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.
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
A Corner of One's Own
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 122×142 cm (overall size with stretching 132×152 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This artwork immerses the viewer in a warm, cozy domestic atmosph...
Canvas, Acrylic
In the Warmth
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×142 cm (overall size with stretching 107×152 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled “In the Warmth” invites the viewer into an enveloping atmosphere o...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Companion
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 132×142 cm (overall size with stretching 142×152 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled At the heart of the canvas is a laconic yet profound scene of qui...
Canvas, Acrylic
Quiet Hour
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 moment of absolute peace and cozy domestic...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Golden Hour (The Meeting)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Golden Hour (The Meeting) is a luminous contemporary impressionist painting that explores the emotional power of human connection through expressive brushwork, radiant color, and atm...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sunchasers: Painting of Dogs, Modern Abstract, Gold Frame, 51x41cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sunchasers Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
Insightful Intent: Calm Dog Painting, Abstract Expressionist, Framed Gold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: BLUE - Insightful Intent Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series c...
Gold
flowers in the cloud
Located in London, London
full size of the canvas 156x229cm (size 150x223cm) acrylic, oil on canvas one-of-a-kind The canvas will be shipped rolled without stretcher bars inspired by Anastasia Aureum'...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Marine Spectrum, Mixed Media Seascape, Art Brut Style on Paper, Light Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$900
Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$750
Painting Animal Dogs Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Great-Dane
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Allure of Abundance Painting Animal Dogs Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Great-Dane Nature Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition No. 18, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A refined composition set against a soft French rose background. The delicate hue has long been associated with beauty, grace and quiet luxury, creating a captivating contrast with t...
Clay, Acrylic
The Inner Light
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled "The Inner Light" is a visual meditation on preserving one's true...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Pond Life" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Lily Oil Painting on Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic portrayal of Japanese Koi fish jubilantly depicted with movement and enthusiasm. In a burst of motion, the fish joyfully swim in the clear light blue waters, as th...
Canvas, Oil
$15,000
"Dancing in Teal Waters" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Oil Painting Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic portrayal of Japanese Koi fish jubilantly depicted with movement and enthusiasm. In a burst of motion, the fish joyfully swim in the clear light blue waters, as th...
Canvas, Oil
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition No. 17, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Rendered in an elegant slate-blue palette, this work embodies understated luxury and sophistication. The rich tonal variations create a sense of depth and tranquility, while the icon...
Clay, Acrylic
Within the Green Crowns
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×120 cm (Total canvas size including stretching margins: 107×130 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This artwork is a visual metaphor for the sanct...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Quiet Bloom
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled A serene, intimate composition where a slender white figure rests i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Surrealist Magical Exotic Birds in Tree Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Exotic Magical Birds Perched on Tree Limbs, ca. 1950. Oil on canvas, 14 x 18 inches. Unsigned, artist unknown.
Oil
"umbrella girl series" RK69DE7, Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 31.49 x 23,62 inches Frame measures 36.22 x 28.34 x 2.36 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color: antique gold All art frames show signs of...
Clay, Acrylic
$850
Joyous Turquoise Sea, Abstract Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Seascape on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Five Lines With Dots
By Cheryl Levin
Located in Dallas, TX
ink & graphite on mulberry paper
Ink, Mulberry Paper, Graphite
$800
Blue and White Abstract Overlapping Shapes Fish Scribble Gestures, Mediterranean
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us and reminds us of its natural beauty and the importance of its preservation. Details: Title: Marina N31 Medium: Acrylic on Paper Size: 106 x 70 cm ( 41.7 x 28 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped carefully rolled and packaged in a tube. * Certificate of Authenticity provided. Enric Servera (Ciutadella de Menorca, 1970) lives and works between Barcelona and Menorca, Spain. His works explores the colors and forms of the ocean, inspired by the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea. His work has shown in galleries across Spain, and is part of several public and private collections. Words that may describe this series of artworks are: Mediterranean-inspired art, abstract sea...
Acrylic, Watercolor
Large Original Oil Painting Abstract Expressionist Horse
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning large scale abstract expressionist horse's head/eye, circa 1990. Unsigned. Unframed. Size: 60"H x 60"W x 1.5.
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$4,000
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition No.15, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A dramatic interplay of matte black and luminous gold leaf creates a contemporary composition with timeless elegance and luxurious presence. Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,7...
Clay, Acrylic
Attempt at Harmony Abstract Painting, Mixed Media, Ochre Tones, 88cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Attempt at Harmony" is an abstract painting distinguished by its texture and intertwined layers of color. Dominated by ochre tones, the piece is complemented by flashes of blue, pur...
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
“Set Out”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The works from this series were exhibited at ART KYIV Fair 2026 and later presented as part of the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv. “Set ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Muses
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 In “The Muses,” the artist reimagines the classic canons of ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$960
Deep Shoal, Colorful Seascape Painting, Pink, Blue, Abstract Gestures Fish Shape
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Acrylic, Paper
You brought Sunshine and Summer: Original Floral Painting, Blue vase, Geese.
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: You brought Sunshine and Summer Original Floral Painting, Blue vase, Geese, Heron, Unique, One-of-a-kind. "You brought Sunshine and Summer" is a painting that portrays a dee...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Horse . original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting captures the allure of horse through an abstract manner, showcasing their beauty with a dynamic use of color and texture. The horse emerges from the canvas through expr...
Canvas, Oil
Lines And Dots
By Cheryl Levin
Located in Dallas, TX
ink & graphite on mulberry paper
Ink, Mulberry Paper, Graphite
“Rest”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “Rest” from the series “From Simple to…” creates a sense of calm, recovery, and inner completeness. The minimalist image of the animal and the pastel, natural color pale...
