Abstract More Art
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Paper, Ink, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic, Polymer
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mackey says she asked her patrons to help her title this impressionist painting of orange tulips, and she loved the sug...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Jeff Fleming describes his painting style as kinetic impressionism. In this piece, a beagle triumphantly retrieves a stick thrown into the ocean. Jeff started the piece with a pencil sketch on the canvas, then with gloved hands, he applied oil paint using his fingers. Details were later added using brushes. Once these layers of paint dried, he moved the piece to his studio floor. "At this point, I whisked paint in random but authoritative strokes - a speckling technique which replicates water splashing."
About the Artist
Artist Jeff Fleming uses fingerpainting to create exuberant portraits of dogs. Growing up in Southern California, Jeff was first introduced to fingerpainting in kindergarten. He painted through high school and college and won several art awards, including Best of Show in a city wide student competition. After graduating with a degree in journalism and advertising, he went to work as an art director. For the next 40 years, he created print, radio and television ads for a number of top agencies. "After retiring in 2019, the clouds of stress and pressure cleared and allowed me to set my creative energy free," says Jeff. He began developing new techniques focused on the excitement and energy of painting. Today, he uses a variety of methods and tools, including fingerpainting wearing nitrile gloves, traditional paint brushes, bamboo shish kebab sticks, kite string, spraypaint and splattering. While working, Jeff always listens to music, including Broadway musicals, dance music and rhythmic Hawaiian tunes.
Words that describe this painting: beagle, dog, pet, impressionism, Iris Scott...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas paints an impressionist view of a man walking his dog, casting shadows on the pavement. The pup dons a red winter coat as he treads the s...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Oil, Canvas
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer paints an impressionist landscape of lavender fields in Provence, France. "I enjoy the varying purples of the blooming flower," says Janet. Sh...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Joanie Ford depicts a few beachgoers enjoying a relaxing day out by the shore. Clouds provide a cool shadow from the sun's summer heat as a gentle breeze...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
1970s Abstract More Art
Permanent Marker
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Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Screen
Artist Comments
Artist Doug Cosbie paints a summer pastoral scene with barns and farmhouses in the distance. "There are many old family farms west of Washington DC in the county of Fauquier," says Doug. He includes the Stars and Stripes barn found near Delaplane, VA. Vivid hues of blue and green color the breezy natural landscape.
About the Artist
Artist Doug Cosbie presents the vibrancy found in nature with his impressionist, rural architecture centered artwork. Longing to create something that connects with people, Cosbie spent countless years perfecting how he portrays the world on canvas. Within his journey, he studied as an apprentice in the studios of Sam Black and Jack Shadbolt. As a plein air artist, Doug's studio is a portable pochade box. He begins by finding a location that speaks to him, makes a sketch, and continues to add depth and dimension with oil on canvas. "Creativity when making art is not about interpreting exactly as you see it. New ideas are formed by interesting contrasts, and interesting paintings happen when things are out of place." In the rare cases when he is not painting, you can find him reading, traveling, sailing, and spending quality time with his family. Cosbie's creations have been showcased at galleries in Canada. He is an alumnus of Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Words that describe this painting: barns, farm, landscape, Virginia, USA, United States, summer, hills, structures, buildings, architecture, pastoral, rural, town, sky, oilpaint, travel, impressionism, architecture, impressionism, travel, oil painting, blue
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
From his cityscape series, artist Stanislav Sidorov paints a vibrant display of the Venice Canal. Ornate gondolas drift along the emerald river. An arched walkway leads into the city, displaying old European architecture. The vibrant hues of turquoise and pink allow the impressionist piece to emphasize the structural details.
About the Artist
Stanislav Sidorov saturates his canvas with the expressive color characteristic of the Russian Realist...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Panel, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Heavy storm clouds and wind roll over the dark waves, tossing them into higher crests in this dramatic painting by artist Kristine Kainer. Ethereal horizons bri...
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Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Screen
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic
1980s Abstract More Art
Archival Paper
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
1980s Abstract More Art
Archival Paper
1980s Abstract More Art
Archival Paper
Artist Comments
An impressionist view of a sunny day on the California coast, with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. "Being by the ocean instills a sense of c...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas demonstrates an impressionist scene of a couple having an intimate conversation on a lake-side bench. "I was on a bike ride around the town of Niagara and came back to them still being there," says Robert. The figures bathe in the light of the sunset...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Ruth LaGue expresses an arrangement of two red poppies in a yellow ceramic vase. A lone petal falls onto the table's surface adding a dramatic touch. Ruth uses ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
The beauty of the mundane shines on artist Benjamin Thomas' painting of a gracefully lit wall. He captures the brief moment while having lunch on the porch with...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Part of artist Paula Martino's Maine series. This oil painting of trees along the coast of Peak's Island, Maine, was chosen to hang...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley takes inspiration from the Dutch post-impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh and combines it with Monterey Bay's vibrant color palette as the...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Gary Leonard draws inspiration from a daydreaming woman by the beach. The sun envelopes her in warmth evoking a feeling of peace and relaxation that only this p...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
"The plain and ordinary can also be great subject matter to paint," shares artist Brian McCarty. In this urban scene, Brian paints the side of an orange-painted...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer displays an expressive landscape of the highlands of France. Towering green trees stand against the azure skyline. "Provence is more than lave...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A small white boat floats along the edge of a dock in artist Andres Lopez's impressionist seascape. The calm crystalline waters mirror the refreshing coastal sc...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"Spring in California brings an abundance of wildflowers," says artist Kajal Zaveri. Inspired by long drives near the ocean, Kajal paints a vibrant piece captur...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A scene from heritage dairy and traditional crop farms located north of Frederick, Maryland. Artist Doug Cosbie painted the structures in oil, based on a plein ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
James Hartman paints a verdant landscape of vast rolling hills with two red barns on the field. He brings to life a visual image he captured as a sketch at Mt. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Ink, Screen
Artist Comments
Artist Mitch Davis-Mann displays pink poppies over a lush blue background. He takes inspiration from his very own backyard and paints the blooms en plein air. H...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas shows a sunny beach with softly crashing waves on the dark sand. Three Amish sisters enjoy a stroll on the receding water with their bare...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Andres Lopez paints an alluring bouquet of pink roses. He pays tribute to the flowers, regarding them as nature's treasure. A delicate mix of impressioni...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A mother embraces her child in artist Diana Elena Chelaru's tender expressionist portrait. "We all know as children and later on, as parents how much we love be...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker paints an expressionist seascape showing sailboats with colorful masts by the harbor. The sails flutter along the wind as the race is about to...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker demonstrates an expressionist still life of a joyful bouquet. Fresh blossoms spread out in a dainty burst, captured in the soft sunlight. "The white flowers with red centers remind me of love and kisses...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Gold Leaf
Artist Comments
Artist Warren Keating displays an image of a man riding a bicycle from an aerial view. "This painting was inspired by an early morning cyclist traveling on a de...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Acrylic
