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Woman with Pitcher oil on canvas painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
the background place the figure in a space of contemplation rather than narrative action.
The
Category
1950s Impressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$427 Sale Price
40% Off
Patrol Boys - Contemporary Figurative History Oil Painting
Located in Boston, MA
solutions are behind the ideas that inspired this painting. The composition is inspired by the historical
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
Lustre - original impressionism African wildlife paintings - contemporary Art
By Catherine Ingleby
Located in London, Chelsea
deepens the narrative quality of the painting.
Catherine Ingleby’s impressionist style shines through in
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Structured Poetics, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
By Liam Hennessy
Located in Yardley, PA
elements within the work hints of narrative or representation may emerge. :: Painting :: Abstract
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Woman, Dog
Spring Flowers Figurative Abstract Painting with Petroglyphs
By Cindy Kane
Located in Soquel, CA
underlie all systems of art and narrative. Her paintings begin with a black background, into which she
Category
1980s Post-Modern Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$10,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Contemporary abstract Impressionist nature painting boat beach "Seaside pause"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
narrative.
Her approach to painting is deeply intuitive and spontaneous. Natalya works in a single
Category
2010s Abstract Impressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
James Jeffrey Grant Gloucester Harbor Oil Painting New England Maritime
Located in Rockport, MA
Painting Size (unframed): 14" x 16"
Framed Size: 21" x 23"
Signature: Signed lower right
This
Category
Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
Cindy Kane 1985 Original Painting on Plywood
By Cindy Kane
Located in New York, NY
of art and narrative. Her paintings begin with a black background, into which she carves figures
Category
1980s American Modern Abstract Paintings
Materials
Plywood, Oil
"Remix’D-6 (Peach Tea)" Oil Painting
By Grant Gilsdorf
Located in Denver, CO
Grant Gilsdorf's "Remix’D-6 (Peach Tea)" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a Black
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Remix’D-5 (Grape Soda)" Oil Painting
By Grant Gilsdorf
Located in Denver, CO
greater narratives hidden within the paintings.
He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2006
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Remix’D-4 (Blue Slushie)" Oil Painting
By Grant Gilsdorf
Located in Denver, CO
narratives hidden within the paintings.
He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2006. His work
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Playground Bywater -original sureal cityscape wildlife painting -modern artwork
By Nathan Neven
Located in London, Chelsea
urban background contributes to the narrative of the painting.
"Playground" is a framed and signed
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Cabin in September - Minimalist Figurative Landscape Painting
By Mike Gough
Located in Los Angeles, CA
in the narrative. These paintings partially stem from a fear of memory loss as a result of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
"Orbit" Portrait Oil Painting D 48" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
calligraphic poetry to convey her narrative. Although painting is central to her work, May’s practice is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Panel, Oil
Urban Bloomscape - Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Contemporary Pop Art
By Michelle Thomas Artist
Located in Woodstock, GA
work celebrates individuality, identity, and the evolving narratives of modern life.
Her paintings
Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Materials
Wire
Contemporary abstract floral painting purple flowers paper "Trinity of petals"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
painting avoids narrative in favor of feeling. It invites the viewer into a meditative experience — one
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Contemporary abstract floral painting purple flowers paper "Blooming in purple"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
painting avoids narrative in favor of feeling. It invites the viewer into a meditative experience — one
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
"Girl with Peppers" by Shelli Langdale, Oil Painting
By Shelli Langdale
Located in Denver, CO
her education when she began exploring personal narratives and symbolism in her paintings that center
Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Robert Kenneth White “Dog with Bird House” Whimsical Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in Miami, FL
narrative
✓ Hand-signed original oil painting by an established American realist
ARTWORK DETAILS:
▸ Title
Category
2010s Realist Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Saint Sebastian - original painting on round canvas Paula Craioveanu
By Paula Craioveanu
Located in Forest Hills, NY
. The hands, delicately holding the spear and branch, contribute to the painting's narrative of quiet
Category
2010s Surrealist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
French school Landscape a taste of Provence Signed oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
. This quality of invitation and mystery gives the painting narrative potential beyond its static moment
Category
1930s Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Home Near The Lake - Minimalist Serene Landscape Painting
By Mike Gough
Located in Los Angeles, CA
the viewer to insert themselves in the narrative. These paintings partially stem from a fear of memory
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
"Severance" Oil Painting 48" x 60" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
calligraphic poetry to convey her narrative. Although painting is central to her work, May’s practice is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
"Looking Glass" Bedroom Mirror Reflection Oil Painting
By Lauren Rinaldi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
personal narrative. Her paintings and drawings are meant to inhabit the space where the line between sexual
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
17th Century Oil on Canvas Flemish Painting Landscape with Figures, 1640
By David Teniers the Younger
Located in Vicoforte, IT
background.
