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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
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil

Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Portrait Expressionist work, painted with very thick impasto oil paint. unsigned but clearly by a very good hand. French School, mid 20th century oil on board, unframed 36...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Shazam Acrylic on Canvas Abstract Painting, Framed, 48 x 48, 2010-
Shazam Acrylic on Canvas Abstract Painting, Framed, 48 x 48, 2010-

Shazam Acrylic on Canvas Abstract Painting, Framed, 48 x 48, 2010-

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Shazam Acrylic on canvas 48 x 48 x 1.5 Edges painted white, back wired, ready to hang. Sarah Trundle is a Charlottesville, Va. painter who, after beginnings in representational ar...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance

French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) gouache painting on paper/ card unframed: 10.75 x 8.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we h...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Bloomtime: Original floral painting on Canvas, Vintage Floral Still Life, Signed
Bloomtime: Original floral painting on Canvas, Vintage Floral Still Life, Signed

Bloomtime: Original floral painting on Canvas, Vintage Floral Still Life, Signed

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Bloom-time in pot of blues This artwork is an invitation to connect to abundance and rejuvenation. Working layer upon layer, I honored the delicate blossoms, offsetting the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

R. Poch 88 portrait original acrylic painting. framed
R. Poch 88 portrait original acrylic painting. framed

R. Poch 88 portrait original acrylic painting. framed

By Ramon Poch

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de las Peliculas: ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Floral Fantasy: Nature Abstract Bold Statement Colorful Invest Striking Delight
Floral Fantasy: Nature Abstract Bold Statement Colorful Invest Striking Delight

Floral Fantasy: Nature Abstract Bold Statement Colorful Invest Striking Delight

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Floral Fantasy Nature, Abstract, Bold, Statement, Colorful, Invest, Striking, Delight, Modern, Landscape. In this work, I've poured my heart into a vivid garden of dreams, u...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars

SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting
SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting

SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting

By Angelo Palazzini

Located in Napoli, IT

Sincronia Rosa - Abstract Oil on Canvas Paintng , Angelom Palazzini, Italy Angelo Palazzini was born in Lodi in 1953 where he still resides and has his own studio. His encounter wit...

Category

1980s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Winter Poem
Winter Poem

Winter Poem

By Brad Robertson

Located in Atlanta, GA

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Please note the colors are difficult to capture and may vary due to different digital screens ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Abstract 2273
Abstract 2273

Alex SenchenkoAbstract 2273, 2022

$1,761Sale Price|20% Off

Abstract 2273

By Alex Senchenko

Located in Zofingen, AG

Abstract 2273 - painting is a powerful vision of Love’s vibration, Compassion’s strength, and Hope’s vitality. Woosh away your worries! Feel the exhilarating and mighty presence of W...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Abstract 2297
Abstract 2297

Alex SenchenkoAbstract 2297, 2022

$2,091Sale Price|20% Off

Abstract 2297

By Alex Senchenko

Located in Zofingen, AG

This high quality acrylic painting is done on gallery wrapped canvas, with no need for framing, as the edges are painted. You will receive it "ready to hang", with a hook on the back...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Contemporary Minimalist Diptych Blue Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde
Contemporary Minimalist Diptych Blue Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde

Contemporary Minimalist Diptych Blue Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde

By Teté Alurralde

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

The artwork is conceived as a diptych. The total dimensions of the two pieces together are 80 × 180 cm, with each individual work measuring 80 × 90 cm. The overall dimensions are cal...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Nymph
Nymph

Nymph

Located in Zofingen, AG

Nymph In this work, the Nymph seems to emerge from a translucent world of water, flowers, and a twilight forest. She is not a character from any specific myth, but rather an embodim...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract Relief Painting in Vibrant Blue by José María de Aurora Contemporary
Abstract Relief Painting in Vibrant Blue by José María de Aurora Contemporary

Abstract Relief Painting in Vibrant Blue by José María de Aurora Contemporary

By Jose Maria de Aurora

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

White folds 11. 3D abstraction
White folds 11. 3D abstraction

White folds 11. 3D abstraction

By Svetlana Saratova

Located in Zofingen, AG

The painting, created on canvas with clay, depicts soft, flowing folds that create the impression of draped fabric. The entire piece is rendered in a pure white color, giving it eleg...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Clay, Canvas, Acrylic

