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Abstract Drawings and Watercolor 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
Tropical Migration
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mixed Media Collage UV Ink on Brushed Silver Aluminum folded into a 2 inch deep rectangle panel Thomas’s professional photo career began at the age of seventeen with extensive appre...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Twee haantjes
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon Two birds 1966 Gouache on paper 39,5 x 48 cm. Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn 66’ Provenance: Private collection, the Netherlands...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon, Watercolor

Untitled
Located in København S, DK
Explore Mila Francesca Cali's abstract watercolors, inspired by her plein-air studies of space and nature. With echoes of modernist painting in a contemporary context, each piece res...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Purple and Black
Located in Provincetown, MA
Paul Resika was born in New York City in 1928. He began taking painting lessons at age nine, greatly encouraged by his Russian émigré mother. At twelve years old, he began studying w...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

"Stripe Drawing #11" Contemporary Original Abstract Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
My drawings and paintings are an examination of three major elements - color, surface and mark making. These nonrepresentational pieces give me the freedom to concentrate on and inve...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Wayvox
Located in New York, NY
Wayvox, 1986 Ballpoint pen on paper 11 x 8-1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm) Signed, titled, and dated, lower margin At the heart of Bousfield's work lies a lyrical celebration of color and ...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ballpoint Pen

Remembrance Drawing #7
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
This series of drawings deals with memories. I use a somewhat random but purposeful fluidity to create these fantastical images that are partly derived from nature. I work intuitivel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal

Many-Worlds Interpretation (H.C.H.C.E.d)
Located in New York, NY
Looking at a painting by Colin Hunt is like watching someone pass through a hole in our consciousness. As the landscape refracts through the sitter’s absence and fills that emptiness...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Power Are My Words #5 Contemporary Original Mixed Media Painting on Paper
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Power Are My Words This series looks at the emotion around words. The way we use words can be uplifting or hurtful, empowering or degrading. Words have always been a tool to suppres...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel, Oil, Pencil

Untitled-009 Abstraction in Reds mixed media painting by John Von Wicht
Located in Hudson, NY
One of a group of over 100 works personally selected by the artist and gifted to a close personal friend in 1969, this work was never matted, framed, glued, taped or exposed to light...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Play Drawing #8 Contemporary Original Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Play Drawing #8 Contemporary Original Abstract Oil Painting This series focuses on the idea of play and the emotions involved in the act of playing. We often forget the importance o...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Oil

Play Drawing #4 Contemporary Original Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Play Drawing #4 Contemporary Original Abstract Oil Painting This series focuses on the idea of play and the emotions involved in the act of playing. We often forget the importance o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Oil

A GARDEN FOR ICARO - Etching on paper signed Gaetano Carboni, Italy 1970
Located in Napoli, IT
Etching on paper, signed Gaetano Carboni A painter and engraver, Gaetano Carboni was born in 1928 in Ascoli Piceno and, between 1940 and 1950, implemented his first figurative experi...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Etching, Aquatint

Untitled
Located in New York, NY
2018 Watercolor and ink drawing on bamboo paper 19 x 15 in. (48 x 36 cm) Signed and dated in pencil Unframed, excellent condition
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Bamboo Paper

Untitled
Located in New York, NY
2018 Watercolor and ink drawing on bamboo paper 19 x 15 in. Signed and dated in pencil Unframed, excellent condition
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Map
Located in New York, NY
2015 Monotype, ink drawing, and collage on Japanese paper 57 x 37 in. (145 x 95 cm) Signed and dated in pencil Unframed, excellent condition
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Monotype

"Modern Woman"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Joseph Meierhans (1890 - 1980) Joseph Meierhans is one of the most important modernist painters associated with Bucks Count...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

"Fish"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Ramstonev Co-operative Project (1937 - 1939) In the late 1930s, Charles Ramsey became close friends with Charles Evans and ...
Category

1930s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel

F6
Located in New York, NY
Julián Terán F6, 2016 Ink on paper 19.7 x 19.7 in (50.04h x 50.04w cm)
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

"Machinery"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Lloyd R. Ney (1893 – 1964) Called “Bill” by his friends, Lloyd Ney was one of the pioneers of Modernist art in New Hope. Ne...
Category

