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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
Untitled 8 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 8 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Cathedral Woods, Monhegan Island, Maine Coast, Yolanda Fusco, Abstract
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Born in Czechoslovakia, Yolanda Fusco came to the United States in 1930. With a full scholarship, Fusco attended the Art Students League in New York where she studied with Vaclav Vyt...
Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled 9 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 9 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Untitled (unique) signed gouache painting (Framed) renowned Provincetown artist
Located in New York, NY
James Balla Untitled gouache painting, 1992 Mixed Media Oil on Linen Signed and dated on the front of the work; the verso of the frame bears the UFO (Albert Merola) gallery label. F...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Gouache, Pencil

Joker
Located in London, GB
Several Anastasia Kurakina's artworks have been included into the Vatican Museums collection since 2017 She has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London at bp portrait aw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Tempera, Watercolor

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Biological Structure Series 10-2097 - U, 1962 Signed, dated, and numbered. Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstra...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Red Picking - abstract nature inspired minimal collage of clay on paper
Located in New York, NY
The new works of Mylinh Nguyen designed from polymer resin, bring us into a nature whose refinement commands admiration. From the physiognomy of living or extinct plant species, the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Clay, Polymer

Untitled 10 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 10 (Abstract painting) Ink and perforantions on indian paper — Unframed. Fluctuating between illustration and expressionism, connecting the geometric and biomorphic worlds,...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Gentle Current - abstract nature inspired white minimal collage of clay on paper
Located in New York, NY
The new works of Mylinh Nguyen designed from polymer resin, bring us into a nature whose refinement commands admiration. From the physiognomy of living or extinct plant species, the ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Clay, Polymer

FICTION NO 305
Located in New York, NY
A leader in experimental ink painting, Pan Ying was born in Beijing in 1962. Her father is the famous oil painter, Pan Shixun, while her mother is the Chinese...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

"Summer table"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period. While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers whic...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series, Signed & Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Biological Structure Series 10-2098-B, 1962 Signed, dated, and numbered. Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

1990s Mixed Media "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing"
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing " 1990's Pastel, pencil charcoal on illustration board Site measures 3"x3" silver wood frame 9.75"x10.75" Unsigned came from artist's ...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Pastel, Illustration Board, Pencil

1990s Mixed Media "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing II"
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing II" 1990's Pastel, pencil charcoal on illustration board Site measures 3.5"x2.5" silver wood frame 10.5"x10.5" Unsigned came from arti...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Pastel, Illustration Board, Pencil

Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, pencil signed, Japanese-American art
Located in New York, NY
Taro Yamamoto Untitled Abstract Expressionist watercolor, ca. 1957 Watercolor wash, drips & splatter on rice paper Pencil signed on the front 12 × 16 inches Unframed Mid century mod...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Rice Paper, Pencil

"Provence"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Dear art lover, I enjoy working on semi-abstract artworks with an impressionist touch. This is the one of the artworks which was inspired by the beauty of the south of France and in particularly, by Provence region. Please read the details below 👇: Title: "Provence" Description : south of France nature landscape (Provence) of the wildflowers, plants, shreds, trees Style: impressionism, semi-abstract Medium: oil painting on a heavyweight professional paper Fabriano ( 300 gr) I hope this artwork will fill up your space with the vibes of the South of France (Provence). It is sold without frame. Hanging fixture will be included so you can hang it on the wall. If you don't want to hang it on the wall, you can display it on the console table, buffet , sideboard, shelf, fireplace etc.. My kind advice: you can choose another floral painting from my gallery to create one singular art piece ( a diptych or a triptych). The choice to sell my art unframed is to give my customer an opportunity to pick a frame to his/her taste, space and interior. This is a unique, one of a kind original oil painting. It is signed on the front and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The painting will be carefully packed in cardboard box with layers of bubble wrap and sent out to you as soon as possible. Please, give me a couple of days to organize a shipping from France...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil

Unbearable Lightness I, Original art, Oil pastel on paper, Landscape, Abstract
Located in Deddington, GB
Unbearable Lightness I by Richard Whadcock is a beautiful misty landscape depicting a golden translucent sky, brown translucent trees and a hint of orangy rust trees, giving the pain...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Paper

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled molded mud-dried paper with collage elements, 1996 Signed and dated lower edge (see photo) Annotated and titled verso Sheet size: 24 x 7 inches Provenance: Ralph Drake, fir...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Dialogue
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

balloons
Located in London, GB
Several Anastasia Kurakina's artworks have been included into the Vatican Museums collection since 2017 She has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London at bp portrait aw...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor Untitled - Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color Signed & Dated 1962. Framed and matted this painting would look great in any room. Aubrey Penny Water Color Untitled #2081, 1962 Untitled Aub...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Where My Love Is, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An abstract contemporary mixed media watercolor on canvas. This painting shows lots of thin colorful layers, giving it a dreamy but powerful atmosphere. The colors are partly handmix...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition 2 of 10
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash. The charc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper

Abbe Morel, Untitled, composition in black, orange, green and plum
Located in PARIS, FR
Maurice MOREL said l’abbé Morel (1908-1991) Untitled, composition in black, orange, green and plum Mixed media on glossy paper (cut-out magazine page) Signed on reverse 23 x 10 cm So...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

Hush
Located in London, GB
Several Anastasia Kurakina's artworks have been included into the Vatican Museums collection since 2017 She has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London at bp portrait aw...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Tempera, Watercolor

