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Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

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
48A315
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: We all run around, pretending we are very imporatnat and very busy.... Keywords: representational, architecture, street scenes, people
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Color Pencil

Sans titre
Located in PARIS, FR
Pencil on paper mounted on cardboard 132 x 95 cm (cadre)
Category

20th Century Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Carbon Pencil

Sans titre
Located in PARIS, FR
Oil and acrylic on paper original work circa 1960 H 74,5 x 56 x 3 cm (framed)
Category

1960s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

homme rouge (red man) - gouache on paper, 49x34 cm., framed
Located in Nice, FR
gouache on paper. Stamped and signed. Not framed. Last painter of the school of Nice. This is an important painter, the first school in nice to have exhibited in New York at the G...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

42A410
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: no comment..... Keywords: representaional, people, humor, surreal, imagination
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Color Pencil

Abstract Figure in Yellow and Blue watercolour by Charles Pulsford ARSA
Located in London, GB
To see our other Modern British Art, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the artist you want. Charles Pulsford ARSA (1912 - 1989) Abstract Figure in Yellow and Blue Watercolour and ink with wax resist 56 x 38 cm Signed lower right. An abstract figure in arresting colours. The artist plays with the intersection of round and lateral mark-making to form a human figure, perhaps reminiscent of a crucifixion. Pulsford's skill as an abstract landscape artist is also evident here, with the form suggestive of natural and industrial topography like fields, rivers, railway tracks, and electric pylons. Pulsford was born in Staffordshire to Scottish parents. His family returned to Dunfermline when he was a child, and he subsequently attended Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) between 1933 and 1937. He, along with other prominent Scottish artists, embraced modernism and abstraction following the end of the war. Alan Davie, William...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Charles Pulsford ARSA Abstract Landscape watercolour Modern British Art
Located in London, GB
To see our other Mid Century and Modern British Art, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the artist you want. Charles Pulsford...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Wax Crayon

"Modern Woman"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Joseph Meierhans (1890 - 1980) Joseph Meierhans is one of the most important modernist painters associated with Bucks Count...
Category

20th Century Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

"A Big Snake and Three, " Mixed Media on Paper - Abstract Expressive Drawing
Located in Houston, TX
In this mixed media drawing on paper, Ushio Shinohara's highly expressive depiction of line and form suggest a spirit that is meticulous in execution, yet unencumbered by restraint. ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Gouache

"Sushi Rolls with a Robot Appearing from a Subway Entrance, " - Abstract Drawing
Located in Houston, TX
This abstract drawing on paper features a highly expressive depiction of figure through manic and brazen employment of line work suggest a spirit that is meticulous in execution, yet...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Acrylic, Paper, Gouache

"Princess Is Welcoming a Crane, " Mixed Media on Paper - Expressive Drawing
Located in Houston, TX
In this mixed media work on paper, Ushio Shinohara's highly expressive depiction of form and figure through manic and brazen employment of line work suggest a spirit that is meticulo...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Gouache

French Contemporary Art by Francine Ledieu - Paris Metro
Located in Paris, IDF
Black chalk on paper Francine Ledieu is French artist born in 1931 who lives and works in Paris, France. In the 50s, she was a student of Maurice Rocher who specialized in Sacred ar...
Category

1960s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Chalk

"nothing more, nothing less 2 of 6" - earth pigment, texture, marble, soft
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work on paper features deep hues of pink, orange and yellow. The unframed piece measures 25 by 19 inches. Lizzy Storm is an Atlanta-based Artist and educator creating weathered...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Pigment

"nothing more, nothing less 5 of 6" - earth pigment, texture, marble, soft
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work on paper features deep hues of pink, orange and yellow. The unframed piece measures 25 by 19 inches. Lizzy Storm is an Atlanta-based Artist and educator creating weathered...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Pigment

"nothing more, nothing less 6 of 6" - earth pigment, texture, marble, soft
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work on paper features deep hues of pink, orange and yellow. The unframed piece measures 25 by 19 inches. Lizzy Storm is an Atlanta-based Artist and educator creating weathered...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Pigment

Circus Clown and Guitarist
Located in Milford, NH
A fine graphite drawing of a circus clown with guitarist by British / Canadian artist Jack Leonard Shadbolt (1909-1998). Shadbolt was born in Sho...
Category

