Skip to main content

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.

to
4,843
6,656
6,584
6,860
7,173
14,418
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
6
20
5,627
36,039
1
10
14
44
122
407
782
797
847
771
1
41,694
38,290
23,181
8,690
4,722
3,529
3,246
2,578
1,235
1,170
944
926
440
283
17,822
13,793
9,628
2,590
1,737
1,235
574
482
449
407
366
330
257
246
205
204
179
178
169
146
131
113
108
37,141
21,995
21,913
17,057
16,101
690
560
360
310
274
7,435
5,759
22,571
14,902
Style: Abstract
Lighthearted, 2024, by Murray Duncan, Mix Media on Canvas, Geometric Abstract
Lighthearted, 2024, by Murray Duncan, Mix Media on Canvas, Geometric Abstract

Lighthearted, 2024, by Murray Duncan, Mix Media on Canvas, Geometric Abstract

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Lighthearted By Murray Duncan Lighthearted is a large-scale abstract composition defined by gestural movement, architectural line-work, and a warm, luminous ground. Working in layer...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil

Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting
Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting

Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting

By Guy Harloff

Located in Roma, IT

Guy Harloff Signed and Dated Large Abstract Painting Wonderful Guy Harloff large abstract painting Titled “Composition” 1954 Mixed media on paper applied to masonite. Inscription G...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Watercolor

Geometrie de la pensee- Large Abstract Library – Oil on canvas, Contemporary art
Geometrie de la pensee- Large Abstract Library – Oil on canvas, Contemporary art

Geometrie de la pensee- Large Abstract Library – Oil on canvas, Contemporary art

By SOPHIE DUMONT

Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR

Oil on canvas – 39.37 × 39.37 in (100 × 100 cm) Framed: approx. 42.13 × 42.13 in (107 × 107 cm) Frame options: natural wood or black Year: 2025 – Signed front Certificate of authenti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper
Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper

Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, 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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor

Birds-eye view at 10.18AM
Birds-eye view at 10.18AM

Birds-eye view at 10.18AM

Located in Zofingen, AG

This painting invites the viewer to rise above the noise of everyday life and see the world from a higher perspective. From above, the scene unfolds in serene contrast — the vast, te...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Muted Woodland Soft Abstract Landscape Painting Earth Tones by Federica Furbelli
Muted Woodland Soft Abstract Landscape Painting Earth Tones by Federica Furbelli

Muted Woodland Soft Abstract Landscape Painting Earth Tones by Federica Furbelli

By Federica Furbelli

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Federica Furbelli (1988, Varese, Italy) is a visual artist based in Mallorca whose practice centers on psychogeography, exploring drift, movement, and the relationship between nature...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

High-Rise, Abstract Painting
High-Rise, Abstract Painting

High-Rise, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This abstract composition features blocks and shapes in shades of blue, teal, gray, black, and white, forming a towering, building-like structure. A light blue ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Loosely Connected, Abstract Painting
Loosely Connected, Abstract Painting

Loosely Connected, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A linear pattern of rectangles overlaps with circles and wavy lines that connect each section vertically. The colorful arrangement of geometric shapes and linea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

A Place That Knows Me
A Place That Knows Me

A Place That Knows Me

Located in Zofingen, AG

shipped rolled in a tube. A Place That Knows Me from the series “Inner Landscapes” This painting is part of the Inner Landscapes series — a body of work where landscape becomes a re...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

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

Two Lovers - Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century
Two Lovers - Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century

Two Lovers - Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Untitled 2 . From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series
Untitled 2 . From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series

Untitled 2 . From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series

Located in Miami Beach, FL

"Abstract Rhythms" 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, Spray Paint, Acrylic

Colored circles, abstraction
Colored circles, abstraction

Colored circles, abstraction

Located in Zofingen, AG

The painting shows an abstract composition of interwoven colorful forms set against a dark background. The background is painted in deep burgundy tones. Broad, semi-transparent brus...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

On the Bright Side, Abstract Painting
On the Bright Side, Abstract Painting

On the Bright Side, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Various shades of blue, with touches of purple and cream, create a soothing backdrop. A bold orange form adds contrast and visual interest without disrupting th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

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

Leopard resting on a tree
Leopard resting on a tree

Leopard resting on a tree

Located in Zofingen, AG

The painting depicts a leopard resting on the branches of a tree in its natural environment. The composition is horizontal, with the animal’s elongated body following the curves of t...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting
Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting

Under The Night Sky - Abstract Cool Tone Figurative Textured Impasto Painting

By Ekaterina Ermilkina

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ekaterina Ermilkina’s original, abstract fine art paintings are created using a skillful combination of applying and removing oil paint with a palette knife on canvas. Her inspiratio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract Composition
Abstract Composition

Abstract Composition

Located in Columbia, MO

Original oil painting by Pennerton West, signed lower recto. Pennerton West (American, 1913 - 1965) was a painter, printmaker, and designer, descended from the historical American p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

"Approaching the Wave" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed
"Approaching the Wave" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed

"Approaching the Wave" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed

Located in Soquel, CA

"Approaching the Wave" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed Vibrant oil painting by Jocelyn Auld (American, b. 1999.) A yellow curling shape stretches into the center...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas, Stretcher Bars

Source of Renewal
Source of Renewal

Source of Renewal

Located in Zofingen, AG

This work captures a moment of absolute tranquility-a private paradise bathed in light and hidden behind a dense veil of emerald greenery. Horses gathered at the water's edge in the ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Grapefruit & Honey", Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x70".
"Grapefruit & Honey", Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x70".

"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...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Beige Dream.Heat-haze vision
Beige Dream.Heat-haze vision

Beige Dream.Heat-haze vision

Located in Zofingen, AG

This work is a contemplative abstract landscape, it is painted in oil on linen canvas using the lessirovka technique - this is when layers of paint let light through, and the lower l...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract Oil Painting by Yvette Dubois-Habasque, Signed, 21st Century
Abstract Oil Painting by Yvette Dubois-Habasque, Signed, 21st Century

Abstract Oil Painting by Yvette Dubois-Habasque, Signed, 21st Century

By Yvette Dubois Habasque

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract, by Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016) signed with initials and dated verso oil painting on artists board, unframed painting measures: 9.5 x 13 inches Stunning original ab...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Still Life 7 - Original Bold Abstract Colorful Home Inspired Art on Paper
Still Life 7 - Original Bold Abstract Colorful Home Inspired Art on Paper

Still Life 7 - Original Bold Abstract Colorful Home Inspired Art on Paper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Valerie Etitinwo's unique approach to abstract figurative painting celebrates the unconventional beauty found in imperfection and awkwardness. The Nigerian-Swiss artist uses bold col...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Oil

Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Oil Painting
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Oil Painting

Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Oil Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American modernist abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 25 by 19 inches overall. Handsomely fr...

Category

1960s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

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

"Rhapsody in Red" Large-Scale Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract 72"x60"
"Rhapsody in Red" Large-Scale Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract 72"x60"

"Rhapsody in Red" Large-Scale Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract 72"x60"

By Karina Gentinetta

Located in New York, NY

"Rhapsody in Red", 2025, 72" H x 60" W. Large-scale abstract painting in hues of a warm, desaturated crimson consisting of acrylic, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-bo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil

Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Drawing Pink Neutral Danny Avidan
Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Drawing Pink Neutral Danny Avidan

Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Drawing Pink Neutral Danny Avidan

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Danny Avidan’s paintings explore the tension between form and formlessness, using it as a way to reflect on the body and the creative process. His expressive gestures continuously at...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Oil, Pencil, Pigment, Handmade Paper

Love (Peonies)
Love (Peonies)

Love (Peonies)

Located in Zofingen, AG

Two delicate peonies on a deep navy-blue background. It feels as if these two flowers have merged into one — this is love! The painting is created with acrylic on canvas: layered br...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Wavelet" Fine Art Mirror
"Wavelet" Fine Art Mirror

"Wavelet" Fine Art Mirror

By Alina Bisikirskaite

Located in Westport, CT

This abstract fine art mirror by Alina B is made with dichroic film on mirror, and is framed in a champagne-toned frame. The film on the mirror allows for it, and the space it reflec...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mirror, Film

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

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.