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.
$6,200
Jade Echo - Abstract Atmospheric Green Tone Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
$12,200
Drifting Echoes - Large Abstract Atmospheric Cool Tone Skyscape Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
$6,000
Winterlight - large horizintal ethereal abstract winter landscape painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Winterlight" is a large horizontal abstract winter landscape, a dedication to the soft, yet bright light of winter. The refection of ice and glaciers, the movement of wind, the dan...
Canvas, Oil
$3,500
Peace - Colorful Organic Shapes Meditative Abstract Mixed Media Art on Canvas
By Jason DeMeo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...
Gold Leaf
Floating No1, Impressionistic abstract blue Sky and cloud original painting
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Floating NO1. An impressionistic abstract view of a bright wind-swept cloudy sky. Soft, white fluffy clouds painted in white and light blue, with thick, detailed brush strokes making...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bright Blue Day No1, Impressionistic Abstract Landscape, 60 x 74 CM
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Bright Blue Day no1. An impressionistic abstract view of a beautiful wind-swept day on the Australian coast. Soft, white fluffy clouds over deep blue oceans. Thick detailed brush str...
Canvas, Acrylic
$14,200
Transcend - Abstract Atmospheric Moody Mountain Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
Sculptural folds N2. Pearl
Located in Zofingen, AG
This sculptural artwork, created with clay on an MDF panel and finished with acrylic paint, explores the beauty of folds as an independent artistic form. Flowing curves and deep dra...
Clay, Acrylic
"Peonies and oranges" Contemporary abstract figurative still life fruit painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Peonies and Oranges" – Original Contemporary Floral Still Life Painting by French Artist Natalya Mougenot "Peonies and Oranges" is an original contemporary floral still life painti...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,690
Calm cascade by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spa...
Acrylic
$858
"Vase of light" Contemporary abstract expressionist still life floral painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Acrylic painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper, varnished for protection · 50 × 65 cm (19.7 × 25.6 in) “Vase of Light” is a vibrant contemporary floral painting by Fre...
Paper, Acrylic
Bright Blue Day No2, Impressionistic Abstract Landscape, 60 x 74 CM
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Bright Blue Day NO2. An impressionistic abstract view of a beautiful wind-swept day on the Australian coast. Soft, white fluffy clouds over deep blue oceans. Thick detailed brush str...
Canvas, Acrylic
Large French 20th Century Abstract Expression Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Marie Deloume (French born 1942) signed oil painting on paper stuck on canvas, unframed canvas size: 20 x 24 inches condition: overall very good...
Canvas, Paper, Oil
Tenderness
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Tenderness" From the series “Infinity Map” In this work, human and natural forms come together in a quiet moment of closeness and trust. Their outlines gradually dissolve into the...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Oil
Just a moment
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Just a moment" From the series “Infinity Map” Our thoughts constantly move between the past and the future. We return to memories, revisit what has already happened, or try to ant...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Encounter"
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Encounter" From the series “Infinity Map” Throughout our lives, we meet countless people, but some encounters leave a lasting impression on us. They may be brief, unexpected, or e...
Canvas, Acrylic
Figuración abstracta - Óleo sobre tela - Enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra va firmada por el autor en la parte inferior con uno de sus pseudónimos que utilizaba "A. Basté" Se presenta enmarcada Buen estado de conservación el de la pintura Medidas...
Oil
Spring
Located in Zofingen, AG
"""Spring"" From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke fear, h...
Canvas, Acrylic, Charcoal, Oil
$2,700
Tide Washing abstract landscape coastal impressionist painting original artwork
Located in COOMERA, QLD
"Tide Washing In" Wild coastal waters abstract. Contemplate the vastness of the ocean and the sky, bring the mother nature inside. Painted in soft blues, creams, and whites, spontane...
Canvas, Acrylic
Who Is Searching?
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Who Is Searching?" From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Charcoal
$6,527
Haiku
Located in London, London
acrylic, oil on canvas one-of-a-kind The canvas will be shipped rolled without stretcher bars inspired by Anastasia Aureum's painting "Love" all customs charges are included ...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Her Melting Melodies, Figurative Scene Painting, Oil, 2026
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Unique, One-of-a-Kind Artwork Delivered unstretched in a protective tube The canvas can be easily stretched by a professional framer at your local framing studio This evocative pain...
