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.
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
$748Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,950
I Want That Kind of Forever That Burns Bright - Bouquet Still Life Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by paintings created by old masters and the immersive nature she experienced in the Black Forest, German artist Katharina Husslein paints in a representational hyperrealisti...
Canvas, Oil
And It Felt Like We Could Fly - Original Abstract Colorful Nature Still Life
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kimberly Blackstock’s “And It Felt Like We Could Fly” opens into a luminous garden-like scene filled with movement, softness, and dimensional texture. The artwork has the feeling of ...
Acrylic, Resin, Mixed Media, Wood Panel
$2,526Sale Price|20% Off
Modern abstract expressionist floral painting on linen canvas "Peony Bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Peony Bloom" is a contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, where vibrant color and expressive gesture celebrate the joyful abundance of peonies at their pea...
Acrylic, Canvas, Linen
$655Sale Price|20% Off
Modern abstract Impressionist still life floral painting on paper "Roses Trio"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Roses Trio” is a vibrant contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose intuitive, spontaneous brushwork transforms everyday blooms into a burst of emotiona...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,520Sale Price|20% Off
Modern abstract expressionist floral painting on linen canvas "Flower Light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Flower Light” is a contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, where vibrant color and instinctive gesture transform a simple bouquet into a celebration of lig...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
$1,500
Bloomtime: Original floral painting on Canvas, Vintage Floral Still Life, Signed
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Bloom-time in pot of blues This artwork is an invitation to connect to abundance and rejuvenation. Working layer upon layer, I honored the delicate blossoms, offsetting the...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$1,244Sale Price|30% Off
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto, oil, goldleaf on Dahlias
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while savouring for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en pl...
Gold Leaf
$1,000
Blue with Yellow- Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Blue with Yellow- Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed Vibrant and textured abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018)....
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Flourish Now! Large Abstract Floral Painting, Acrylic Oil Pastel, 101x76 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Flourish Now! Painting Floral Abstract Bold Freedom Contrast Statement Maximalism In this painting, I expressed the feeling of aliveness into vibrant pink blossoms bursting...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$1,213Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist still life painting "Dialogues in stillness"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid abstract-expressionist still life painting depicting everyday objects and red apples has been created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Known for her express...
Paper, Acrylic
$242Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract impressionist floral acrylic painting on paper "Morning's rose bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressive impressionist floral piece with a touch of abstract and art brut, Morning’s Rose Bloom, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot in her Lyon studio ...
Paper, Acrylic
Inner Order: Abstract Expressionism Oil Painting, Geometric, Library
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Title: Inner Order, grey books Artist: Sophie Dumont Year: 2022 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (unframed): 60 × 73 cm (23.62 x 28.74 in) Dimensions (framed): 67 x 80 cm (26.37 x 3...
Oil
$1,500
Abstract Shapes of School of Fish, Seascape Diptych in Vivid Tones, Organic 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
Chromatic Shoal is a tropical seascape diptych by Enric Servera where gestural abstraction and fluid color rhythms evoke the movement of a lively school of fish. Interlacing, serpent...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
Big Sur Views - Abstract Landscape Ocean Blue Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With a contemporary perspective on landscape painting and inspired by paintings created by old masters, German artist Katharina Husslein paints in a representational manner to captur...
Canvas, Oil
$374Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressive floral painting on paper "Blooming petals"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In "Blooming Petals", French artist Natalya Mougenot expands the tradition of floral painting into a powerful exploration of color, emotion, and authenticity. Part of her ongoing ser...
Paper, Acrylic
Dance of the Hummingbirds
By Iryna Kobzar
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Dance of the Hummingbirds” invites the viewer into a luminous world of movement, balance, and quiet magic. Two vibrant hummingbirds gracefully hover around blooming fuchsia flowers,...
Canvas, Acrylic
Still Life Interior
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Frederick Serger (1889-1965). Still Life, ca. 1950. Oil on gessoed paper mounted to illustration board. Image measures 16 x 17 inches. Framed measurement: 25.5 x 25.5 inches. ...
Paper, Oil
Blossoms of Abstraction, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold, expressive strokes present an abstract interpretation of a flower. Thick paint and dynamic application evoke a sense of vitality and spontaneity. Subtle h...
Oil
$164Sale Price|20% Off
French Impressionist Oil Painting Bright and Colourful Pansies
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Maggy Clarysse (1931-2011) Oil on board, unframed 8.75 x 10.75 inches Signed Initials ...
Oil
Lotus 28: Photo Realist Still Life Painting of Green Lotus Plants on Grey
Located in Hudson, NY
Photo-realist still life painting of lush green lotus plants on a soft grey sky background "Lotus Number Twenty-Eight", painted by Frank DePietro in 201...
