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.
Untitled, Abstract Landscape
By René Carcan
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled, Abstract Landscape" c.1960, is an original colors etching and aquatint on Wove paper by noted Belgian artist Rene Marcel Carcan, 1927-1993. It is hand signed ...
Etching, Aquatint
$389Sale Price|34% Off
Black Brushstrokes Gestures on Green Lime, Abstract Painting on Paper, Palette
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Lime and Black Line Work" is an abstract painting by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes combined with subtle tones and unique shapes tha...
Acrylic, Rag Paper
White Organic Contemporary Ceramic Clam Bowl Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
White Clam Bowl Sculpture Dimensions: 8 x 11" diameter Glazed stoneware Hand-built ceramic bowl sculpture finished in a white glossy glaze interior. Adrienne Fierman’s White Ceramic...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
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
Christina Gschwantner New Vivid Gestures Contemporary Abstract Painting Bright
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The work reflects the artist’s mastery of gesture and emotion, where each mark becomes a visual language. A striking piece that brings movement, depth, and intensity to any collectio...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Minimalist Cubist Abstract, Signed Oil Painting by Female Artist Miriam Bromberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
Minimalist Cubist Abstract Miriam Bromberg Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 42 x 18 in. (106.68 x 45.72 cm) Frame Size: 47 x 22.5 inches
Oil
$1,850
Sidera (Honeymoon) -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expression, Flower Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sidera reflects that kind of radiant intimacy, the soul's longing to chart constellations in another person, to navigate the galaxies of their experiences, and to leave behind light,...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$6,000
New Mexico Landscape, Large Abstract Landscape Oil Painting by Suzanne Martyl
Located in Long Island City, NY
Suzanne Schweig Langsdorf Martyl was active/lived in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas. Suzanne Martyl is known for abstract western landscape, magazine cover illustration, murals, botanics. Illustrator of the Doomsday Clock. Martyl exhibited infrequently but five one-man shows in Saint Louis since 1936 kept her in the public. She was also represented in many of the National exhibitions. In 1940 she was awarded the first prize in the Midwestern Show at the Kansas City Art Institute and won the hundred dollar purchase prize at the Y.M.H.A., Saint Louis. The following year she was awarded first prize in the annual exhibition of Missouri artists at the Saint Louis City...
Oil
$828
Contemporary abstract Impressionist floral oil painting canvas "Sunny Bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Sunny Bloom” is a luminous contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing exploration of expressive floral painting. Inspired by artists such...
Canvas, Oil
"1311 green/grey elegance Part1" Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. The works are developed through a historically informed, proprietary material pra...
Clay, Acrylic
$2,025Sale Price|25% Off
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Black And White Abstract - Oil And Gouache On Paper
By Felix Ruvolo
Located in Soquel, CA
Black And White Abstract - Oil And Gouache On Paper Black and white abstract painting by Felix Ruvolo (American, 1912-1992). Grey takes over the center of the paper with strokes of ...
Paper, Oil, Watercolor, Gouache
Remembering Spain, oil, horizontal, landscape, abstract
Located in Oslo, NO
Remembering Spain is an oil painting inspired by the artist’s recent travels, capturing the atmosphere, colours, and impressions gathered during time spent in Spain. Focusing on feel...
Canvas, Oil
$2,009
Gravity
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
From the series Zero Thinking “Gravity” examines the moment when form begins to yield — not abruptly, but almost imperceptibly. The work exists in a state of quiet transition, where ...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
$795
Stormy Clouds - Modern Original Framed Moody Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Art
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring focuses his contemporary paintings on vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday momen...
Paper, Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Lithograph
Large contemporary abstract figurative painting of a woman "Reaching for beauty"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Reaching for Beauty” is a contemporary figurative painting created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing Women series, dedicated to inner life, self-connection, a...
Paper, Acrylic
Morning Magic, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Dorothy Gaziano layers orange and light blue with oil paint and cold wax. Using black to enhance details, she applies marks and scratches, adding contr...
