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.
$374Sale Price|20% Off
Nature’s Flow. Abstract square painting in the wood gold frame
Located in Zofingen, AG
-The painting was created alongside my tropical series and does not depict a specific scene, but rather abstract forms and shades of nature. Contemplating these natural motifs always...
Canvas, Acrylic
Leopard
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork, painted with acrylic on canvas, is executed in a minimalist, almost graphic style. The bright orange silhouette of a sleeping leopard stands out strikingly against a ri...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,322
Original-Sunlit Series-British Awarded Artist-Gold Leaf and Sumi Ink on canvas
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Dusk to Dawn is one of Shizico Yi's on-going project- Primary Colour Vs Yellow- Sunlit Series, inspired by Japanese Woodblock Print and the a nod to calligraphy tradition, the work r...
Gold Leaf
"Diamond Series - Abstract Horizone" K1GR4, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of art with Roger König Art - a brand that embodies luxury and exclusivity. The artworks created by Roger König are true masterpieces that c...
Clay, Acrylic
Lithograph Optical Pop Art Attrib. Victor Vasarely
Located in Napoli, IT
Lithograph Optical Pop Art Attrib. Victor Vasarely, 1970s with frame
Paper, Lithograph
$20,000
'Untitled' Original Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media On Canvas by Steven
Located in Carmel, CA
Steven is now one of the top emerging artists in the U.S. His works are groundbreaking, bold, and imbued with unflinching disregard for painting conventions. ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Plant-like
By James Brooks
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
James Brooks (1906-1992). Plantlike, c.1945. Oil on canvas measures 18 x 24 inches; 24 x 30 inches in a painted wood frame of the period. Signed "J. David Brooks" lower right, Signed...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
White Lotus Lithograph
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Soquel, CA
White Lotus Lithograph A limited edition lithograph by listed artist Hoi Lebadang, (Vietnamese/French, 1922 – 2015). This print displays an ethereal lotus flower to center, known to ...
Paper, Ink, Lithograph
$3,100
Suluk/Wanderings No 48 - gestural, abstract, acrylic and pigment on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This gestural, abstract, acrylic and pigment on canvas is by Montreal-based artist Shireen Kamran. Early in her career, Shireen Kamran’s enigmatic artwork was influenced by famed ab...
Acrylic, Pigment
$1,820Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century French Impressionist Nocturnal Cityscape River Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early European impressionist cityscape painting. Framed. Oil on board. Image size, 11H by 8L.
Canvas, Oil
May #2 - contemporary, minimalist, abstract, acrylic on archival paper
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This abstract painting on paper by Milly Ritsvedt features spring-like colours. The provocative power of colour is fully evident in the vivid hues of this painting by master colouri...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
Large Merton Beds 3 , Original Painting, Abstract Landscape, Meadow, Nature art
Located in Deddington, GB
This large dramatic oil painting was made as part of a landscape panorama which measures 7m across in total. Although the four pieces were made as a complete work, they are available...
Canvas, Oil
Partners - Abstract Colorful Figurative Painting
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...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Purple Abstract Mountain:Latin American Modernist Salvadoran sculptural painting
Located in Norwich, GB
A wonderful work by the elusive Salvadoran Mauricio Aguilar which is sculptural as well as pictorial. As I hope the video will show, the artwork offers new perpectives when viewed fr...
Wood, Oil, Board
Winter bouquet, oil floral, vertical, atmospheric, flowers
Located in Oslo, NO
In Winter Bouquet, Irina Forrester captures the quiet elegance of a seasonal still life. Each winter the family spends holiday time together in the country house in England. The arti...
Canvas, Oil
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Woman Of Sea, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Mixed Media on Canvas 50 x 60 cm Signed About the artist Manu Jorquera (1986) is a Chilean visual artist whose work explores the mestizo popular ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Las Rosas - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 24in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This fine art piece, titled "Las Rosas," is a profound example of cubist-expressionist still life, characterized by its intricate tapestry of interconnected, biomorphic floral and ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bowers (Lauben) - P2, F11, I2
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Portfolio: Formulation: Articulation (Double Portfolio) Title: Portfolio 2, Folder 11, Image 2 Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper ...
