1960s Abstract Art
These 1960s abstract art pieces bring mid-century energy and bold composition directly to your walls.
1960s Abstract Art
When you search for 1960s abstract art, you encounter a diverse range of paintings and works on paper that capture the experimental spirit of the mid-twentieth century. The selection on this page leans heavily toward oil paintings on canvas and board, alongside occasional prints and woodcuts.
You will find distinct stylistic threads running through these works, spanning mid-century modernism, Op Art, German Expressionism, and abstract impressionism. Subjects range from cityscapes and still lifes to pure geometric abstractions and figurative interpretations.
Most pieces date from the decade itself, with select examples reaching back into the nineteen-fifties. They originate from British, French, and German makers, reflecting a broad European modernist movement.
How they were made
The makers of these works primarily utilised oil paint applied to canvas or board, frequently employing thick impasto techniques to build physical texture onto the surface. Canvases are typically housed within wood frames, sometimes featuring gilt details that complement the painted compositions.
Printmaking techniques also appear, notably through modernist woodcuts in colours that demonstrate precise graphic execution. Whether through energetic brushwork or deliberate ink layering, the physical construction prioritises tactile presence.
1960s Abstract Art Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 1960s abstract art among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
An untamed lion named Astra peers out from a German woodcut.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard works and exceptional pieces rests upon the confidence of the mark-making and the compositional cohesion. Stronger works display a deliberate handling of medium, where texture and colour balance each other without clutter.
Provenance and attribution elevate certain pieces, particularly those tied to named artists, recognised groups, or established academies. The integration of the frame with the canvas also influences the overall integrity of the piece.
Tony Giles·Raymond Picque·William Littlejohn·William Ernst Burwell
The 1960s Abstract Art Glossary
- Impasto
- A technique where paint is laid on an area of the surface in very thick layers, usually thick enough that the brush or painting-knife strokes are visible. This adds a sculptural dimension to flat canvases.
- Op Art
- A style of visual art that uses optical illusions, typically employing abstract patterns with stark contrasting colour harmonies. These works create effects of movement or swelling on the flat surface.
- German Expressionism
- A modernist movement emphasising emotional experience over physical reality, characterised by distorted forms and bold colours. Woodcuts in this tradition often feature sharp, angular lines.
- Mid-Century Modern
- A stylistic design movement spanning the middle decades of the twentieth century, favouring clean lines and minimalist abstraction. It informs both the paintings and their original framing.
- Woodcut
- A relief printing technique where an artist carves an image into the side of a block of wood, applying ink to the surface for transfer. Prints made this way showcase distinct graphic textures.
1960s Abstract Art: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines 1960s abstract art?
These works are defined by their departure from traditional representation, embracing non-naturalistic use of colour, form, and gesture.
They capture the post-war experimentation of European artists working in oil, canvas, and print mediums.
How do I hang a large abstract painting?
Large canvases require secure wall fixings and careful consideration of surrounding room proportions and light sources.
Ensure the hanging height centres the composition comfortably at eye level for the best visual impact.
Are these paintings original works?
The selection comprises original oil paintings, unique still lifes, and limited modernist print editions.
Each piece reflects the direct hand of the artist through distinct brushwork, impasto texture, or carved woodcut lines.
How do I care for oil paintings on canvas?
Keep canvases away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations to protect the paint layer.
Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid using any liquid cleaners on the paint.