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.
"umbrella girl series" Gold Edition No.13, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Part of the Umbrella Series, a recurring collection of works within the artist’s studio practice. The works are developed through a historically informed, unique approach to material...
Clay, Acrylic
$2,366
Large Mid Century French Landscape, Vintage Countryside Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Original Landscape oil painting on stretched canvas by French artist, Guy Roujon (1912-1991) signed in the lower left. This piece perfectly captures the timeless elegance of modern ...
Oil
Large Mid Century Signed and Dated Abstract Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting
Located in AIGNAN, FR
An original signed and dated oil painting by Alfred Levy 'Alvy' (1915-1970) depicting a harbour-side arcade scene in the artist's characteristic modern French style. It's entitled,...
Oil
"Dreams Are Forever" Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel in White Frame
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
With vibrant layers of oil paint, sweeping brushstrokes, and thrown paint, Shaoul captures a love story on her painter’s palette through dynamic abstract expression. The artist reima...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
A Quiet Evening Garden
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This painting captures a quiet, intimate moment set within a lush ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Summer After Winter, Abstract Painting
By Kajal Zaveri
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the transition from winter's stillness to the abundance of summer, this painting celebrates nature's renewal and vitality. Layers of vibrant green e...
Acrylic
$5,050
The Wellspring III - Large Scale Contemporary Colorful Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Oil
Temps suspendu, Contemporary Abstract Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on Canvas 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in) 47 x 47 cm framed (18.5 x 18.5 in) Available with a choice of black or natural wood floating frame. In Temps Suspendu, French contemporary ...
Oil
Within the Radiance
Located in Zofingen, AG
Within the Radiance Size: 120×97 cm (overall size with stretching 130×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This painting is part of the series “Past Pass...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,681
Vers l'equilibre, Contemporary Large Abstract Geometric Oil Painting, 34 x 34 in
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Vers l'Équilibre - Oil on canvas Unframed: 80 x 80 x 2 cm (31.50 x 31.50 x 0.79 in) Framed: 87 x 87 x 3.5 cm (34.25 x 34.25 x 1.38 in) Black or natural wood floater frame available S...
Canvas, Oil
$850
Mysterious Sea, Abstract Seascape Painting in Orange, School of Fish Patterns
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Mysterious Sea ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of teal, green, and orange tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, ev...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
Twilight Landscape 1 - Abstract Flowy Minimalist Ink Painting on Linen Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses dynamism and sensuality in her paintings: “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, flowers, and people in motion, capturing th...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media
Quiet Garden
Located in Zofingen, AG
Quiet Garden 97 × 97 cm (stretcher size) True to its title, "Quiet Garden" by S. Brazhnikova beautifully captures the serene and secluded atmosphere of a warm summer day. The compos...
Canvas, Acrylic
Green Happy Life Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Canvas, 60x75 cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Green happy life" is an abstract painting distinguished by its texture and interwoven layers of color. Green tones predominate, complemented by flashes of blue, red, and green. It f...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
The Way Home
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This new piece from the “Past Passing Me By” series is a visual med...
Canvas, Acrylic
Equilibrium Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 21st Century, Large
Located in London, London
extra large scale abstract painting artist: Katarina joys 110x210cm abstract painting, landscape, The item is located in central London, United Kingdom. The painting will be shippe...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Slow Soft Summer: Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Slow Soft Summer Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original, Authentic, Investment In this gentle, though lively acrylic painting, I connected to the joys ...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Glaze, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Venetian Light
Located in Zofingen, AG
Venetian Light from the Inner Landscapes series Abstract impressionist painting inspired by the atmosphere of Venice - a city experienced through light, reflection, and memory. Rath...
Canvas, Oil
avp_1628 - Original Abstract Red Tone Contemporary Acrylic Painting on Paper
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...
Paper, Acrylic
Le passage, Contemporary Abstract Geometric Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas, 50 x 50 cm (19.7 x 19.7 in) Framed dimensions: approx. 57 x 57 cm (22.4 x 22.4 in) Black floater frame included. Natural wood frame available upon request. Signed lowe...
Oil
Umbrella - Silent Rain No.10, Abstract Painting, 21st Century, Acryl, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. Original artwork From the ongoing Umbrella series This work explores the tens...