Screen
$292
Color Balloons and Waves (Les Travestis du Reel) - Lithograph poster - 1979
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander CALDER Les Travestis du Reel, 1979 Original vintage lithograph poster Printed in Atelier Arts-Litho Printed signature in the plate 82 x 57 cm (c. 32.2 x 22.4 in) Excelle...
Lithograph
Rompimiento 2.0
By Sergio Nates
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Nates Rompimiento 2.0, 2015 Acrylic on canvas Unframed dimensions: 18.75 x 18.50 inches Framed dimensions: 19.75 x 19.50 x 1.875 inches This one-of-a-kind acrylic painting on...
Canvas, Acrylic
$11,750
"Lake Scene", Vibrant Colorful Figurative Abstract, Woman Sitting by the Water
Located in Carmel, CA
Maura Petersen (American, born 1956) "Lake Scene" 2023 Acrylic paint on stretched canvas The artist signed the bottom right corner of the painting. “Lake Scene” (2023) by Maura Pete...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on canvas "The calm within"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"The Calm Within" contemporary woman's portrait painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, in her signature expressive style, opens her ongoing Women series — a profound body of wor...
Canvas, Acrylic
Umbra series 16, Abstract Wall Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Fear and insecurity came uninvited to keep the artist company. Suddenly it became necessary to release the sensations that surrounded him day and night. At times the artist felt as i...
Brass
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$9,800
Multilayer 328 - unique abstract collage of layered torn sculpture photographs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Multilayer 328 unique abstract photo paper collage (1 of 1), signed 28.8" x 21.7" / 73cm x 55cm About the artist Felix Schramm was born in Hamburg, Ger...
Photographic Paper, Giclée, Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Inkjet, Archiv...
Magic 6 Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
Magic 6. It is very important to remember that there is magic in each of us. A modern, abstract, expressive, sophisticated painting that fits into a modern interior. The work was cre...
Acrylic
Indian Tree Dancers. Contemporary Abstract Expressioist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Rich, spicy colours combine with pastels in this Indian inspired painting from British artist Paul Wadsworth. Paul’s paintings are widely collected and his expressionist style is muc...
Oil
Júlia Martins Miranda – Contemporary Tropical Flora Painting, Oil on Canvas 2026
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This work is presented in a scroll-like (parchment-style) format, with the painting executed on a flexible support and suspended using metal rods at the top and bottom, allowing the ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Joan Miró - MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Joan Miró - Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró X Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 35,5 cm Condition: In ve...
Paper, Lithograph
Abstract Composition - Lithograph by Luigi Veronesi - 1976
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is a lithograph, realized in the 1970s by Luigi Veronesi . Hand-signed in the lower left. Numbered. edition of 99. In very good condition. The artwork repr...
Lithograph
Sagrada Dualidad I. Oil on canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The works produced under the name Sacred Duality are inspired by recognizing the impermanent nature of all things and being aware that nothing is static. Appreciating that continuous...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled # 2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This artwork is an abstract, textured painting that evokes a sense of organic or geological forms. The painting primarily features earthy tones—grays, browns, and muted beige shade...
Acrylic
Portrait of a Young Woman
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Sylvia Bernstein (1918-1990). Portrait of a Young Woman, ca. 1960. Gouache on paper, image measures 9.5 inch h.., 10 inches w. ; 17 x 17 inches framed measurement. Signed lower right. Excellent condition. Born : New York City Education : National Academy of Design Exhibits (group) Juried Shows at : Allied Artists; Audubon Artists; National Society of Painters in Casein; Hudson River Museum; Butler Institute of American Art; Portland Summer Art Festival; Columbia Painting Biennial; Columbia Museum; Riverside Museum; Brick Store Museum; First National Exhibition of American Art, Chautauqua, New York; New York City Center; Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; Philadelphia Watercolor Annual; Brooklyn Museum International Watercolor Exhibition; Art-USA; J & M Ringling Museum; 9th Annual American Watercolor Traveling Show; Whitney Museum of American Art; Parrish Museum; American Academy of Arts and Letters; Wadsworth Atheneum. Solo Exhibits 1956 Ruth White Gallery; 1959 Ruth White Gallery; 1959 Silvermine Guild of Artists; 1960 Ruth White Gallery. Awards : National Association of Women Artists, 1954, 1957; New York City Center 1956; 1957 Honorable Mention National Arts Club, Allied Artists, Jane C. Stanley Memorial Award, Grumbacher Award in Watercolor at New England Painting...