Canvas, Oil
$8,750
Topographie du reve, Large Abstract Geometric, Framed, Expressionism, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Title: Topographie du Rêve Oil on canvas – 39.37 × 39.37 in (100 × 100 cm) Framed: 42.13 × 42.13 in (107 × 107 cm) – Natural wood floater frame (black optional) Year: 2025 – Signed l...
Oil
$1,804Sale Price|20% Off
Maurice Vagh Weinmann Floral Bouquet Still Life Oil Painting Framed
By Maurice Vagh-Weinmann
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title Maurice Vagh Weinmann Floral Bouquet Still Life Oil Painting Framed Key Details Artist: Maurice Vagh Weinmann, Hungarian, 1899–1986 Title: Summer Bouquet Medium: Oil painting o...
Oil
$15,000
"Porcelain and Flowers" French Vase with Colorful Flowers Oil Painting on Linen
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic depiction of a Saint-Cloud factory porcelain vase ca. 1695–1710 with a burst of flowers exploding with color and bold marks. Alfaro bridges the Baroque cultural mo...
Linen, Oil
$429Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract impressionist expressive flowers acrylic on paper "Floral Inspiration"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This vibrant artwork captures a bouquet of pink flowers displayed in a glass vase, enveloped by expressive, swirling brushstrokes. This artwork named " Floral Inspiration" belongs ...
Paper, Acrylic
Message of Eternity Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2010s, 77x61 cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Painting with a composition of overlapping planes and figures. The scene presents a space constructed through geometric and organic forms in relationships of crossing and continuity....
Canvas, Oil
$561Sale Price|20% Off
"Wine-Tasting Holiday in Provence" Contemporary Expressionism Nature Leisure
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Oil Painting – Original Artwork on Stretched Canvas, Ready to Hang (60 × 50 × 1.5 cm / 23.6 × 19.7 × 0.6 in) – "Wine-Tasting Holiday in Provence" “Wine-Tasting Holiday ...
Canvas, Oil
$23,600Sale Price|20% Off
Composition, Basket Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Composition, Basket Series Year: 1985 Medium: Acrylic on Arches Aquarelle paper Size: 42 x 30 inches Inscription: Signed and dated by the artist No...
Acrylic
$1,500
"Still Life" (2025) Abstract Figurative Oil and Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By John McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
John McCaw's (US based) "Still Life" is an abstract oil painting in greens, grey, black and yellow. John McCaw (b. 1967), the eldest son of American expressionist Dan McCaw and bro...
Canvas, Oil
Iris Inspiration: Acrylic Painting, Floral Abstract, Contemporary, Still-life
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Iris Inspiration Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original, Authentic, Investment In this gentle, though lively acrylic painting, I connected to the joys ...
Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Stretcher Bars
"Last Light" (2025) Abstract Figurative Oil and Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By John McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
John McCaw's (US based) "Still Life" is an abstract oil painting in greens, grey, black and yellow. John McCaw (b. 1967), the eldest son of American expressionist Dan McCaw and bro...
Canvas, Oil
$245
Pastel Study 4 - Original Serene Figurative Cityscape Oil Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Paper, Oil Pastel
$12,700
Crossing California - Original Atmospheric Oceanscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Phoebe Brunner’s original oil paintings transform the American West and the California coast into luminous landscapes shaped by memory, atmosphere, and imagination. Her works draw fr...
Canvas, Oil
$8,000
"The Botanist's Table" Porcelain White Vase with Colorful Flowers Oil Painting
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic depiction of a white porcelain vase with a burst of white, pink, orange, yellow and light red flowers exploding with color and bold marks. Alfaro bridges the Baroq...
Oil, Canvas
Steel Blue, Ikebana Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Steel Blue, Ikebana Series Year: 2007 Medium: Acrylic on Arches Aquarelle Rag paper Size: 30 x 22 inches Inscription: Signed by the artist Notes: H...
Acrylic
Hydrangea in Bloom, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of pink hydrangeas arranged in a clear rounded vase in full bloom. Artist Nicole Lamothe painted this piece in alla-pr...
Oil
$2,500
Multicolor Cubist Variation Gouache and Watercolor Painting by André Morin
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding post‑cubist geometric composition by André Morin (France, 20th Century), this dynamic work—executed in gouache and watercolor—showcases the artist's command of color, ...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$443
"Silent strength" Contemporary figurative woman's portrait painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Silent Strength" – Original Contemporary Female Portrait Painting, Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Paper, 29.7 x 42 cm (11.7 x 16.5 inches) Acrylic paints and Sennelier oil pastels on hea...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic
Let the Light Shine Through: Floral, Abstract, Still-life, Painting, Bold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Let the Light Shine Through Floral Abstract Still-life Painting Contemporary Expressionist Invest Abundance Flowers Vase In this piece, I captured abundance and an experienc...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Still Life of fruits in bowl
Located in Berlin, MD
Jaled Muyaes (Chilean/Mexican, 1921 - 2007). "Abstracted Still-Life". Pastel drawing. 1951. Signed "Kena" and dated, lower right. Triple matted under glass. Greens, Blues, golden toned yellows, and Oranges predominate. Muyaes always signed his work "Kena," "S. Kena," "Silvestre Kena," or "Silvestre;" or, if initialed, "K." or "S.K.". Cream wove paper. Provenance: From the estate of Estela Ogazon...