Oil
$2,800
Blue oceanscape minimalist abstract painting ocean clear sky light blue waters
Located in COOMERA, QLD
"Still Blue Waters" This piece speaks to the soul's longing for peace and the ever-present dialogue between the earth, sky, and ocean. It will infuse any home with a sense of calm ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Eternal Abstract Expressionist Painting, XXL Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
Located in London, London
full size 211x159cm stretched size 200xx150cmx10cm All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. unframed, shipped rolled XXL, Extra-large painting, large painting, ab...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Abstract Sea, One-of-a-Kind 110 x 82 Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. oil on canvas one-of-a-kind unique artwork hand painted The canvas will be shipped rolled without stretcher bars 110x8...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Original Abstract Painting Serg Graff "Butterfly Madness " Surreal Fantasy, COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
“Butterfly Madness” is an original 2026 painting by contemporary artist Serg Graff, bursting with color, humor, movement, and an extraordinary collection of imaginary characters. Th...
Acrylic
$22,905
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY. Original work The Currency Project. Dots. Colors
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY: 6274. NOBODY SHOULD HEAR IT Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Edition: 5.149 unique works on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 cm Conditi...
Enamel
Lost and Found - Large Scale Colorful Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reconnecting with her parent's native language, Khoury incorporates elements of Arabic writing that give it its charm. Although nothing is explicitly written, she emphasizes the curv...
Spray Paint, Pastel, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Canvas
Flower Field I - Large Scale Colorful Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Khoury's art is characterized by her masterful use of vivid fluorescent colors, dark tones, and high-contrast compositions that are both striking and visually compelling. She employs...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$455
Butterfly Orchis - Original Framed Abstract Floral Mixed Media Artwork on Paper
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
Still Summer
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
A summer place, reconstructed from fragments — water, architecture, colour, two empty chairs. Nothing quite follows the logic of a real location, yet everything feels strangely fami...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Enchanted - Joy-bringers in Pink, Acrylic Abstract Painting, 61x91 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Joy-bringers in Pink - Floral Meadow Flowers Soft Abstract Invest Nature Joy Stillness In this vibrant acrylic painting, I've poured my passion for the abstrac...
Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
Dinner for Two
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 92×92 cm (overall size with stretching 102×102 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: ready to hang Dinner for Two transforms an intimate domestic scene into a ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cerulean Blue extra large abstract cloud landscape painting original artwork
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Australian coast with "Everything Everywhere All at Once: Cerulean Blue." This captivating acrylic on canvas painting is a masterfu...
Canvas, Acrylic
“Where We Began”
Located in Zofingen, AG
«Where We Began» from the series «Where We Belong» Medium: Acrylic on canvas; Size: 96 × 90 × 2 cm; Presentation: Stretched on a wooden stretcher, ready to hang. This painting expl...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstraction 200.220-2 16 by Nicolas Galtier - Large Gold Leaf Painting, Abstract
Located in Paris, FR
Abstraction 200.220-2 16 is a painting by French artist Nicolas Galtier. The artist uses a mixed technique combining pigments, binders, glues and various metal powders and sheets. Th...
Linen, Mixed Media
Autumn Ascension, Large 100 x 160 Signed Oil on Canvas Abstract
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Autumn Ascension" is a large horizontal abstract atmospheric landscape, with the dramatic, subtle rare light of an autumn sky, full of color yet muted, delicate, a soft symphony. Ma...
Oil
Ruz Vertical Blue Black Interior Landscapes - Abstract Acrylic on canvas
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same sense that Julius Bissier referred to some of th...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,292
Echoes of a Serenade Sonata, Expressionist Figurative Scene, Oil on Canvas
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Unique, One-of-a-Kind Artwork Signed Certificate of Authenticity Delivered unstretched in a protective tube. The canvas can be easily stretched by a professional framer at your local...
Oil
$2,863
Where Wonder Remains. Large Abstract Expressionist Painting, Soft Pastel Palette
Located in Oslo, NO
Tatiana said following about this artwork. "I created Where Wonder Remains as a reflection on the part of us that remains connected to childhood, dreams, imagination, and the simple...