The painting combines narrative finesse and decorative appeal, offering a fascinating glimpse of
Category
1640s Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"The Uncanny" Oil Painting 12" x 9" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
calligraphic poetry to convey her narrative. Although painting is central to her work, May’s practice is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Large Figural Abstract Late 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Tàpies, to name a few.
"My paintings are] a narrative which could be carried out on stage as well as
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
Large Figural Abstract Late 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Giacometti, Jean Dubuffet, Sean Scully, and Antoni Tàpies, to name a few.
"My paintings are] a narrative
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
Large Black Figural Abstract 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Giacometti, Jean Dubuffet, Sean Scully, and Antoni Tàpies, to name a few.
"My paintings are] a narrative
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
Large Figural Abstract Late 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Giacometti, Jean Dubuffet, Sean Scully, and Antoni Tàpies, to name a few.
"My paintings are] a narrative
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
Achilles-original modern figurative abstract oil painting-contemporary Artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
the narrative and depth. Sometimes a painting must go through many deaths, in order to be born again
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Sojourn-original abstract modern landscape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery and online.
Mark Acetelli's "Sojourn" unveils an exquisite original abstract painting that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$3,728 Sale Price
20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressive woman
s portrait acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
background, offering contrast while also deepening the painting's visual narrative.
The absence of finer
Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
"On a Flower of Recognized Faces" Oil Painting
By Shelli Langdale
Located in Denver, CO
exploring personal narratives and symbolism in her paintings that center on the ephemerality of
Category
2010s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel, Wax
"Carry You" Oil Painting 20" x 20" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
integrates elements of fashion, music and calligraphic poetry to convey her narrative. Although painting is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Goldfinch - Original Colorful Floral Figurative Bird Painting on Canvas
By Naomi Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
narrative approach to painting. She is also inspired by the patterns of William Morris and has found them to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Folk Art Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Lacquer, Acrylic
Doomsday
original abstract painting signed by Ariel McClearin
By Ariel McClearin
Located in Milwaukee, WI
organic movement of Abstract Expressionism, the painting weaves a playful narrative — and the painting
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
19th Century Oil on Canvas French Antique Biblical Painting Hagar and Ishmael
Located in Vicoforte, IT
arid landscape and earthy colors accentuate the drama of the narrative. The painting combines narrative
Category
1860s Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Jules" - Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting by Kelly Birkenruth, 2024
By Kelly Birkenruth
Located in Denver, CO
painting’s evocative narrative, drawing the viewer into a moment of serene introspection. The muted, textured
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Robert Kenneth White “Dog Cart #6” 2016 Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
than explicit storytelling.
WHY COLLECT THIS WORK?
✓ Narrative figurative painting with symbolic and
Category
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Birth Expectations" Oil Painting 36" x 60" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
poetry to convey her narrative. Although painting is central to her work, May’s practice is multifaceted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Fishing Boats Harbour Scene with Seagulls British Coastal Watercolour Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
atmospheric and full of narrative charm.
The painting showcases Steane’s distinctive draughtsmanship and eye
Category
Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Richell Castellon, "NYC Walk", 36x20 Monochromatic Manhattan Acrylic Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
a moody dramatic narrative to the painting.