"Magic summer"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In my art practice I love to use bright colors which boldly contrast with complementary colors so I could get unusual original compositions and structures. The objective of this ar...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

Composition in green and yellow, watercolor and gouache on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011) Composition in green and yellow Watercolor and gouache on paper Signed lower left Dimensions of the work: 50 x 65 cm Dimensions of the frame: 60 x 80 c...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

Rock-n-roll baby
Located in London, GB
Anastasia Kurakina 's work on paper are part of Vatican Museums collection since 2017 artist: Anastasia Kurakina Title: “Rock-n-roll baby” original watercolour painting on paper, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Interconnections - colorful, contemporary, geometric abstract, paper collage
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This bold contemporary composition by Yvonne Lammerich is an intriguing exploration of colour and form. Origami-like folded shapes inter-connected by fine lines dance across this col...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Gouache, Color Pencil

Bursts of Harmony
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Aubrey Penny Ink and Watercolor Drawing with Hidden Faces. Untitled, Unsigned.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Ink and Watercolor Drawing with Hidden Faces. Untitled, Unsigned. 1970's Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in a...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Blue Addiction, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
One of my new mixed watercolor paintings, done at the Baltic Sea, where we had a lot of changing lights, water, wind, clouds... This painting shows lots of thin shadowy layers, gi...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Abstraction (No. 6)
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare black & white drawing from a woman artist, Lois Field, that studied at the New Bauhaus in Chicago. Framed to 9" x 11". In 1923, Lois Field was born as Lois Hossfield in Berw...
Category

1940s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Fragments
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Vintage Abstracted Expressionist Figurative Ink Drawing -- "How I REALLY Feel"
Located in Soquel, CA
Vintage Abstracted Expressionist Figurative Ink Drawing -- "How I REALLY Feel" Wonderful and evocative abstract expressionist ink drawing of a off-center standing male with slap-das...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink

Aubrey Penny Watercolor - Biological Structure Series - Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Water Color -Signed and Dated Biological Structure Series 10-2098 F, 1962 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist who worked in ...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Power
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

The Art of Poetry
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Playful Spirit. Fresh imprint of the impulse, Abstraction by Sve Gri
Located in Sempach, LU
Shipping in a tube rolled. This drawing is a fresh imprint of the impulse of the liveliness of the present moment. It is done on white watercolor paper using ink and two pastels. Wh...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Ink, Graphite

Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing Signed and Dated 1973
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing and Dated October 1973. Aubrey Penny Triomphe De Hasard Series #7573 10-7573, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative Calif...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Permanent Marker

Stormy Times, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
One of my mixed ink and watercolor paintings done in the colors of Ukraine that I see everywhere now. The times are rough and demanding for us all with democracy being threatened, a ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled, 1980, gouache on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Andrée HONOREE (1945-1992) Untitled, 1980 Gouache on paper Signed and dated "1980" lower center 43 x 31.5 cm Born in 1945 in Tourcoing, Andrée Honoré is one of the women sculptors w...
Category

1980s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Bursts of Creativity
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Aubrey Penny Abstract Watercolor - Biological Structure Series Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Abstract Water Color. Signed and Dated Biological Structure Series 16-2098-E, 1962 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative California abstract artist wh...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing Signed and Dated 1973
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aubrey Penny Original Marker Drawing and Dated October 1973. Aubrey Penny Triomphe De Hasard Series #7574 10-7574, 1973 Aubrey Penny (American 1917-2000) was an innovative Calif...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Archival Paper, Permanent Marker

Abstract Exploration
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my small collection of abstract paintings created in various soft neutral earth tones. Main colors of this collection are grey, brown, suede, black, white....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

"Summer bouquets and summer fruits"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period. While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers and ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Acrylic

Untitled (Inspired by a Chinese scroll painting)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Inspired by a Chinese scroll painting) Collage with ink on 6 paper elements Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the Artist Condition: Excellent Image size: 4 x 12 inches Support...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Sculpture', c. 2000 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Composition in Blue (mid century modern Abstract Expressionist signed/N, Unique
Located in New York, NY
Hans Hofmann Composition in Blue, 1952 Color silkscreen with unique hand painted gouache additions Hand signed and numbered on the front in ink Published by Esther Gentle and 167 Gal...
Category

1950s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache, Ink, Screen

"Water lilies"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In my art practice I love to use bright colors which boldly contrast with complementary colors so I could get unusual original compositions and structures. The objective of this ar...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

"Vibrant bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this abstract floral artwork I experience the world of nature through the bright colors of a summer period. While painting, I sought to capture the beauty of summer flowers whic...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

"Woman sleeping on couch"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This painting dedicated to "Women" series is a special one since it is all about my strong deep personal transformation as an artist. This transformation was based on the expansion ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

'Beyond your brilliant mind’, watercolour, abstract philosophical quote
Located in Lahti, FI
Original artwork, watercolour and pencil on paper by the multifaceted Finnish artist and holistic interior architect Emmi Granlund, also known as EMMI IIDA for her music with healing...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Pencil

Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Circles) Graphite on wove paper, 2007 Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the Artist Condition: Excellent Sheet/Image size: 16 15/16 x 14 inches Peter Marks (1935 -2010) Pete...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Graphite

Untitled t-nail drawing, unique geometric abstraction by top contemporary artist
Located in New York, NY
James Siena Untitled t-nail drawing (reference: two against two), 1999 Graphite on paper Pencil signed, titled, annotated and dated on the reverse of the sheet (see photos) also penc...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Graphite, 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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