Clay, Acrylic
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-century Italian Pietra Dura Watermelon Mosaic
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Pietra Dura Watermelon Slice, Italian inlaid Marbles. Plaque 7-1/2 x 9-1/2 inches. Overall framed size is 12-1/2 x 14-1/2 inches. Watermelon Pietra Dura Plaque, hand made for Ugolin...
Stone
$5,397Sale Price|24% Off
Kinko Abstract Expressionist Painting in Oil and Acrylic, 21st Century
Located in London, London
Chocolate Brown, Burgundy, and Earthy All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. large scale painting colourful flowers still-life. Artist: Katarina Joys 98x198c...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$16,000
"Catching the Light" Colorful Mixed Media Abstract Painting, Textured Impasto
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Catching the Light" 2026 Oil and mixed media on stretched canvas Signed and dated on verso. "Catching the Light" is a commanding work that reward...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$4,500
"Where Are We Going, From Here?", Abstract Expressionist, Figures, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Where Are We Going, From Here?" is a 36 x 36 x 2 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas. Two seated, elongated blue-toned figures with warm red, orange, and...
Canvas, Oil
"Free woman" Contemporary figurative nude woman acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Free woman" is a contemporary figurative nude painting by French artist Natalya, created in acrylic paints and acrylic pens on heavyweight acid-free paper, depicting a seated female...
Paper, Acrylic
"I Have Your Back", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Red, Blue, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "I Have Your Back" is a 30 x 30 x 2 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas. Abstract double-faced portrait in vivid red, blue, and yellow tones, bold brushst...
Canvas, Oil
Infinite Moments, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This abstract monochrome painting explores the interplay of black and white through bold, gestural brushstrokes and layered textures. Organic shapes, sweeping arcs, and scattered cir...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$851Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Floral Still Life Oil Painting, Impressionist Flowers and Fruit
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Art Deco floral still life with fruit oil painting in its original frame by French artist, Jean Désiré Bascoulès. This is a vibrant example of this renown artist's work busily appli...
Oil
Horizon of Silence
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
An abstract work in the realm of contemporary painting, exploring the horizon as a symbol of anticipation, inner freedom, and emotional balance. This original artwork combines elemen...
Linen, Oil
Crazy Apartment - Abstract Figurative Cubist Portrait Still Life 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
Frozen Dreams - Large Colorful Impasto Abstract Painting: 120x100cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Artist: Alex Senchenko Title: " Frozen Dreams " Size: Large 120cm x 100cm Depth: 4cm Deep. Medium: Professional Acrylics on Gallery- Wrapped Canvas Ready to Hang: Sides are pain...
Oil, Acrylic
Jits on A Wire - Abstract Modern Organic Shape Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
By Rue Bootay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rue Bootay, a New York-born artist now rooted in the vibrant artistic landscape of Los Angeles, navigates the avant-garde realm of nonrepresentational surrealism with a style uniquel...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Formes en suspens— Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Formes en suspens by Sophie Dumont is a contemporary abstract oil painting on canvas measuring 89 x 116 cm. The work is presented in a black floater frame. This large-scale compositi...
Canvas, Oil
$2,100
Universe is With You - Large Scale Abstract Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
By Vè Boisvert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,945
Pelerinage aux Sources, Abstract Impressionist Oil on Canvas, 1960s
By Jean-Theobald Jacus
Located in North Clarendon, VT
A fantastic oil on canvas by French mid century artist Jean Théobald Jacus. Pelerinage aux Sources is vivid, bold, and iconic. This painting is lik...
Oil
$5,380Sale Price|34% Off
Coastal Equilibrium: Abstract Oil and Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in London, London
All the custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Turquoise, beige, red, lines, blue, fluid, movement. Abstract expressionist painting, large-scale contemporary art...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$4,800
Orchard (Abstract Painting on Canvas in Earth-Tones of Blue & Green, Framed)
By James O'Shea
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract painting on canvas in an bright, earthy blue and green palette "Orchard", made in 2010 oil on board 33.5 x 32 inches 35 x 33 x 2 inches with a natural maple floater frame S...
