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Abstract Figurative 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
Contemporary abstract impressionist floral paining on paper "Almond blossom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Almond Blossom” is a contemporary floral painting inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, featuring almond trees in full bloom with branches of delicate white and soft pink blossoms set again...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

VI p.m. Horses series
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I was drawn to the dynamic intensity and elegance of polo, a sport of both tradition and thrilling moments. By using a circular frame, I isolated the scene, f...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"I am here for you" (contemporary figurative art portrait of women on paper)
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
I enjoy working on impressionist artworks with an expressive touch. This artwork makes part of one of my favorite series dedicated to women whom I always want to represent as strong,...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Paper

Rekindled, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Friendship by Barbara Schaumann - Contemporary Abstract Cubistic Painting
Located in DE
Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

5835 - Original Figurative Abstract Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss artist Edith Konrad paints figurative abstract compositions with mixed media on canvas. She layers her expression of her emotional response to the subjects with dynamic texture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Board

Bird Under a Full Moon Original Acrylic on canvas by Eugene DeSmith
Located in Soquel, CA
Bird Under a Full Moon Original Oil on canvas by Eugene DeSmith Expressive abstract painting by California and Indiana artist Dennis E. Smith AKA Eugene DeSmith (American, B-1950) Eu...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Large Scale Bay Area Figurative Inspired -- The Young Trumpet Player
Located in Soquel, CA
Large Scale Bay Area Figurative Inspired -- The Young Trumpet Player Compelling Bay Area Figurative Movement inspired painting of a young trumpet player, circa 1990. Unsigned. Unframed. The Bay Area Figurative Movement (also known as the Bay Area Figurative School, Bay Area Figurative Art, Bay Area Figuration, and similar variations) was a mid-20th Century art movement made up of a group of artists in the San Francisco Bay Area who abandoned working in the prevailing style of Abstract Expressionism in favor of a return to figuration in painting during the 1950s and onward into the 1960s. Spanning two decades, this art movement is often broken down into three groups, or generations: the First Generation, the Bridge Generation, and the Second Generation. Many of the "First Generation" artists in this movement were avid fans of Abstract Expressionism, and worked in that manner, until several of them abandoned non-objective painting in favor of working with the figure. Among these First Generation Bay Area Figurative School artists were: David Park, Richard Diebenkorn, Rex Ashlock, Elmer Bischoff, Glenn Wessels, Wayne Thiebaud, Raimonds Staprans, and James Weeks. The "Bridge Generation" included the artists: Henrietta Berk, Nathan Oliveira, Theophilus Brown, Paul Wonner, Roland Petersen, John Hultberg, and Frank Lobdell. Many "Second Generation" artists of this movement studied under the First Generation artists, or were late starters. Among these Second Generation artists were: Bruce McGaw, Henry Villierme...
Category

1990s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Gold and Pink in Paris" Abstract Figure Gown Haute Couture Oil Painting Paper
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Retrouvailles
By Paul Guiragossian
Located in PARIS, FR
Unique artwork by Paul Guragossian Signed lower left Born to Armenian parents, who were survivors of the Armenian genocide, Paul Guiragossian experienced the consequences of exile f...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Texas 16
Located in Dallas, TX
oil on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"A bird"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The picture of the helicopter with a flower collage elements was painted 2 weeks before the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Whispers of Spring among us by Gaetan de Seguin Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and setting...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Three Angels - Mid Century Hawaiian Symbolist Figurative Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
Symbolic Hawaiian nocturnal figurative of whispy angel figures with mountains and bridge by Marguerite Louis Blasingame (American; 1906-1947), circa 1940-45. Marguerite and her husband Frank Blasingame...
Category

1940s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

The Mistress of the Copper Mountain , 200x85 cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
The Mistress of the Copper Mountain , 200x85 cm, oil on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Clown Diva
By Jerry W Ward
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderfully vivid mid century abstract expressionist painting by San Francisco artist Jerry W Ward (American, b. 1968), circa 2000. Titled "Erotic Clown Diva" and signed verso. Condi...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Contemporary abstract impressionist floral oil painting "Fusion of red roses"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Fusion of Red Roses” is a contemporary semi-abstract impressionist painting with touches of expressionism, featuring three vibrant red roses in full summer bloom. Part of Natalya M...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Flower Temple. Large Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Francesca Owen is an award winning contemporary fine art painter and a former Slade graduate where she studied under some influential artists such as Dame Phyllida Barlow RA CBE, And...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

