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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
Mad green 10 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Mad green 10 (Abstract Painting) Acrylic and pigments on paper — Unframed. Emma Godebska is a French abstract artist living in Nimes, France. Her use of natural pigments, reflectiv...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Pigment

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Watercolor on paper, c. 1971 Unsigned Provenance: From the collection of Ileana Sonnabend (1914-2007) Laddie John Dill, a Los Angeles artist, had his first solo exhibition i...
Category

1970s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Balancing Act 1 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Balancing Act 1 (Abstract painting) Gouache, graphite and ink on Rives paper - Unframed This work (unframed) incorporates graphite, ink, and gouache, and is a combination of intuit...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink, Gouache, Graphite

Contemporary Pink, Red, Yellow, Black Abstract Gestural Drawing on an Envelope
Located in Houston, TX
Contemporary pink, red, yellow and black gestural mixed media abstract by Houston, TX artist David Aylsworth. The work incorporates an envelope celebrating World Aids Day from 1993 a...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

BluesBlueGreen
Located in Westport, CT
Since 1974, Louise P. Sloane has been actively engaged in the studio as an abstract painter. Her work focuses upon geometric forms, grids and patterns. These detail oriented pieces ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

NALB
Located in Westport, CT
Since 1974, Louise P. Sloane has been actively engaged in the studio as an abstract painter. Her work focuses upon geometric forms, grids and patterns. These detail oriented pieces ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

P5.15 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
P5.15 (Abstract Painting) Collage and gouache on Japanese papers. Unframed. This gouache paint with collage on Japanese paper is a result of working with the accidental arrangement...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Mid Century Abstract Mixed Media Drawing by Rem Raymond Coninckx - Belgium
Located in Watford, Hertfordshire
Rem Raymond Coninckx was born on 28th March in Couvin (Belgium) 1904 and died in Dinan 1974. He was a painter, draftsman, engraver and also created metallic panels and mosaics. Cont...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media

Drawing For 3 Vertical Configurations For Horizontal 13 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Drawing For 3 Vertical Configurations For Horizontal 13 (Abstract painting) Acrylic on Fabriano-Terra paper - Unframed. "This work is part of a series titled ""Drawing for 3 configurations', emphasising 3 colours. It derives from the series Color as Adjective, a series of drawings...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Diagram Drawing 5 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Diagram Drawing 5 (Abstract Drawing) Colored pencil on paper - Unframed. This work will be shipped rolled in a tube. McGlynn is interested in how a minimally-determined presentation of form can critique the residual meaning of the mediated imagery of popular culture...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Color Pencil

Charles Pulsford ARSA Abstract Figure Stained Glass Design Gouache Scottish Art
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Gouache

Untitled 24.6.15 (Abstract Drawing)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 24.6.15 (Abstract Drawing) Pen and Inkjet on Paper - Unframed. Caldicott's drawings have a minimal esthetic, an architectural character, created with only one or two lines....
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pen, Inkjet

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 Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Wax Crayon

Morning Service, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika plays with light and shadow in this impression of St. Mary's Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The sunrise orientation delivers a strong ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

"Soft Light 09" Contemporary, colorful orange textured abstract pigment on paper
Located in Dallas, TX
Emma's artwork is inspired by the Parisian luxury world of fashion, textures and color. This lush orange and sunset hued artwork titled "Soft Light 09" works well on it's own or as a...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pigment

Drawing For 3 Horizontal Configurations 11 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Drawing For 3 Horizontal Configurations 11 (Abstract painting) Acrylic on Fabriano-Terra paper - Unframed. "This work is part of a series titled ""Drawing for 3 configurations', em...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

"Remembering My Arabesque" by Deborah Benedic
Located in Chesterfield, MI
This is a print of an original contour drawing. It is nicely matted and signed by the artist on the back. It is limited edition 1/1. Shipping options are available.
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Ink

Drawing For 3 Horizontal Configurations 9 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Drawing For 3 Horizontal Configurations 9 (Abstract painting) Acrylic on Fabriano-Terra paper - Unframed. "This work is part of a series titled ""Drawing for 3 configurations', emp...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