Oil
Karel Appel Looking Around 1971 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Karel Appel
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Karel Appel Looking Around Signed Limited Edition Lithograph 1971 39.25 x 28.25" inches Signed, marked 12/100 and dated 71 Karel Appel is one of the founding members of the CoBrA ...
Lithograph
Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Contemporary Abstract Expressionist acrylic on paper by French artist Christian Manoury. Signed to the front and to the reverse and presented in a custom made white case frame. A be...
Paper, Acrylic
$574
Entree 12H Ticket Collage Abstract Collage & Crayon, 1982, signed, 10.3 x 9.20cm
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) Ticket Collage - "Entree 12H" 1982 Mixed media: Collage crayon Image: 10.3 x 9.20 cm Frame: 25.4 x 21.5 cm George Dannatt (1915-2009) was an outsta...
Crayon, Mixed Media
"Down in the Valley" - Vintage Abstract Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Dramatic and vibrant mixed media abstract by California artist Doris Sherwyn (American, 1927-2015). Signed lower right "Doris Sherwyn" Artist's card affixed to verso. Unframed. Can...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Rag Paper, Stretcher Bars
$164Sale Price|20% Off
Bright & Colorful French Landscape Impressionist Painting Oil Impasto
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Maggy Clarysse (1931-2011) Oil on thick card, unframed 7.5 x 9.5 inches Signed In verso ...
Oil
Japanese Contemporary Art by Fusako Ekuni - Into the Light
By Fusako Ekuni
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made with pigment (Iwaenogu), glue & water on cotton paper (Washi) marouflaged on Japanese wooden panel Fusako Ekuni is a Japanese artist born in 1947 and who lives &...
Glue, Panel, Wood Panel, Pigment
$1,093Sale Price|50% Off
Almond Blossom Watercolor on Board, Kashmir Landscape, Signed, 1960
Located in Norfolk, GB
Dina Nath Walli (1908–2006) Almond Blossom, Kashmir Watercolour on Board c 1960 Framed size: 42.8cm x 52.8cm Image size: 27.5cm x 38cm Signed and dated 1970 on the verso, gifted fro...
Board, Watercolor
$2,460Sale Price|20% Off
Paxos - Unititled Green by Jon Rowland, original, abstract, landscape
Located in Deddington, GB
Jon Rowland – contemporary abstract expressionism Paxos – Untitled Green One of a series of paintings based on my response to the landscape of the island of Paxos. Each of these refl...
Acrylic, Board
Cahue drops effect abstract. original. acrylic canvas painting
By Isidro Cahue
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
drops effect abstract. original. acrylic canvas painting. Artwork by Spanish artist ISIDRO CAHUE. The personality of the artist is reflected in different fields of art. His conce...
Acrylic
"Devotion" (2025) By Reen Axtell, Original Acrylic Mixed Media Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Laureen “Reen” Axtell is an acrylic and mixed media artist whose work is inspired by the landscapes, history, and spirit of the American West. Raised in the Denver/Boulder area and s...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Board
Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Paper, Watercolor
$7,100
avp_1012 - Colorful Textured Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Linen
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Acrylic, Linen
Ariel, Original Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Ariel 36.0 x 48.0 x 2.0, 2.0 lbs Mixed Media Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "I wanted to create something that produced the same sense of awe I have when I see the beau...
Mixed Media
Free Space - Blue
By Lee Krasner
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The essence of Lee Krasner's (1908-1984) biography is familiar to anyone who has studied women's role in 20th century art history: An accomplished artist whose own output gets eclips...
Screen
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-Gladiolus with Dahlias-British Awarded Artist-Gold Leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while longing for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en plein...
Gold Leaf
$1,640Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2530
Located in Zofingen, AG
⭐ARTIST : Alex Senchenko © Title : Abstract 2530 . Technique: Acrylic & structure on canvas 100cm. x 100cm. Original Painting on a 1.5cm Deep Canvas ⭐Ready to hang 2025 Very o...