Oil, Wood Panel
Red Bloom Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Modern Abstract Floral Art
Located in London, London
Floral vintage tapestry abstract decor Red flowers still-life. Artist: Katarina Joys Title: Red bloom Technique: acrylic on canvas Painted in London, UK, in 2025 Dimensions: 95x85...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Time of change
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting explores an inner sense of trust that is shaped through closeness, support, and growing up. It speaks about the moment when a person learns to find safety within themse...
Canvas, Acrylic
Cellular Reaction Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, 1980s
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This colourful contemporary abstract painting is by the highly collectable artist Milly Ristvedt. Milly Ristvedt is considered one of Canada's foremost abstract artists. Hailed as a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Mid-century American painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful minimal Abstract Expressionist painting. Mixed media on paper glued down to illustration backing board. Paper sheet measures 10.25 x 14 inches. Cardboard panel measures 1...
Paper, Mixed Media, Illustration Board
Where it is quiet, No.5
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the artist explores silence as a state of inner balance and presence. Drawing from the ощущення of natural landscapes, she creates a distilled, atmospheric space where ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Dreaming in the Flow of Time
Located in Zofingen, AG
Dreaming in the Flow of Time Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This painting is a key piece of the "P...
Canvas, Acrylic
“Let’s Play”
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting "Let’s Play" immerses the viewer in a playful world, inviting them into a fairy tale reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The girl holds a small rabbit tightly in her arm...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hand-Painted large Canvas Limited Edition#6/10–Sunshine Factory-Awarded Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This stunning large hand-painted Limited canvas edition is created in oil by Shizico Yi and is 95% hand painted directly onto canvas. Signed on the front and signed and numbered on ...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Fauvist influence still-life art "Blooming aura"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Neo-Expressionist floral still life with Fauvist chromatic influence, expressive mixed-media painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper (50 × 65 cm / 19.7 × 25...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,539
Terres de lumiere, Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting in Earthy tones
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Terres de Lumière (Lands of Light) French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont is renowned for her richly layered oil paintings inspired by landscape, memory, and the passage of time....
Oil
$4,110
Floating - Large Color Drenched Impasto Mixed Media Textural Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Robot Circleish - Large Scale Abstract Expressive Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Robot Circleish' features whimsical details and vibra...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by 'R.G.' (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgotten studio...
Oil, Board
$1,200
Botanical Interval, original botanical painting, pink, green, Abstract
Located in Cumming, GA
Botanical Interval – Original Contemporary Abstract Botanical Painting, 24 x 24 inches Botanical Interval captures a quiet, atmospheric moment where softened botanical forms emerge ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Textured lihes. Abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artistic creation is a collection of four unique paintings, unified by an exquisite palette. Each canvas, enriched with texture through the application of spackling, possesses i...
Paste, Acrylic, Canvas
Fallen Angel Painting, Abstract Oil on Linen, Signed, 120x60 cm
Located in Silverthorne, CO
A dramatic expressionist painting dedicated to the soul of me before cancer, who believed in a benevolent universe, who saw signs and followed them, who somehow thought she would liv...
Linen, Oil
Day Break.. Contemporary Abbstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Lorraine was born in London and studied sculpture for several years before undertaking a Fine Art Degree. She currently spends much of the year in the French Alps, which is a great i...
Acrylic
$14,203
Couleurs en équilibre -Abstract oil painting, stylized bookshelf with warm tones
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont (b. 1964, Paris) French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont has developed a distinctive body of work over the past two decades, exploring the intersection of memory, str...
Oil
$520
Bengal Cat Portrait Fashion Illustration Elegant Feline Painting Modern Cat Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
*Bengal Cat Portrait Fashion Illustration Elegant Feline Painting Modern Cat Art** This original fashion-inspired cat portrait painting combines elegant feline beauty with the visua...
Paper, Acrylic
$10,150
Mid-Hudson Inscape - Large Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Mid-Hudson Inscape' features whimsical details and vi...
Enamel
AWH 353 - Abstract Minimalist Textured Layered Colorfield Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer produces deeply layered, subtly textured abstract paintings that contain diametrically opposed elements—order and chaos, abstraction and representation, boldness and ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$7,400
Rearranging Form - Large Contemporary Silver Tone Abstract Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”
In his current show at New York's Lehmann Maupin gallery, the Puerto Rican–born talent reveals new paintings with a semiautobiographical aspect.