Bold Contemporary - Abstract Painting, Colorful Texture, Large, Dream
Bold Contemporary - Abstract Painting, Colorful Texture, Large, Dream

Bold Contemporary - Abstract Painting, Colorful Texture, Large, Dream

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Interconnected Dream Bold Abstract Contemporary Colorful Masculine Investment Red Yellow Grey Blue Orange Texture Detail This series expresses our unity and our interconnect...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Pencil, Color Pencil, Gesso, Canvas, Stretcher Bars

Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)
Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)

Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)

By Birgit Blyth

Located in Hudson, NY

Grid No.6, 2009 (Contemporary Framed Abstract Grid in Neutral Shades Black & Coffee) by Birgit Blyth 40" X 25" paper vertical chromoskedesic monoprint 44 x 29 inches framed, custom frame with black wood molding and anti-reflective glass This contemporary, abstract style chromoskedasic monoprint was created by experimental photographer, Birgit Blyth. Without the use of a camera, the artist produced this chromoskedasic image by applying the photographic chemicals to black and white photo pager and exposing it to light. The variety of caramel, toffee, brown and black tones is determined by the different chemicals used and the amount of time they are exposed to light. Here, the artist paints with the photographic materials in a gestural, linear motion. Beautiful hues of coffee, caramel, brown, grey, and black intersect to create unique abstract, intersecting grid patterns that resembles a basket weave motif. The photograph is complimented with a black metal frame with non-glare glass. It is equipped with sturdy wire on the back for instant and professional quality hanging. About the artist and work: Birgit Blyth is one of our most innovative and prolific photographers who works in a darkroom yet uses no camera! Blyth has been experimenting with a technique known as Chromoskedasic painting since the early ‘90s and variations on this concept have been shown at the gallery for the last 20 years. The unusual process involves the use of silver particles in black and white photographic paper to scatter light at different wavelengths when exposed. A chemist of sorts, Blyth demonstrates a thorough knowledge of how the various photographic chemicals will react when applied to paper and exposed. Each work is unique with palettes that resonate brilliant tonalities of brown, green, black, and purple. Using this technique, Blyth creates abstract crosshatching grids and most recently has developed a more gestural series of 20 x 16 inch chromoskedasic paintings that explores the ethereal qualities made possible by the unconventional material. Birgit Blyth succeeds at keeping her work fresh and cutting-edge using analog methods that are being quickly replaced elsewhere with digital technology. Though Birgit Blyth began her photographic career using conventional photographic methods, she quickly became more interested in alternative processes. In the mid 1990’s a colleague showed her an article in Scientific American and it was here that she first discovered the technique called “chromoskedasic” painting, which would eventually lead her to fully finding her voice as a photographer. Blyth had always aligned herself with and been moved by abstract expressionist painting. The series of veil paintings by post-abstract expressionist, Morris Louis, was especially inspiring to her and caused her to ask herself how she could do similar interpretations photographically. In “chromoskedasic” painting, she found the answers and would begin on a new path in her artwork. The term “chromoskedasic” is derived from Greek roots meaning color by light scattering. Developed by a photographer named Dr. Dominic Man-Kit Lam, this process exploits the capability of silver particles in black and white photographic paper to “scatter” light at different wavelengths when exposed to light and chemicals. In her mastery of this photochemical drawing process, Blyth has painted lush washes of color into her own “Veil Series;” she has envisioned landscapes, both rural and urban, with melting swirls and marbled colors into rich palettes of toffee and lead. She has used this essentially experimental process to help her “see” the world around her. Blyth says she continues to be fascinated by the process because it requires “a combination of discipline, experimentation, and imagination, making possible a wonderful balance between control and surprise.” Because the chromoskedasic work is all analog, Blyth spends much of her studio time in the darkroom, which has become a rarity in the current world of digital photography. She does however, continue her preference for experimentation in numerous directions, even employing aspects of the digital age – this exhibit will also feature a new series of pieces created with the now defunct but much loved SX-70 polaroid camera, scanned and archivally printed on 24” x 24” fine cotton rag paper. Whatever the process, Blyth’s work is, as the painter and poet, Peter Sacks noted, a blend of “precision and mystery, of articulation and atmosphere.” Her images leave us with the feeling of ongoing action despite the apparent stillness; of qualities both dreamy and stark as light hits a stand of birch trees in a valley or a group of buildings in New York City. As Morris Louis evolved a style of painting that produced a complete integration of paint and canvas, so too has Blyth, with photo paper and chemicals, created a perfect integration of method and content. Artist CV: Born: Kousted, Denmark Resident in U.S.A. since 1963 Education: Denmark and U.S.A. Project, Inc., Cambridge MA (Photography) DeCordova Museum School, Lincoln MA (Printmaking) Maine Photography...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Photographic Paper, Monoprint