Oil, Acrylic
$7,090
Abstract Expressionist Color-Field Landscape, Les Champs II. 155cm x 130cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A large contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas. Inspired by the wonderful countrysid...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ky Anderson "Land 25.4" 2025 acrylic on watercolor paper
By Ky Anderson
Located in New York, NY
Ky Anderson Land 25.4, 2025 acrylic on watercolor paper 30 x 44 in. (and504) Artist Statement: My work falls somewhere between abstraction, formalism and narrative painting. I see...
Paper, Acrylic
Gaia 1 - Black and White Diptych of Waves on Shoreline with Sand and Flowers
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 1 - Black and White Diptych of Waves on Shoreline with Sand and Flowers by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 1 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by...
Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper
Robert Goodnough - Seated Girl, original signed Expressionist charcoal drawing
By Robert Goodnough, 1917-2010
Located in New York, NY
ROBERT GOODNOUGH Seated Girl, 1961 Charcoal Drawing on Paper 23 3/4 × 18 inches Hand signed in charcoal on the front Unframed Unique Signed, titled and dated on the front in black ch...
Charcoal
Untitled
Located in Summit, NJ
Gorgeous aquatint in reds and oranges by Piero Dorazio (Italian 1927-2005). This aquatint is on heavy "Umbria" Fabriano paper. It is signed and dated 1964 in the lower margin in penc...
Aquatint
Concetto Spaziale - Lithograph by Lucio Fontana - 1962
Located in Roma, IT
Concetto Spaziale is a contemporary artwork realized by Lucio Fontana. Aquatint etching on Fabriano paper. Edition of IV/XXV. The complete edition includes also 75 specimen number...
Paper, Lithograph
Gold in magenta. Abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
The work is created in the fluid art technique using acrylic on canvas. The composition is built on the intense interaction of saturated pink, coral, and crimson tones, complemented ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled (3)
Located in Columbia, MO
Signed recto. John von Wicht (German-American, 1888 - 1970) was a painter and printmaker whose abstract works evolved from Euro...
Paper, Oil
Gaia 4 - Monochrome Diptych Spanish Catalonian Landscape Photography
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 4 - Monochrome Diptych Spanish Catalonian Landscape Photography by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 4 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
$541Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary British Abstract Original Painting
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...
Gouache
Phenomenon East of the River, Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Paul Jenkins
By Paul Jenkins
Located in London, GB
*PLEASE NOTE UK BUYERS WILL ONLY PAY 5% VAT ON THIS PURCHASE. Once an order is placed we will arrange the VAT of 20% to be reduced to 5% Phenomenon East of the River by Paul Jenkins (1923 - 2012) Acrylic on canvas 97.2 x 130.2 cm (38 ¹/₄ x 51 ¹/₄ inches) Signed lower right, Paul Jenkins Signed, titled and dated 1993 on the reverse Provenance Private collection, New York, acquired directly from the artist Artist's Biography Born at Kansas City in Missouri (USA), the multi-media artist, poet and playwright Paul Jenkins studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and the Art Students League in New York City. After his discharge from military service at the end of February 1946, he briefly studied playwriting with dramatist George McCalmon at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. Thereafter, Jenkins spent four years studying with Japanese American artist Yasuo Kuniyoshi in New York City. His first solo exhibitions were held at Studio Paul Facchetti in Paris in 1954 and the Martha Graham Gallery in New York City in 1956. Over the past thirty years, numerous retrospectives have been curated across the globe and Jenkins’ work can found in national collections from Europe and the United States to Israel, Australia and Japan. The diversity of his work springs from Jenkins’ wealth of eclectic influences. Some of his earliest works included what he called "interior landscapes" influenced by ancient natural forms like the caves he visited in the Ozark Mountains in his native-Missouri. Frequent student visits to the Frick Collection in New York fostered a love of the great masters: Bellini, Holbein, Vermeer, Rembrandt, de la Tour, Turner and Goya. In compliment, lingering student visits to the renowned Eastern collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City evoked powerful sympathy for a monumental Chinese fresco...