Gouache
Morning Moon and Cloud Cover, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Working from memory, artist Onelio Marrero paints a full moon in the early morning hours over the salt marshes in coastal New Jersey. The silvery glow in the early morning hours reflects dreamily onto still waters. "These wetlands are profoundly affected by the tides," says Onelio. "The channels that meander throughout the marshes invite the viewer to visually follow the bends and turns." There is a timeless and mysterious quality in these natural elements and Onelio's memory of the scene is well served in the execution of this painting.
About the Artist
Onelio Marrero paints city scenes of everyday life. In an impressionistic style he captures the romanticism of New York City, the picturesque fountains in Central Park and the wet city streets after a rainy afternoon. His use of warm tones creates a sense of nostalgia and the feeling that you have visited or seen this particular scene before. Onelio will often paint from direct observation, or he will work from a combination of photographs and combine numerous sources into one piece. In this way his work combines reality with fantasy, creating a new story with each painting. His work captures an appreciation for beauty in all of its greatest forms; nature, art, and people.
Words that describe this painting: marsh, wetland, swamp, inlet, waterway, stream, river, grass, tree, cloud, moon, mist, morning, water, reflection, dawn, impressionism, oilpaint, panoramic, nature, impressionism, nature, oil painting, blue
Morning Moon and Cloud...
Oil
$200Sale Price|20% Off
John Held 'Martha's Vineyard' 2023- Offset Lithograph
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vibrant reproduction celebrates a classic travel poster originally created by John Held to promote the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Co. and the idyllic charm of Mar...
Offset
$37,663
Spring Passage - Scottish art Abstract Expressionist oil painting Cobra Paris
By William Gear
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning Scottish Abstract Expressionist oil painting is by noted Scottish artist William Gear. Painted in 1950 it is an early and significant painting which dates to the early ...
Oil
$125,000
"Windseed", Large-Scale, Organic, Abstract Aluminum Metal Sculpture in white
Located in New York, NY
"Windseed" by Norman Mooney White-Pigmented Aluminum In 1994 Mooney moved from Ireland to New York City and has been exhibiting locally and internationally for more than 20 years. ...
Metal
$1,873
"Potpourri III" colorful 3d impressionistic painting with flowers on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Look at the flowers. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are." — Osho Dimensions: 90 × 90 × 2 cm / 35.4 × 35.4 × 0.8 in Potpourri celebrates the joyful abundance of color ...
Canvas, Linen, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Tamar daughter-in-law of Judah
By Marc Chagall
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1960 Unsigned lithograph from the book "Drawings for the Bible" composed of 24 color lithographs Publisher : Verve (Paris) Printer : Mourlot (Paris) Catalog : Mourlot 243...
Lithograph
Intimate Lighting I, Pastel Abstract Screenprint by Robert Natkin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Natkin, American (1930 - 2010) Title: Intimate Lighting I Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Cream Arches Paper, signed, dated and numbered in pencil Edition: 42/150 Si...
Screen
$1,990
"Journey" Original large abstract painting Square Abstract expressionist works
Located in Oslo, NO
In this painting, I've swirled together acrylics, oils, and ink to capture the mesmerizing chaos and fluidity of emotions. The colors twist and turn, symbolizing life's unpredictable...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$288Sale Price|39% Off
Lithographier Originale (Les Peintures Sur Carton) (Abstract, Fun, Gestural)
By Joan Miró
Located in Kansas City, MO
Joan Miro Lithographier Originale (Les Peintures Sur Carton De Miro) Original Color Lithograph Year: 1965 Size: 14.5x10.5in Edition: 1,500 Portfolio: DLM 151-152 Publisher: Maeght ...
Lithograph
Grand Chef (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile "Limited edition of 3 1/3 Available on request- 3 week turnaround" Amaury Maillet is a self-taught art...
Metal
Bold Abstract Latin American Screenprint Scarf Textile Art Print Josep Guinovart
Located in Surfside, FL
This is a thin cotton (that is my best estimate. it does not feel like silk) scarf, woven textile, fabric piece. It is signed in the print and hand numbered. Josep Guinovart (1927 ...
Textile
#202, 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
Enrico baj (1924–2003) - Il Generale Bazooka - Mixed media - 1973
By Enrico Baj
Located in Varese, IT
Mixed media polymaterial color screen printing on paper with applications and glitter, coloured powder and flocking on handmade paper, Edited in 1973 limited edition in 250 exemplars...
Screen
DECORATION - Rare - 1 of only 4 signed Impressions
Located in Santa Monica, CA
PAUL LANDACRE (1893 – 1963) DECORATION (Design for Green Mansions) 1932-3 (Wien 125), Wood engraving. RARE. Only four titled and signed impressions, ...
Woodcut
$14,000
The Struggle is Real - Large Colorful Original Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Black Crush - Black Ceramic Porcelain Vase
By Mary Jaffe
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Black Crush" Porcelain sculptural vase with black satin glaze. Size: 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 Porcelain, ceramic, ceramic sculpture, functional sculpture, functional vessel, vessel, cerami...
Porcelain, Glaze
Only One Earth: Abstract Bold Invest Statement Protest Contemporary Color
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Only One Earth Abstract Bold Invest Statement Protest Contemporary Colorful ONLY ONE EARTH... Mars has no Dancing Trees or Roaming Wildlife, no Wonderous Oceans! With acr...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Wood, Stretcher Bars
$1,800
Steven Harvey Australian Contemporary Abstract Sculpture Mixed Media Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
Steven Harvey (Australian, born 1965) 1998 Mixed media painting on board Dimensions: 19-3/4 x 12 inches Hand signed, dated, and titled verso Provenance: Important Australian Art f...
Wire
$750
Lucio Pozzi - Barocco (Baroque) Monoprint on paper Unique Signed Italian artist
By Lucio Pozzi
Located in New York, NY
Monoprint on paper Unique Signed, dated and titled in pencil on the front with publisher's blindstamp on the front (shown) Significance of the title - Barocco (Baroque): The French p...
Monoprint
#261, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$900
"Sacred Geometry of Sagittarius" - Casein and Gold on Engraved Wood - 40x40cm
Located in Geneva, CH
The Sacred Geometry of Sagittarius. Associated with the number 9 and Jupiter; representing expansion, inner freedom, knowledge, and luck. Embodies universal wisdom, the completion o...
Gold Leaf
Ruz Golden Black Big Dejame - original abstract acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Dejame - original abstract acrylic canvas painting. framed , Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in t...
Canvas, Acrylic
Fig. 8. From The Dibujar el Tiempo Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The project is a series of ink drawings on different surfaces, depicting the solstices and equinoxes of the year through the overlapping of shadows at various times of the day. ...
Paper, India Ink
Soft Currents, Abstract Painting
By Kajal Zaveri
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the time artist Kajal Zaveri spent near the water and quiet views along the Hudson, the painting reflects the gentle movement found in nature thro...
Mixed Media
Head I, 1973 - 20th C. Ink Drawing of Woman's Head, Abstract Expressionist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Joseph Glasco (American, 1925–1996) Head I 1973 Ink on paper Signed and dated lower right 12 x 10 inches 15.75 x 13.5 inches, framed Joseph Glasco was born in Paul’s Valley, Oklahom...
Ink
$2,286
Electric Garden - original artwork - abstract art - contemporary painting
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, Mixed Media
"Receding Flood, 1959" African American Abstract Expressionist Oil Connecticut
Located in Yardley, PA
An exceptional, early work by important Connecticut-based artist Clifford Mitchell, Jr. (1925-2005). This fantastic abstract expressionist compositi...
Masonite, Oil