ORÍ GUERREIRO TAMOYO, Painting. From the Series Figures
Located in Miami Beach, FL
For Jose Ignacio Suarez an abyss of time and space distances him from those who were the first inhabitants of the Brazilian coasts and of this vast American continent. His initial la...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Angelique" Abstract Figure with Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

Ramon Poch Especting original acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
R. Poch. 121 original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de la...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Summer Idyl, abstract expressionist painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres American, 1927-2013 Summer Idyl, c. 1985 acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 44.75 x 62.75 inches Richard Andres wa...
Category

1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic

Blooms II - impressionistic painting on linen canvas with 3d roses
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic on linen canvas, 50x50x2 cm / 19,7x19,7x0,8 in. This painting features a serene composition of red and pink roses, capturing the essence of tranquility and self-contentment....
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Acrylic

Painting Bold Abstract Nature Seasons Transformation Maximalism Warm Invest
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: You are my Autumn and my Spring Large artwork Painting Bold Abstract Nature Seasons Transformation Maximalism Warm Investment In this painting, I connected to that which cha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Glaze, Underglaze, Acrylic, Engraving, Stretcher Bars

Pure 17
Located in Fresno, CA
"Pure 17" is an oil on Canvas of sharply contrasting blues on a white field. Frank Arnold is thought by many to be one of the foremost abstract figurative painters and sculptors of o...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Red Dress 5 - Framed Dynamic Original Red Figurative Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel, an internationally collected artist, effortlessly channels vitality and sensuality through her awe-inspiring collection of abstract and figurative paintings. With an u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Graphite, Mixed Media, Oil

Large scale Contemporary figurative abstract textured oil painting, brown/white
Located in Maricopa, AZ
"Concept of Individuality" is a large scale abstract figurative original painting by Svetlana Shalygina. In her signature fashion, it is a truly unique combination of intricate text...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Original butterfly oil painting by prominent searchable artist Steve McElroy.
Located in Dallas, TX
This artist's butterfly work is in the current Veranda Magazine with Jan Showers. "Butterfly" original oil on canvas painting by Steve McElroy, 2024. B...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Spring
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
From the spring collection. it is oil on canvas board. The painting size is 8"x10" without a frame.
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Early Morning Dartmoor by Georgie Dowling, Contemporary landscape painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Early morning, Dartmoor by Georgie Dowling [2022] original and hand signed by the artist oil paint on board Image size: H:30 cm x W:30 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:30 cm x W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Goldie" Abstract Figure in Chanel Gown Haute Couture Painting on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Five Lines With Dots
Located in Dallas, TX
ink & graphite on mulberry paper
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Mulberry Paper, Graphite

Enchanted Forest Dance, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

I Want and I Will
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork "I Want and I Will" visualizes the inner struggle between the authentic self and the idealized image of oneself, drawing on Jungian concepts of the "shadow" and the arche...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Shining Lotus.Indigo
Located in Zofingen, AG
SERIES "MANIFESTATIONS OF DIVINE." The lotus, blooming in twilight shades of indigo, symbolizes the mystical transition from the earthly to the spiritual. Its petals, illuminated by ...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Winter lotus
Located in Zofingen, AG
SERIES "MANIFESTATIONS OF DIVINE." The lotus is an ancient sacred symbol embodying cosmic creative energy, spiritual purity, and perfection. Revered across cultures, it represents ha...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

St. George, Painting. From the Series Figures
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"For Jose Ignacio Suarez an abyss of time and space distances him from those who were the first inhabitants of the Brazilian coasts and of this vast American continent. His initial l...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

ORÍ GUERREIRO DANIEL NA COVA DOS LEÕES, Painting. From the Series Figures
Located in Miami Beach, FL
For Jose Ignacio Suarez an abyss of time and space distances him from those who were the first inhabitants of the Brazilian coasts and of this vast American continent. His initial la...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Quiet Retreat
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & oil stick on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Oil

5319 - Original Figurative Abstract Artwork on Canvas Mounted on Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss artist Edith Konrad paints figurative abstract compositions with mixed media on canvas. She layers her expression of her emotional response to the subjects with dynamic texture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Board, Canvas, Mixed Media