Canvas, Acrylic
Nell Sinton Abstract Expressionist Landscape San Francisco California Modernist
Located in Surfside, FL
Eleanor Nell Sinton Roots and Stems 1950, Oil on canvas, Signed lower right N. Sinton, Provenance: Braunstein Quay Gallery (bears label verso) Framed: 24.5 X 20.5 sight 21 X 17 i...
Canvas, Oil
Summer Peonies, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by nature's blooms, artist Lisa Elley rendered this piece solely with the use of a palette knife. She creates thick tangible textures, leaping off th...
Oil
Erick Johnson "Stillgate" 2026 oil on canvas
By Eric Johnson
Located in New York, NY
Erick Johnson Stillgate, 2026 oil on canvas 48 x 60 in. (joh065) Of his recent work, Eric Johnson states "What has long inspired me is the interplay between color and form. The exp...
Canvas, Oil
Floral Study 3, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Blooming flowers fill the vase evoking a sense of abundance despite its small stature. Artist Valerie Berkely presents the abstract floral using a limited palette of transparent purple and yellow tones. She demonstrates expressive finger painting...
Oil
Edward Marecak “Pods” Abstract Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting, 1960s
Located in Denver, CO
Bold and highly collectible, “Pods” is an original mid-century modern abstract oil painting by renowned Colorado artist Edward Marecak. Known for his distinctive visual language that...
Oil
Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Lithograph, Signed
Located in Belgrade, MT
This lithograph is part of my private collection. It is limited in edition ,artist signed lower right and is in very good condition. Walter Becker was a German artist. Another impres...
Lithograph
Poppies. Oil on cardboard. 35x25 cm. Unsigned
Located in Riga, LV
Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Saratov Art School, graduated from the Depar...
Oil, Cardboard
Untitled XLVI by Ferle - Large abstract painting, red tones
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled XLVI is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 280 × 200 cm (110.2 × 78.7 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and c...
Canvas, Oil
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
'Abstract Landscape', by Katherine Westphal, Oil on Board
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Katherine Westphal's oil on board painting titled 'Abstract Landscape' embodies the stylistic qualities of abstract painting. Using a diverse color palette of orange, red, yellow, bl...
Masonite, Oil
"Sand and Sea, " Limited Edition Giclee Print, 40" x 60"
By Sofie Swann
Located in Westport, CT
This Limited-Edition abstract print, by Sofie Swann is an edition of 95. Printed on canvas, this giclee ships framed in a white floater frame wired and ready to hang. Other floater f...
Digital, Giclée
Écru Oil Painting on Canvas, Textured Abstract Library Scene, Signed
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Écru Oil on canvas 19.7 × 19.7 in — unframed 22.4 × 22.4 in — framed American-style floating frame, available in natural wood or black In Écru, Sophie Dumont presents a pared-down ...
Oil
$1,500
Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art
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...
Watercolor, Rice Paper, Pencil
$3,600Sale Price|28% Off
Untitled (Cross Hatch) /// Abstract Geometric Jasper Johns Minimal Screenprint
By Jasper Johns
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jasper Johns (American, 1930-) Title: "Untitled (Cross Hatch)" Series: Jasper Johns Screenprints *Unsigned edition Year: 1977 Medium: Original Scre...
Screen, Parchment Paper
Shimmy
Located in Dallas, TX
encaustic on paper
Paper, Encaustic
$2,363Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled - Contemporary dark oil abstract painting, Young art, Polish artist
By Klaudia Lata
Located in Warsaw, PL
A large oil on canvas painting by an award- winning artist. KLAUDIA LATA (born in 1993) Graduate of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. Diploma in 2017 in the studio o...
Canvas, Oil