About Richell Castellon:
Cuban-born Impressionist
Category
2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Lines of Light #6 (Vesper) - Moody Cool Tone Surrealist Landscape Painting
By Mike Gough
Located in Los Angeles, CA
simultaneously invite the viewer to insert themselves in the narrative. These paintings partially stem from a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Large Antique Austrian Oil Painting Italian Market Street Scene Unterberger
By Franz Richard Unterberger
Located in London, GB
Large Antique Austrian Oil Painting Italian Market Street Scene Unterberger
Austrian, Late 19th
Category
Late 19th Century Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Untitled - Original Surrealist Colorful Floating Island Ocean Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rob Katkowski’s original oil painting on wood panel, titled Untitled, is a masterful blend of
Category
2010s Surrealist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
"Nature’s Way" Oil Painting 72" x 36" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
integrates elements of fashion, music and calligraphic poetry to convey her narrative. Although painting is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
"(Clydesdale) Duck Pond" - Colorful Abstract Landscape Painting - Diebenkorn
By Katherine Sandoz
Located in Atlanta, GA
layered narratives. Sandoz' paintings and fiber works have exhibited internationally. She also creates
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Robert K. White "Frame and Pause" Large Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting
Located in Miami, FL
mastery with narrative restraint. His paintings are grounded in direct observation, favoring clarity of
Category
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Painting of Napoleon III at the Naval Battle, oil on panel France
Located in Valladolid, ES
composition balanced. The composition is in keeping with the painting's narrative. The patina is consistent
Category
1880s Romantic Landscape Paintings
Materials
Panel
Spring Serenity, Oil Painting
By Nicole Lamothe
Located in San Francisco, CA
bloom and the final painting is a narrative of growth that takes place over the course of several days
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Making Space" Lauren Rinaldi, oil painting, figurative, nude
By Lauren Rinaldi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
body image, sexuality and self-identity and is often informed by her own personal narrative. Her
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Ophelia - Original Earthy Floral Feminine Figurative Portrait Painting on Canvas
By Naomi Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Naomi Jones’s evocative figurative painting captures the essence of feminine serenity and nature
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Folk Art Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Lacquer
“Echoes in Blue”, 2025, Mixed Media and Oil on Canvas, Abstract Painting
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Large-scale abstract painting by Spanish artist Antoni Amat (b. 1960). Echoes in Blue (2025
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Oil
Leopards of Mumbai - Leopard Trees Gold Map India Nature Animal Painting, 2022
By Francine Fox
Located in Kent, CT
together, creating a seamless image with layers of narrative complexity.
This painting looks at the
Category
2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Mica
Subway Sonnet #140 - Large Mixed Media Abstract Expressionism Painting
By Susan Washington
Located in Los Angeles, CA
paintings, she strives to emulate the process by which these metallic surfaces have become the backdrop for
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Spray Paint
"Killing Them Quietly" Oil Painting 24" x 24" inch by Genevieve May
By Genevieve May
Located in Culver City, CA
"Killing Them Quietly" Oil Painting 24" x 24" inch by Genevieve May
Medium: Oil and gold leaf on
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
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Narrative Painting For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate narrative painting for your needs in our varied inventory. There are many Contemporary, Abstract and Expressionist versions of these works for sale. Finding the perfect narrative painting may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right narrative painting is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes black, gray, brown and white. There have been many interesting narrative painting examples over the years, but those made by Tom Bennett, Stephen Basso, Fiona Ackerman, Britt Spencer and Gerard Schriemer are often thought to be among the most thought-provoking. Artworks like these of any era or style can make for thoughtful decor in any space, but a selection from our variety of those made in paint, oil paint and paper can add an especially memorable touch.
How Much is a Narrative Painting?
The average selling price for a narrative painting we offer is $1,450, while they’re typically $300 on the low end and $18,000 for the highest priced.
Finding the Right Paintings for You
Painting is an art form that has spanned innumerable cultures, with artists using the medium to tell stories, explore and communicate ideas and express themselves. To bring abstract paintings, landscape paintings, still-life paintings and other original paintings into your home is to celebrate and share in the long tradition of this discipline.
When we look at paintings, particularly those that originated in the past, we learn about history, other cultures and countries of the world. Like every other work of art, paintings — whether they are contemporary creations or works that were made during the 19th century — can often help us clearly see and understand the world around us in a meaningful and interesting way.
Cave walls were the canvases for what were arguably the world’s first landscape paintings, which depict natural scenery through art. Portrait paintings and drawings, which, along with sculpture, were how someone’s appearance was recorded prior to the advent of photography, are at least as old as Ancient Egypt. In the Netherlands, landscapes were a major theme for painters as early as the 1500s. Later, artists in Greece, Rome and elsewhere created vast wall paintings to decorate stately homes, churches and tombs.
Today, creating a wall of art is a wonderful way to enhance your space, showcase beautiful pieces and tie an interior design together.
No matter your preference, whether you favor Post-Impressionist paintings, animal paintings, Surrealism, Pop art or another movement or specific period, arranging art on a blank wall allows you to evoke emotions in a room while also showing off your tastes and interests. A symmetrical wall arrangement may comprise a grid of four to six pieces or, for an odd number of works, a horizontal row. Asymmetrical arrangements, which may be small clusters of art or large, salon-style gallery walls, have a more collected and eclectic feel.
Download the 1stDibs app, which includes a handy “View on Wall” feature that allows you to see how a particular artwork will look on a particular wall, and read about how to arrange wall art. And if you’re searching for the perfect palette for your interior design project, what better place to turn than to the art world’s masters of color?
On 1stDibs, you’ll find an expansive collection of paintings and other fine art for your home or office. Browse abstract paintings, portrait paintings, paintings by emerging artists and more today.
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