1940s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Graphite, Paper, Watercolor

Terrace Positano, 2002
Located in Quogue, NY
Watercolor on paper
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Uptown Series No. 1, ca. 1975
Located in Quogue, NY
Crayon on paper
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Crayon

Untitled 518, 1990s
Located in Quogue, NY
Watercolor on paper
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Paintings on paper "Nature-Universe-Tool" ( 50 pieces folder)
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
One piece made of a folder with 50 acrylic paintings on paper, with measures 29.5 x 20 cm each paper.
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Handmade Paper

Thaw #8
Located in Fairfield, CT
This piece is framed.
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mylar, Color Pencil, Graphite

Subway Topos #1
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bastienne Schmidt is a mixed media artist working with photography, painting and large scale drawings. She was born in Germany, raised in Greece and Italy and has lived in New York f...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Linescape 9
Located in New York, NY
Julián Terán Linescape 9 , 2017 Ink on paper 16.5 x 35.5 in (41.91h x 90.17w cm)
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Untitled III
Located in Fairfield, CT
This series on paper, Topologies of Blue, possesses layers of delicate texture and structure in the blue tones, created through a process that combines inks, polymer paints, leaves, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Mandala 2
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is an original drawing made up of my unique visual language of weaving glyphic lines. Please feel free to "Google" my name to see more. The drawing is Pitt Artist Pen in black i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pen

Barrilete 2
Located in New York, NY
Barrilete 2, 2015 Ferrite and graphite on paper 9.80h x 7.90w in Unframed Miriam Peralta was born in 1957 in Buenos Aires, where she also received her formal academic training at ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Untitled
Located in Barcelona, ES
the painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

"Wind"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Lloyd R. Ney (1893 – 1964) Called “Bill” by his friends, Lloyd Ney was one of the pioneers of Modernist art in New Hope. Ne...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Switch-It #7
Located in Houston, TX
Robert Ruello Switch-It #7, 2016 graphite, watercolor, and colored pencil on paper 20 x 15 inches Energetic and charged with visual power, the Switch-It series is movement and transition visualized. Ruello’s formal investigation of how we move through and disrupt various environments (digital, analog, and in-between) is rendered through these graphic elements. As he notes, “As a result of this disruption, the array is no longer stable or predictable — visual illusions and shifting figure/ground relationships begin to emerge.” Ruello’s work stems from an enjoyment in the tension between the stable and the unpredictable. Though not figural, his work presents elements that are recognizable from our visual vernacular. Digital screens, popular science...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper, Color Pencil, Graphite

Switch-It #9
Located in Houston, TX
Robert Ruello Switch-It #9, 2016 graphite, watercolor, and colored pencil on paper 20 x 15 inches Energetic and charged with visual power, the Switch-It series is movement and transition visualized. Ruello’s formal investigation of how we move through and disrupt various environments (digital, analog, and in-between) is rendered through these graphic elements. As he notes, “As a result of this disruption, the array is no longer stable or predictable — visual illusions and shifting figure/ground relationships begin to emerge.” Ruello’s work stems from an enjoyment in the tension between the stable and the unpredictable. Though not figural, his work presents elements that are recognizable from our visual vernacular. Digital screens, popular science...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper, Color Pencil, Graphite

Halloween- earth tone color circular abstract geometric watercolor drawing
Located in New York, NY
Richard Garrison collects information from typically overlooked aspects of daily life. Observed data from places like big box stores and parking lots are systematically transformed i...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite

Abstract Composition Inspired by Bach, Framed Abstract Watercolor Painting, Pink
Located in Denver, CO
Original vintage watercolor painting by twentieth century San Francisco woman artist, Hildegarde Haas (1926-2002). "Bach - English Suite No.2 in A Minor...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Preliminary drawing for a sculpture
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Preliminary drawing for a sculpture Black crayon on paper, 1959 Signed and dated middle right (see photo) A rare 1950's AbEx drawing. Provenance: Estate of the artist Michael and Ala...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Crayon

In Cammino - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
In cammino is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva   in the 2014. Colored tempera on plywood.  Title, date, techinique and sign on the back. Author of numerous philo...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Tempera