P1.14 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
P1.14 (Abstract Painting) Gouache on Japanese paper. Unframed. This gouache paint on Japanese paper is a result of working with the accidental arrangements of found colored papers ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Night 02 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Night 02 (Abstract Painting) Acrylic and pigments on lacquered wood board - Unframed "Framed in an American box. Emma Godebska is a French abstract artist living in Nimes, France. ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic, Pigment

Memento 07 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Memento 07 (Abstract Painting) Acrylic on Hahnemühle paper - Unframed Emma Godebska is a French abstract artist living in Nimes, France. Her use of natural pigments, reflective of ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

In Between 06 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
In Between 06 (Abstract Painting) Acrylic on Hahnemühle paper - Unframed Emma Godebska is a French abstract artist living in Nimes, France. Her use of natural pigments, reflective ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

In the Misty Mooring, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
"I wanted to make the boats in the foreground the focus of this marine scene," says artist Judy Mudd. "Therefore, I reimagined the more complicated image of the original photograph and created the misty, mysterious, and flowing environment of this piece." She depicts a cloudy harbor with boats parked...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

The Waters Above The Waters Below (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
The Waters Above The Waters Below (Abstract Painting) Acrylic on canvas — Unframed. Martina Nehrling is an American abstract artist whose dynamic and richly textured paintings evoke...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the artist Peter Marks (1935 -2010) Peter Marks was born in New York City on January 18, 1935. A lifetime New Yorker, Marks graduated from the Hig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Crayon

Untitled
$450 Sale Price
50% Off
Green Fields, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mudd takes inspiration from a journey through the lush countryside. She offers a captivating view of the bright field and a rural farmstead surrou...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled (Abstract)
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Anthony Caro (1924-2013) was an influential and innovative British sculptor. Caro played a pivotal role in the development of twentieth-century sculpture introducing abstraction thro...
Category

1960s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

City Landscape #2, black and white monochromatic urban architectural abstraction
Located in Brooklyn, NY
acrylic on archival Canson watercolor paper Mauricio Trenard is an artist, educator and arts activist. He says this series is of great interest to him, as it offers the potential ...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper

Cave Quilt, (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Cave Quilt, (Abstract Painting) Mixed media on paper - Unframed Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Although the initial inspiration for a painting might come from a fleeting experien...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Riprap 2 (Abstract Drawing)
Located in London, GB
Riprap 2 (Abstract Drawing) Colour pencil and acrylic on paper. Unframed. This fluid abstract work on paper is intuitively made with a coloured pencil and acrylic. The intersectin...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Color Pencil

15.04.2020 - TWO MILLION. FROM COVID-19 DOCUMENTARY ART on paper
Located in Zofingen, AG
Painting from COVID-19 documentary art collection. Participant SWISS ART EXPO 2020 in Zürich! All COVID paintings are published in the official catalog...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper

Untitled (Ref 12102) (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled (Ref 12102) (Abstract Painting) Ink on paper mounted on canvas - Unframed. Martín Reyna is an Argentinian-born abstract painter living in Paris, France. His gestural abstr...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Ink

Original abstract butterfly drawing by easily searchable artist Steve McElroy.
Located in Dallas, TX
This artist's butterfly work is in the current Veranda Magazine with Jan Showers. "Butterfly" original drawing on French papers, framed in a handmade color coordinated frame. The m...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

L.I.C. 2 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Spray paint, pencil, ink, watercolor on paper. Unframed. Peter Soriano works on relatively large sheets of Japanese paper with a tendency to work from something observed, ideally ar...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Spray Paint, Watercolor, Pencil

Sixteen Street 7.15 (Abstract Expressionism painting)
Located in London, GB
Gouache on paper - Unframed. Jill Moser is an American abstract artist whose work explores the intersection of “painting, writing and the animated image.” Her work is in the colle...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Peaceful Light, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar explores the tranquility of still waters and deep shadows in this peaceful coastal landscape. The sun's rays shine on the greenery w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Perspective 2022 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Perspective 2022 (Abstract painting) Ink on paper mounted on canvas - Unframed. Diptych, each element: 108 x 75 cm / 42.5 x 29.5 inch Martín Reyna is ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Ink

