texturize, enveloping the canvas in a dance of sh...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

“So Plant, So Animal II” (Animalia, Fuana, Bold, Graphic, Abstract, Neutral)
“So Plant, So Animal II” (Animalia, Fuana, Bold, Graphic, Abstract, Neutral)

“So Plant, So Animal II” (Animalia, Fuana, Bold, Graphic, Abstract, Neutral)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

Bold yet delicately portrayed, "So Plant, So Animal II" is an abstract piece framed to perfection, offering a timeless neutral color palette. The central theme captures the essence o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Linen, Wood, India Ink, Acrylic

Large Painting on Canvas Titled: PDP 1153 2021  72 x 96
Large Painting on Canvas Titled: PDP 1153 2021  72 x 96

Large Painting on Canvas Titled: PDP 1153 2021 72 x 96

By Cecil Touchon

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Post Dogmatist Painting on Panel, signed verso (Acrylic over paper on Canvas) Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Ocean blue - abstract painting, made in blue color
Ocean blue - abstract painting, made in blue color

Ocean blue - abstract painting, made in blue color

By Mila Akopova

Located in Fort Lee, NJ

Interior design paintings. The work was done with alcohol ink in blue color on Yupo paper. The work is 11 by 14 inches in size, framed (gold or black) with a styrene face on a mat bo...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Time with Myself
Time with Myself

Time with Myself

By Olena Kishkurno

Located in Zofingen, AG

This artwork is part of the series Return to Herself, dedicated to a woman and her body as a place of return to oneself, to an inner rhythm, rest, and silence. It explores a state in...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Raventos Vertical Big original abstract mixed media painting
Raventos Vertical Big original abstract mixed media painting

Raventos Vertical Big original abstract mixed media painting

By Maria Asuncion Raventos

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

El dia que es va crema el Liceo original abstract mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Golden Splendor, Oil Painting
Golden Splendor, Oil Painting

Golden Splendor, Oil Painting

By Sherri Aldawood

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Sherri Aldawood depicts a sunny, autumn day along the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona, Arizona. With the use of a harmonious color palette, Sherri conveys the warmth of the landscape with tones in yellow, orange, red, and olive. Dynamic brushwork represents various textures and the calm countryside.


About the Artist
Sherri Aldawood didn't intend to always paint flowers, but over time her love of gardens started to permeate her art. She focuses on the light and color of the flowers on the canvas. Sherri prefers alla prima, working with wet layers of paint instead of letting them dry. She keeps the paint as wet as possible by using walnut and clove oil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Strutture d'insieme
Strutture d'insieme

Strutture d'insieme

By Luigi Boille

Located in Austin, TX

Waterline Fine Art, Austin, TX is pleased to present the following work: Oil on sackcloth. Signed and dated lower center; signed, dated, and titled verso. 57.75 x 45 in. 59.5 x 47 ...

Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Goldfish on a black background.
Goldfish on a black background.

Goldfish on a black background.

By Svetlana Saratova

Located in Zofingen, AG

The composition is executed in a horizontal format and divided into two rows of repeating elements. The central motif represents a stylized image of a fish, reduced to an ornamental ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

NYC Night, Oil Painting
NYC Night, Oil Painting

NYC Night, Oil Painting

By Yangzi Xu

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Yangzi Xu depicts a lively nighttime scene of New York City. She fills the composition with recognizable aspects such as tower...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Contemporary Minimal Abstract, Large-Scale Neutral Earth Tones Painting
Contemporary Minimal Abstract, Large-Scale Neutral Earth Tones Painting

Contemporary Minimal Abstract, Large-Scale Neutral Earth Tones Painting

By Viktor Kobylianski

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, Mixed Media, Pigment

SAT-NAM
SAT-NAM

SAT-NAM

By Oksana Reva

Located in Zofingen, AG

“This work is a visual mantra — an invitation to stillness. With no defined forms, only texture and vibration, the painting dissolves the boundary between the outer and inner world.”

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"VITUS" (Abstract, Bold, Graphic, Neutral Painting on Antique Wood Door)
"VITUS" (Abstract, Bold, Graphic, Neutral Painting on Antique Wood Door)

"VITUS" (Abstract, Bold, Graphic, Neutral Painting on Antique Wood Door)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

VITUS 2022 Paris, France A bold and graphic painting done with acrylic on a paneled antique door. A beautiful patina and dimensional shape of the door acts as a backdrop. The piece features black and white abstract shapes...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Mid Century Modern Pacific Northwest Rain Forest, Earthtone Abstract Landscape
Mid Century Modern Pacific Northwest Rain Forest, Earthtone Abstract Landscape

Mid Century Modern Pacific Northwest Rain Forest, Earthtone Abstract Landscape

By Hilda Davidson Kaster

Located in Soquel, CA

Wonderful mid century modern mixed media abstracted Northern California landscape by Hilda Davidson Kaster (American, 1912-2008), circa 1950. The artist uses layers of mixed media earth tones and natural textures such as leaves and bark to create the aesthetic of the deep forest of Sebastopol, California. Signed lower left corner, on verso with exhibition and gallery labels. Unframed: Image 18"H x 24"W. Hilda Davidson Kaster was born in Oakland, California in 1912 to Russian Jewish immigrant parents. She went to New York in the early 1930s to study art. At the Traphagen School of Design, she was a student of Moses Soyer and William Gropper, who were founders of the Ashcan School. Later in the 1930s she worked as a commercial artist and designer for I. Miller Shoes...

Category

1950s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Contemporary British Abstract Original Painting
Contemporary British Abstract Original Painting

Contemporary British Abstract Original Painting

By Sally Vaughan

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition by Sally Vaughan (contemporary) gouache painting on card, unframed measurements: 8.75 x 6.75 inches condition: very good provenance: from a large private collec...

Category

1990s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Mixed Media Painting titled “Spaceman 2” 45 x 60
Mixed Media Painting titled “Spaceman 2” 45 x 60

Mixed Media Painting titled “Spaceman 2” 45 x 60

By Scott Harper

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

BORN JULY 31, 1979 IN NEW JERSEY, USA CURRENTLY LIVES AND WORKS IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA BIO: As an artist based in the vibrant community of West Palm Beach, my work is an explor...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

Blue & Peach Abstract
Blue & Peach Abstract

Blue & Peach Abstract

By Marc Foster Grant

Located in Soquel, CA

Lively abstract composition with lines and dots over rectangular color fields of peach, yellow, and sky blue by Marc Foster Grant (American, b. 1947), c.2000s. Unsigned. Acquired wit...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

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.