Composition - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva   in the 2014. Colored acrylic and pastel on plywood.  Title, date, techinique and sign on the back.  Author of n...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Pastel, Acrylic

Untitled - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva   in the 2014 Tempera on plywood Hand signed by the artist. Date, techinique and sign on the back. Author of numero...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Tempera

Roses in a blue vase
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork belongs to my “Floral” series which is full of expressive brush strokes where I could experience a floral theme. It is a bold and eclectic mix of art which radiates st...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Quasi Fiori - Painting by Maurizio Gracceva - 2014
Located in Roma, IT
Quasi fiori is a beautiful artwork realized by  Maurizio Gracceva   in the 2014. Colored acrylic and pastel on plywood Title, date, techinique and sign on the back. Author of nume...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Pastel, Acrylic

ABSTRACT American Woman Abstract Non-objective Mid 20th Century Modern Drawing
Located in New York, NY
ABSTRACT American Woman Abstract Non-objective Mid 20th Century Modern Drawing Irene Rice Pereira (1902-1971) Abstract 12 x 6 1/2 inches Watercolor, gouache, and ink on black paper ...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

Singed roses - abstraction art, made in cherry red, garnet red, white, grey
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. The triptych is made with alcoholic ink in garnet red, cherry red, gray, white on Yupo paper. It can be in both horizontal and in vertical positions. Each ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

"Still Life" Abstract Drawing 20" x 12" inch by Nazli Madkour
Located in Culver City, CA
"Still Life" Abstract Drawing 20" x 12" inch by Nazli Madkour Madkour was born on 25 February 1949 in Cairo, Egypt. She has held solo exhibitions since 1982 in many galleries in Egypt and elsewhere, and her works are held in collections including those of the Egyptian Modern Art...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

"Water Bearers" Watercolor painting 10" x 14" inch (1990) by Shaker El Maadawy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Water Bearers" Watercolor painting 10" x 14" inch (1990) by Shaker El Maadawy signed & dated Shaker El Maadawy graduated from the Faculty of Fine ...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

"Study for SWEEPS, " Pigment Ink on Photo Paper
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the recognizable to create something unfamiliar. Each work begins with a colorized photo captured by a deep-space telescope...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Photographic Paper

"Structures D04" Contemporary Original Abstract Oil on Paper Drawing
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
Societies are everywhere around us. Populations of animals, plants, viruses, bacteria, and even groups of cells make up communities. Within these populations, we find the inhabitants...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

"Love me. Aime-moi. Quiéreme"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Love me. Aime-moi. Quiéreme" painting is contemporary expressive vibrant artwork. This artwork highlights the importance of giving and taking love, the importance of love to someb...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Bouquet of red roses
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork belongs to my “Floral” series which is full of expressive brush strokes where I could experience a floral theme. It is a bold and eclectic mix of art which radiates str...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Mid-Century "Green & Blue Nude II" Oil Pastel Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
Jack Hooper "Green and Blue Nude II" 5/1963 Oil pastel on paper 8.5"x11" unframed Signed and dated in pencil lower right Jack Meredith Hooper (August 26, ...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ephemeral composition III - abstract painting, made in black, grey color
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. The work was done with india ink in black and grey color on Yupo paper. The work is 11 by 14 inches in size, framed with a styrene face on a mat board in w...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink

1980s "Rust and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Rust and Black" 1980s 18.5"x 13" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980's "Mint, Orange, Yellow, Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen Mint, Orange, Yellow, Black 1980s 11.75"x10.5" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Signed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980s "Olive Green and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Olive Green and Black" 1980s 19.75"x12.5" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980's Cubist "Pink, Blue, Mint, Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen Pink, Blue, Mint, Black 1980s 12.75"x9.75" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

1980s "Yellow and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen "Yellow and Black" 1980s 19.75"x12.5" Soft pastel and pencil on paper Initialed in pencil lower right
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Pencil

Abstract drawings and watercolor paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract drawings and watercolor 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 drawings and watercolor 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, orange, purple, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Martin Reyna , Mila Akopova, Jaanika Peerna, and Sumit Mehndiratta. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and 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 drawings and watercolor paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for drawings and watercolor paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1 and tops out at $400,000, while the average work sells for $1,408.

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