Colorful Watercolor Portrait of Seated Female in Blue and Pink Floral Dress
Located in Houston, TX
Colorful watercolor portrait of seated female in blue and pink floral dress by Mexican artist, Nadine Mayes. Signed by the artist in the bottom right corner and currently displayed ...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Pen

Ryan Cronin - Happy Holidaze, Drawing 2000
Located in Stamford, CT
Happy Holidaze Ryan Cronin Sharpie on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ryan Cronin - Duck, Drawing 1999
Located in Stamford, CT
Duck Ryan Cronin Oil Stick on Paper (ND) 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, alm...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Ryan Cronin - X Marks the Spot, Drawing 2002
Located in Stamford, CT
X Marks the Spot Ryan Cronin Oil-Based Pastel on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ryan Cronin - Chainsaw, Drawing 2002
Located in Stamford, CT
Chainsaw Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, al...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ryan Cronin - Mt Moped, Drawing 2002
Located in Stamford, CT
Mt Moped Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, al...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ryan Cronin - Untitled II, Drawing 2006
Located in Stamford, CT
Untitled II Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw,...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ryan Cronin - Untitled III, Drawing 2009
Located in Stamford, CT
Untitled III Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Ryan Cronin - Low Tide, Drawing 2006
Located in Stamford, CT
Low Tide Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, al...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

Sattva 40 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Encaustic on Okawara paper - Unframed. Adams works on panel and paper, using a mixture of paint, encaustic and graphite as well as elements of monotype and collage. Her background ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Encaustic

Untitled - Painting by Fred Bugs - 2022
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled artwork pastel,acrylic,water colours on paper by Fred Bugs 32x46 cm  N.36 of 100 Year: 2022
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Acrylic, Watercolor

Clifford Ellis Collage I Abstract watercolour gouache Mid-Century landscape
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of paintings from Clifford and Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this seller." C...
Category

Early 20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Prospectus 1 (Abstract Drawing)
Located in London, GB
Prospectus 1 (Abstract Drawing) Graphite on paper, Unframed. Margaret Neill works for a time on a group of pieces in a series, using classic almost primal materials such as graphit...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Yellow Arc, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Large bold watercolor on Arches watercolor paper with mat and modern European silver-gold wood frame with non-glare plexiglass and off white mat.. Photo of this piece in frame avail...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Warren 85. 18
Located in London, GB
Spray paint, pencil, ink, watercolor on paper. Unframed. Peter Soriano works on relatively large sheets of Japanese paper with a tendency to work from something observed, ideally ar...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Spray Paint, Watercolor, Pencil

"Cranberry Bog" Purple, Red, Black, and Gold Abstract Mixed Media Drawing
Located in Houston, TX
Colorful mixed media piece by Christine Alfery (from Flambeau, Wisconsin) that incorporates hues of purple, red, black, and swatches of gold leaf. Th...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Julii, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
"Restaurant Julii is a wonderful new fixture on the Washington, DC landscape," says artist James Nyika. "I was strolling the neighborhood and came across this...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Emotional Color Chart 170 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Emotional Color Chart 170 (Abstract painting) Pencil and Acrylic on Fabriano-Pittura paper - Unframed. This series, started in 2016 conveys a color and emotional language and is ins...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Pencil

Untitled 1 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Acrylic and oil on paper - Unframed Claude Tétot is a French abstract artist whose work expresses harmony in disharmony by exploring the enigmatic unity that can exist between seemi...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil, Acrylic

Spring Light (Green) (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Spring Light (Green) (Abstract Painting) Acrylic on wood board — Unframed. Emma Godebska is a French abstract artist living in Nimes, France. Her use of natural pigments, reflectiv...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Untitled 1-12 2017 (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 1-12 2017 (Abstract painting) Acrylic on paper - Unframed. This work, sold as a portfolio, is made of 12 works on paper, each artwork's dimensions are 70 x 50 cm - 27.5 x ...
Category

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Hopeful, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Patricia Prendergast depicts a popular fishing spot along the American River in Sacramento, California. "There were actually many fishermen there when ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing III Pink, Blue
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing III" 1990's Pastel, pencil on paper affixed to mat board Site measures 1.75"x1.75" silver wood frame 8.5"x8.5" Unsigned came from arti...
Category

1990s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Board, 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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