1940s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Untitled 6
Located in BARCELONA, ES
In apparent disagreement with the state of grace of human anatomy, Nicola Cucchiaro goes to the very origins of artistic endeavor. His production consists of combining and displacing...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

"Woman Milking a Cow" Ink on Handmade Amate Paper signed by Miguel Castro Leñero
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Woman Milking a Cow" is an original ink painting/drawing on handmade amate paper by Miguel Castro Leñero. The artist wrote his initials lower right. The piece depicts a seated figur...
Category

1990s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Handmade Paper

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - If I Want to Die, I Must Die at Your Hands
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 101 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - Look of A Bird
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 101 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - You Have Me and I Have You
Located in Paris, IDF
IkInk & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 101 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - Time Toys
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 101 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - Sad Crane
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 101 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - I
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 171 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Chinese Contemporary Art by Wu You - Withstand
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & colour on paper - The artwork comes with COA Framed 101 x 51 x 4 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Georgian Contemporary Art by Nino Eliashvili - Moody
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Georgian Contemporary Art by Nino Eliashvili - Ridley Goes Fashion
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolor on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Georgian Contemporary Art by Nino Eliashvili - Inner
Located in Paris, IDF
Watecolor on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Georgian Contemporary Art by Nino Eliashvili - G-Love
Located in Paris, IDF
Watecolor on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Georgian Contemporary Art by Nino Eliashvili - I Hissing
Located in Paris, IDF
Watecolor on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Georgian Contemporary Art by Nino Eliashvili - Blued Lightness
Located in Paris, IDF
Watercolour on paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Mystical Indian Tribes of Arizona and Mexico with Head of Vulture
Located in Miami, FL
This work was done on the assignment and illustrate myths and culture of a book on the Pima and Papago Indian tribes of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Tinkelman's vision of t...
Category

1970s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Pen

"Arabian Nights" Figurative Painting 9" x 12" inch (1997) by Ibrahim Abd Elmalak
Located in Culver City, CA
"Arabian Nights" Figurative Painting 9" x 12" inch (1997) by Ibrahim Abd Elmalak Emancipation, 1991 Ink on Paper. Signed & dated View works. SHARE Abd Elmalak’s diverse portfolio exemplifies not only his versatility, but perhaps even more importantly his unique ability to blend the conventional and unconventional in thoughtful harmony, which esteemed Modernist and author Hussein Bicar (1913-2002) deemed a “highly intelligent duality between the kinetics of the universe and its stillness.” The selection of Abd Elmalak’s drawings is reflective of a compositional method that is based on free-flowing and distinct lines and contours that he uses to amalgamate caricature-Esque female figures with monuments and landmarks from his travels, script, animals, and natural elements into interconnected and unified tapestries. His selected paintings explore themes of entrapment, companionship, oppression, emancipation, and faith, which he explores and animate through his demure and virtuous women subjects...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

"#10 Mountain Oxen Series" Chinese abstract ink on paper drawing of oxen
Located in Edgartown, MA
Ink on Paper by Chinese artist The Eisenhauer Gallery has experience shipping artwork around the world.
Category

1990s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Peinzende vrouw
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon WOMAN ON RIVER 1951 Gouache on paper 41,5 x 59 cm. Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn van Tiel 51’ P...
Category

1950s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Peinzende man
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon PEINZENDE MAN 1945 watercolor on paper 36 x 46 cm. Signed and dated: lower left ‘Quirijn van Tiel 45’ Pr...
Category

1940s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Underworld (2a) Graphite Drawing, Abstract Style, 2010s, Unframed
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Robbie Cornelissen is one of the leading contemporary draughtsmen in the Netherlands. Cornelissen has established a reputation for the monumental, architectural drawings that he has ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite

Abstract figurative drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract figurative drawings and watercolors 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 figurative drawings and watercolors created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, green, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Zsolt Berszán, Nino Eliashvili , Antoni Janusz Pastwa, and David Dew Bruner. 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 figurative drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 3 inches across are also available. Prices for figurative drawings and watercolors 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 $121 and tops out at $90,000, while the average work sells for $1,150.