Canvas, Acrylic
Golden Hour in Napa - Large Scale Abstract Expressive Landscape Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with accessibility. Rubenstein’s original art merges the creative attitudes of New York and Los Angeles, combining s...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Abstract Composition, "Nocturnal", Signed Oil on Canvas
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
Abstract Composition, "Nattligt" (Nocturnal) possibly from Blidö, Swedish island in the archipelago. Oil on canvas laid on panel, signed with monogram lower centre "UW". The present...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Dreaming Abstract Painting, Large Square Canvas, Original
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Dreaming A large square canvas abstract expressionist painting from Magical and Mystical Collection, Ethereal abstracts delicately layered in soft hues, inviting contemplation and e...
Acrylic, Canvas
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Sultry Summer White extra large abstract ocean landscape painting original
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of "Sultry Summer White," a captivating large-scale painting. The artist masterfully employs a minimalist abstract approach, translating the haz...
Canvas, Acrylic
$960Sale Price|20% Off
"A Day in Giverny - Monet Lily Pads" Impressionistic Oil Painting Canvas Framed
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
This painting depicts an impressionistic scene of Monet's Lily Pond in Giverny, a poetic piece with beautiful details. The work reminds us of Claude Monet, with impressions captured ...
Oil, Canvas
$5,990
Underwater by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spac...
Acrylic
The Thread Between Us Gaetan de Seguin - Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Head in Profile
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Edwin Kosarek (b.1929). Abstract Head in Profile, 1953. Oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. Signed and dated on verso. As found condition. The piece would b...
Oil, Canvas
In a Hurry
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In a Hurry From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke fear, hop...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Floating No2, Impressionistic abstract blue Sky and cloud original painting
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Floating NO2. An impressionistic abstract view of a bright wind-swept cloudy sky. Soft, white fluffy clouds painted in white and light blue, with thick, detailed brush strokes making...
Canvas, Acrylic
'Abstract Composition' by Pierre-Yves Beltran
Located in London, GB
'Abstract Composition', oil on board, by Pierre-Yves Beltran (1984). A dense, richly textured abstract composition rendered in a palette of deep blues, emerald greens, and earthy bro...
Oil, Board
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Artist Pallet " Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel in Shadow Box Frame
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
"Artist Pallet" is an oil on wood board painting inspired by use of the artist pallet. With layers of bright oils, whisking brush strokes, and mixed paint, Shaoul captures a love st...
Oil, Wood Panel
Pianissimo, Music-Inspired Geometric Abstract Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Pianissimo is an original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, who lives and works in Normandy. Part of her Architectures intérieures series, it explores the rel...
Oil
Quiet Structure, 2026 Mix Media on Canvas, Vintage frame.
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Quiet Structure, 2026 Mixed Media on Canvas, Framed A contemplative mixed-media work by Murray Duncan exploring the relationship between line, shape, space and surface. Set agains...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
$7,550
Burning Memories - Large Scale Contemporary Warm Tone 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
Dream, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Metallic gold paint creates the illusion of glitter and shimmering reflections in this abstract composition. Turquoise accents add contrast to the dominant warm...
Acrylic
Soft Surrender: Original Impressionism Floral Painting, Iris, Daisies, Light
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Soft Surrender Flowers Landscape Unique Original Painting Peace Kindness Abundance This is a one-of-a-kind artwork by the established contemporary artist, Karnish. "Soft Su...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$18,000
Memory Wall #12 : Maximalist Multicolored Abstract Color Field Painting w/ Wax
Located in Hudson, NY
Large, brightly saturated red color field abstract geometric painting in various shades of bright green, blue, purple and deep red. "Memory Wall #12" made by Hudson Valley artist, Vi...
Plaster, Wax, Acrylic, Panel, Pigment
#116, 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
1990s Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media Painting, Original Signed Work
Located in Soquel, CA
1990s Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media Painting, Original Signed Work Engaging and energetic piece by David Ronce (American 20th/21st Century. The piece features a high-energy den...
Paper, Acrylic, Crayon, Watercolor
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.