Rosie Red - Romantic Red and Pink Floral Painting Expressive Still Life Bouquet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome specializes in dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks. Her expressive style emphasizes line structure, creating vibrant paintings that celebra...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Studio 1528
Located in Fresno, CA
"Studio 1528" Oil on Canvas presents a bold visage in blues and white on a mixed field dominated by blues and green tone. Frank Arnold is viewed as one of the foremost abstract figurative painters and sculptors of our time. He is a living master guided by a personal mission to “turn on a light in the human soul,” through his passionate creation of “Messengers” from his deeper mind connection with Carl Jung's archetypal images, the collective unconscious, and Jungian Synchronicity. These unconscious forms from his deeper mind resonate as personal messages of universal acceptance, reaching out to the viewer. Arnold has been honored as IAD Artist of the year 2018 by International Artist Day, and 2013 FAC Horizon Artist Award. He has exhibited his artwork in numerous galleries and museums, and is in collections worldwide. Arnold divides his working days between oil painting in San Jose del Cabo, Baja Sur...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Provincetown (Cape Cod landscape)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful ca.1930 double-sided abstract painting by American artist, James Floyd Clymer (1893-1982). On the Docks, Sunset. Watercolor and pencil on paper measures 15 x 20.5 inches. S...
Category

Early 20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Rag Paper, Pencil

Bringing Home the Life Giving Air
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & oil on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

In Refuge with Impurities
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & oil on canvas
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Palm Springs Vibe - Large Black White Piano Entertainment Figurative Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Guided by her passion for life and her spirit, French Canadian painter Zabel creates vibrant artworks filled with romance and immersive textures. With a belief that art is all about feeling, she creates magic and captures the moment by infusing her art with strong emotive qualities. Zabel communicates each scene with precision. Her work evokes the Impressionists, but depicts modern love and adventure. Couples stand at bar top tables...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Circle of Pablo Picasso Nude Abstract Figurative Monotone Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Superb period work from the 1960's era - very close in every respect to the later works by Pablo Picasso. The artwork is not signed but we believe it to be of French authorship. Pr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

"La Corrida", "The Bull Run", French Abstract Expressionist Oil on Board.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late 20th century abstract Expressionist oil on board by French artist Emmanuelle Bardet. Signed bottom right and dated 95 and titled "La Corrida" to the reverse along with a dedicat...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Princess in Paris" Figure in Chanel Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"The 4th of July" (2023) By Lorenzo Chavez, Original Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"The 4th of July" (2023) by Lorenzo Chavez is a colorful abstract painting made with oil on panel. About the artist: Born, 1959 Lorenzo Chavez is a renowned fine artist specializin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Mystery of leaves"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Executed in 2025 amid the full-scale war in Ukraine, this still life is created in an expressive, deconstructive manner, incorporating collage-like elements that reference the abstra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Red Dress 1 - Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses vitality and sensuality in her abstract and figurative paintings. “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, dancers and peopl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Angelica, Abstract Figure, Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
An abstract, whimsical and bold depiction of a woman standing gracefully in a blue gown against a sunburst background with delicate details. This piece captures the essence of fashio...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

"Women move"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This series of paintings explores the depth of human relationships and the spiritual world through dynamic compositions, where lines and color planes create a sense of constant movem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Study for Guidance, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

French Contemporary Abstract Painting Gold Highlights Expressionist Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French expressionist/ abstract contemporary artist, 21st century Title: Abstract composition Medium: oil/mixed media painting on canvas, unframed. canvas: 25.75...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas, Mixed Media

Morning Contemplation, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

New Move
Located in Fresno, CA
"New Move 8" Oil on Canvas is a mix of blues and greens with chrome yellow accents. Frank Arnold is thought by many to be one of the foremost abstract figurative painters and sculpto...
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hares, 78x54cm, acrylic/paper/pastel
Located in Yerevan, AM
Hares, 2023, 78x54 cm
Category

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Acrylic

"Days of the week"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This series of works was born in one breath from the heaviness of the day and became a breath of hope of tenderness and love. Everyone deserves love, that's what this series is calle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract figurative 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 figurative 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 Cindy Shaoul, Simon Richard Halimi, Frank Arnold, and Judith Berry. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available. Prices for figurative 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 $121 and tops out at $570,000, while the average work sells for $2,500.