Acrylic
Hiper Organico 35
By Laura Manino
Located in Dallas, TX
pastel & chalk on paper
Paper, Pastel, Chalk
Spring Is Coming
Located in Zofingen, AG
Spring Is Coming 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 fea...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
$1,150
Red Codec, Abstract Painting, Blue and Yellow Layers, Acrylic Paint on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Red Codec Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 83x65 cm ( 32.7 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped c...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Equestrian Calmness: Abstract Expressionist Horse Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue - Peaceful Pursuit Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borr...
Gold
$990
Ochre and Black Diptych, Overlapping White Abstract Fish Gestures, Mediterranean
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a sal...
Acrylic, Paper
Interior with Standing Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Irvin Nahan (b.1927) Interior with Standing Dog, 1970. Watercolor and pencil on paper. Image measures 5 x 6.5 inches. Framed measurement: 10 x 12 inches. Signed and dated by ar...
Watercolor, Pencil
Abstract Blue and White Fish Patterns, Mediterranean, Expressionist Seascape
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
"Girl in the Rain - Gold Edition #6", Abstract, Painting, 21st Century
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,75 carat Art measures 11.81 x 11.81 inches Frame measures 22.83 x 22.83 x 2.36 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. ...
Clay, Acrylic
Red fish
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
The red fish is a symbol of confidence, stable good fortune, and abundance. It represents moving in one’s own rhythm, trusting intuition, and inner stability. The red color emphasize...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
$750
Composed Calmness: Equestrian Horse Abstract Expressionist Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Composed Calmness Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borrowed f...
Gold
Exhale
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
Exhale is part of the series From Simple to…, which focuses on simple things that help people restore their inner balance. The sheep conveys a sense of calm, trust in the present mom...
Acrylic, Canvas
$1,800
Potentiality: Large Original Abstract Painting of Rhino on Canvas - Maximalism
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Potentiality Africa Sunshine Rhino Power Colorful Exclusive Investment Modern Contemporary Figurative Karnish created this breathtaking contemporary work playing with symbol...
Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Wood, Stretcher Bars
Abstract Bullfighting Scene, Surrealist Organic Composition, Textured Oil
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surrealist Organic Composition, Textured Abstract Oil on Board, Small Format Medium: Oil on board Dimensions: 19 × 24 cm (7.5 × 9.4 in) Signature: Signed lower right Inscription: De...
Oil
$6,800
Crowing for the Sun to Come Up painting, Texas Rooster Painting, Texas Artist
Located in Houston, TX
Crowing for the Sun to Come Up is an oil painting of a Texas Rooster prancing in the field. It is 24 x 18 and comes with a custom made frame. Artist Statement: " I am inspired b...
Oil
$850
Marine Mirage, Abstract Gestures School of Fish, Blue Yones Modern Seascape 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Marine Mirage ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of blue tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, evoking the depth and...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
$173Sale Price|20% Off
Blue whale. Author technique, cardboard, 13x18 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Blue whale. Author technique, cardboard, 13x18 cm Ivars Zaikins (1942-2017) Zaikins Ivars - an artist. He was born in 1942. During of the Soviet Union period, he worked as an artis...
Mixed Media, Cardboard
Monmouth County Hunt Race Meet NJ Landscape
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Claus Hoie (1911-2007). Monmouth Hunt Race Meet 2, 1967. Watercolor on paper. Measuring 15 x 19 inches; 24 x 28 inched framed. Signed and titled lower left. Original label on verso. Hoie was born in Stavanger, Norway, November 3, 1911. He lived for a few years in Oslo before emigrating to the United States at the age of thirteen, when he settled in Brooklyn, NY. He spent time at sea (two years), a heritage from his grandfather and father who were both ship’s captains. During World War II, Hoie served four years in the Army as a Sergeant in a special Norwegian-American battalion of the mountain infantry (99th Infantry Battalion), whose mission was to assist in the liberation of Norway. His Battalion also landed on Normandy Beach five days after D-Day. After the war, he studied art at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Claus also attended Pratt Institute, and at the Art Students League in New York. Hoie worked as an independent artist creating primarily watercolor works and graphics However, also was a commercial artist. In the 1950s he met the young artist and fashion designer, Helen Hunt Bencker and in 1957 they wed. Helen Hoie...
Watercolor
Saffron Mirage
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Saffron Mirage is a field of burning gold. The square canvas is saturated in saffron and deep orange, and its surface is worked into a crackled, carved texture where incised lines fo...
Mixed Media, Pigment
Marrakesh Dream
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Marrakesh Dream is the most animated of the three works. A ground of coral, rose and terracotta runs down the canvas in vertical drips and streaks, with flashes of yellow and deep re...
Mixed Media, Pigment
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Connection: Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. "Con...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,050
White and Blue Diptych, Gestual Abstraction School of Fish, Modern Seascape Fish
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
$3,500
"Mesa World" abstract acrylic on canvas painting by artist Jean Richardson
Located in Boca Raton, FL
"Mesa World" abstract acrylic on canvas painting of horses by artist Jean Richardson. Signed Richardson lower right recto. "Mesa World", 40 x 60, JR 917, 1987 written on back.
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
Abstract Coral Reef Oil Painting on Canvas, Underwater Art Impasto
Located in Zofingen, AG
Coral Reef Painting by Olga Nikitina Title: Coral Reef Size:85x60cm Materials: Oil, Stretched Canvas, Palette Knife Shipping: gallery standards packaging, Express Shipping with track...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil