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.
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
"This painting was inspired by a feeling—a rekindling of the soul," says artist Pamela Blaies. "Using color temperature, I wanted to create the impression o...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 2000s Abstract More Art
Lithograph, Offset
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Paper, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Onelio lives near Manhattan and travels there often. Grand Central Station is one of his frequent stops. "It is a marvelous interior space that bustles with c...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Suren Nersisyan shows an inviting view of a vineyard that draws the eyes further towards a scenic mountain range lining the distance. Rows of grapevine...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Wood, Offset
Artist Comments
Artist Sherri Aldawood shares her fascination with light by using highly contrasting colors. In this piece, she makes elegant Koi fishes her subjects. The symbol of love, strength and dedication. She mimics their graceful movements into her strokes resulting into this tranquil composition.
About the Artist
Sherri Aldawood didn't intend to always paint flowers, but over time her love of gardens started to permeate her art. She focuses on the light and color of the flowers on the canvas. Sherri prefers alla prima, working with wet layers of paint instead of letting them dry. She keeps the paint as wet as possible by using walnut and clove oil...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Part of artist Onelio Marrero's ongoing series exploring scenes from the world of ballet. Two ballerinas prepare their costumes on stage during a rehearsal an...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Stainless Steel
Artist Comments
A man casts off from a dock in morning sunshine, his reflection softly distorted in the lapping water below. "The fisherman prefers catching fish early in the...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Color
Artist Comments
"Monet's Garden in Giverny, France - just a delightful train ride outside of Paris - never fails to inspire artists just as it was intended to do when it was ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Every spring, artist Melissa Gannon looks for the first blooming roses. She paints a joyful response to the wonders of the sprin...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
I was inspired to create this piece after spending several days in the Henry Mountains in Utah. It was monsoon season and after some storms, the clouds were c...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
1980s Abstract More Art
Paper, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Porcelain, Screen, Cardboard, Mixed Media
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a tender mother and daughter moment in a river. Created as a figurative study for a larger painting of the same setting. The subj...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Color
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
"In this painting, I wanted to further my explorations of interiors in dramatic lighting and the look of folds on unmade beds," explains artist Onelio Marrero...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Stainless Steel
Artist Comments
In his signature style, artist John Jaster paints this famous tree in Pebble Beach, California. Overlooking Carmel Bay, The Lone Cypress...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Brian McCarty depicts a quiet rural home behind a red barn. Surrounded by a field of grass and autumnal trees, a car sits on the winding dirt path. "Everyday life is caught in a moment," says Brian. "Arriving home, or getting ready to leave home. A lazy afternoon." Just the type of subject Brian loves to paint.
About the Artist
Artist Brian McCarty paints idyllic landscapes and bucolic architecture. “Growing up in rural New Jersey, I’ve always found old houses, barns, and the countryside interesting subjects,†says Brian. Influenced by his mom who was a self-taught artist and art teacher, she encouraged Brian to pursue anything artistic. After graduating from Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art and earning his BA in Art from Thomas Edison State College, he worked professionally as a graphic designer in New York for the largest publishing houses in the country. A career that spanned thirty-six years. Brian has done comedy and sketch writing with the Groundling Theater, and worked in a few major feature films as an actor. To begin his process, Brian takes photos of his references with an iPad, crops the images to his liking, and paints directly on his canvas with a quick oil wash. Recently returning to painting full time, he converted a room in his house into a working studio. “I get lots of natural light, and listen to music and podcasts while I paint.â€
Words that describe this painting: country, house, home, barn, farmhouse, farm life, country living, road, architecture, impressionism, autumn, oilpaint, architecture, impressionism, oil painting, green, brown
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Artist Comments
A gentle touch, a delicate figure, a woman glows under a warm dappled ray of sunlight. "I especially enjoyed painting all of the beautiful colors in this scene," artist Sherri Aldawood says about capturing her model Alana, posing in a garden one spring morning.
About the Artist
Sherri Aldawood didn't intend to always paint flowers, but over time her love of gardens started to permeate her art. She focuses on the light and color of the flowers on the canvas. Sherri prefers alla prima, working with wet layers of paint instead of letting them dry. She keeps the paint as wet as possible by using walnut and clove oil to extend the drying time.
Words that describe this painting: portrait, woman, figure, figurative, Arizona, southwest, garden, nature, outdoors, spring, flowers, floral, John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, impressionism, female, romantic, impressionism, people, oil painting, green
Alana in the Flower Garden...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Ryan Pickart layers art historical references in this sensual nude. The painting tells the Greek myth of Alcmene and Galant...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Crystal DiPietro reflects a magnificent view of Southwestern Arizona. On an evening hike, Crystal came across prickly pear ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Tatiana Iliina expresses a solemn woodland at sunrise. "The air is crisp and a cool breeze touches the hardwood trees," narrates Tatiana. The sun slowl...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Screen
Artist Comments
Waits River is a small village on Highway 25 southeast of Stowe, Vermont. "The church, buildings and barns presented an iconic view of New England...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Using a limited palette of transparent purples and yellows, artist Valerie Berkely presents a calming abstract floral. "I want ...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Abstract More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Elley displays the entryway of a welcoming building inspired by the architecture of quaint villages in Italy. The light accentuates the rustic sto...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract More Art
Stainless Steel
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Color
1980s Abstract More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Sally Adams shares a dreamlike view of a trail going through an autumnal forest. She draws inspiration from a reference phot...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Silk
Artist Comments
With an undertone of cool colors, artist Janet Dyer presents a serene composition of summer in Provence, France. Lush greene...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
"The artwork is from my cityscapes of Paris," shares artist Suren Nersisyan. "I love the bridges of this city connecting the banks of the Seine river. The sof...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
2010s Abstract More Art
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Judy Mackey created this expressive semi-abstract garden view while thinking about the new flowers springing up from the ground and the daylight-saving...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract More Art
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
2010s Abstract More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