Paper, Pastel
$1,165
Sunset VW Van - Colorful California Beach Still Life Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$245
Pastel Study 1 - Original Architecture Landscape Oil Based Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Paper, Oil Pastel
Le Bouquet, 1955 - oil paint, 110x83 cm, framed
Located in Nice, FR
Oil on canvas, signed lower left. Gérard Altmann, né à Paris le 23 septembre 1923 et mort à Paris le 19 avril 2012, est un peintre français. Il est le ...
Oil
$3,025
My Hope in Disguise - Abstract Romantic Floral Botanical Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Denna Erickson’s original artworks move through layers of oil, where personal symbols and organic forms emerge through luminous color. Guided by intuition, her paintings unfold throu...
Oil, Wood Panel
Pocket Gala Apple with Oil Paint on Canvas, Painting by Dani Humberstone
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Gala Apple [2023] Pocket Tangerine is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a...
Canvas, Oil
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
“Tulips of Love" Large-format Fauvist /Matisse inspired still life painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Tulips of Love” — Large-format contemporary Fauvist-inspired, Matisse-influenced floral still life created in a modern expressive / metamodern figurative style, executed in acrylic ...
Paper, Acrylic
British Abstraction oil on paperboard Alec Cumming, Vase, Blue Orange Black
Located in Norfolk, GB
Artist: Alec Cumming Title: Forms Inside the Moment Medium: oil on paper Size: 69cm x 99cm (27” x 38”) Year: 2016 Alec Cumming Exhibited at Alec Cumming...
Oil, Rag Paper
$2,520Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Modernist Still Life with Impasto Flowers Style of Emily Sillman
Located in Soquel, CA
Colorful Modernist Still Life with Impasto Flowers by Ellis Hopkins (American, b. 1952). This bold still life features an array of flowers as its central focus. The painting is ren...
Oil, Board, Masonite
$653Sale Price|20% Off
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
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Garden Series - Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Garden Series - Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed Vibrant and textured abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). A...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Arturs Nikitins (born 1936) - painter, graphic artist. 1962 – graduated from the Latvian Art Academy, Graphic Department with the diploma work “The workers of Novorosijsk” under th...
Oil, Cardboard
Lilium Auratum - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 24in x 24in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This fine art piece, titled "Lilium Auratum" is a profound example of modernist surreal still life, characterized by its intricate tapestry of interconnected, biomorphic floral and v...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tabletop Still Life Mid-century Abstract Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jack Hammack (1924-1990) Cubist Tabletop Still Life, 1957 Oil on paper measuring 16 x 20 inches. Framed measurement, 23 x 27 inches. Signed and dated lower right.
Paper, Oil
$3,392
Lignes de rivage, Abstract seascape, textured, expressionism, Oil, French artist
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter whose work has been exhibited in museums and collected internationally. She is known for her deeply textured canvases that explore them...
Oil
$1,601Sale Price|20% Off
Details about LARGE 1970'S FRENCH MODERNIST SIGNED OIL - BRIGHT & COLORFUL INT
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed lower left, circa 1970's Title: The Interior. Medium: oil painting, on canvas, framed. Size: frame: 25 x 41inches painting: 23.5 x...
Canvas, Oil
Fried Egg Painting Original Breakfast Food Art Kitchen Wall Decor
Located in Zofingen, AG
## Fried Egg Painting Original Breakfast Food Art Kitchen Wall Decor This original oil painting transforms a simple fried egg into a striking contemporary still life through bold te...
Oil, Cardboard
Bambú de noite, Abstract painting. From The Series Matas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
For Jose Ignacio Suarez an abyss of time and space distances him from those who were the first inhabitants of the Brazilian coasts and of this vast American continent. His initial la...
Canvas, Acrylic
$16,450
Where I'm Bound - Original Atmospheric Vibrant Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Phoebe Brunner’s original oil paintings transform the American West and the California coast into luminous landscapes shaped by memory, atmosphere, and imagination. Her works draw fr...
Canvas, Oil
$4,094
Atelier des reliures Abstract library, Books, Oil paint, Contemporary, Geometric
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In Atelier des Reliures, Sophie Dumont revisits the motif of the library through a structured and rhythmic composition, where vertical forms evoke the presence of books while remaini...
Oil