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

Miniature Mantelpiece Art - Original Abstract Landscape with Pink & Sage Green
Miniature Mantelpiece Art - Original Abstract Landscape with Pink & Sage Green

Miniature Mantelpiece Art - Original Abstract Landscape with Pink & Sage Green

By Angela Wakefield

Located in Preston, GB

Miniature Mantelpiece Art - Original Abstract Landscape with Pink & Sage Green by leading British Urban Artist Angela Wakefield. Part of the "mantelpiece series" of miniatures. ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Cotton, Paint, Varnish, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, ...

Wallpaper 2: Abstract Green Encaustic Painting of Yellow Flower Petals on Panel
Wallpaper 2: Abstract Green Encaustic Painting of Yellow Flower Petals on Panel

Wallpaper 2: Abstract Green Encaustic Painting of Yellow Flower Petals on Panel

By Allyson Levy

Located in Hudson, NY

Abstract painting with green encaustic and light yellow flower petals on wood panel "Wallpaper 2" made by Allyson Levy in 2020 encaustic and flower petals on wood panel, 24 x 24 x 2 ...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Organic Material, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Wood Panel, Pigment

20th Century French Expressionist Wacky Figures In Blue and Green Abstract
20th Century French Expressionist Wacky Figures In Blue and Green Abstract

20th Century French Expressionist Wacky Figures In Blue and Green Abstract

By Akos Biro

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Wacky Abstract by Akos Biro (Hungarian 1911-2002) pastel painting on card, unframed painting: 8.5 x 7 inches provenance: the artists estate, France condition: good and fai...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Pastel

Renaissance

Renaissance

By Marina Stern

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This work is part of our exhibition Marina Stern Luminary, the first retrospective of the artist since 2007. Marina Stern was a multifaceted New York-based artist whose works ranged...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Lake Dream, Abstract Oil Painting
Lake Dream, Abstract Oil Painting

Lake Dream, Abstract Oil Painting

By Lisa Crosby

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A tranquil lake stretches across the foreground, painted in deep teal, green, and blue tones that ripple with soft movement. Above the water, warm landforms ris...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting
Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting

Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting

By Dorothy Gaziano

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Multiple layers of color characterize this abstract piece. Shades of orange, yellow, and cream are applied dynamically, creating a vibrant composition. Bold b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Inner Light
The Inner Light

The Inner Light

Located in Zofingen, AG

Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled "The Inner Light" is a visual meditation on preserving one's true...

Category

2010s Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Semi-abstract Still Life, Large 20th Century Blue & Pink Oil Painting
Semi-abstract Still Life, Large 20th Century Blue & Pink Oil Painting

Semi-abstract Still Life, Large 20th Century Blue & Pink Oil Painting

By John Heliker

Located in Beachwood, OH

John Heliker (American, 1909-2000) Still Life with Sugar Bowl Oil on canvas Signed lower right 39.75 x 39.75 inches 45.5 x 45.5 inches, framed Provenance: Private Collection Ypsilant...

Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Ruz   blue and Red abstract Landscapes  Abstract Acrylic on paper
Ruz   blue and Red abstract Landscapes  Abstract Acrylic on paper

Ruz blue and Red abstract Landscapes Abstract Acrylic on paper

By Rafael Ruz

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

Original work of the artist RUZ.. framed Acrylic on paper Perfect state While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same sense ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

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.