What Your Favorite Abstract Art Says About You?

 

Some people look at an abstract painting and say, "I don’t get it." Others look at the same painting and say, "I love it." or "I need it." The difference? One sees confusion. The other sees opportunity.

 

Abstract art isn’t just color and shape - it’s a reflection of thought, power, and individuality. It’s for people who understand that not everything in life needs a clear explanation to be valuable. 

 

And that’s exactly why the kind of abstract art you love says something about you.

Do you love art that’s loud, proud, and totally owning the room? Or do you lean toward art that feels like a quiet, calculated statement?

Either way, you’re part of a rare group - those who see beyond the obvious, who recognize art not just as decoration, but as an investment in identity.

 

And, by the way - if you haven’t yet considered collecting abstract art as an investment, it’s time. Unlike trends that fade, abstract art holds its power, grows in value, and remains timeless. The greatest collectors - those with foresight - have always known this.

Here are 10 abstract art styles, what they reveal about you, and why they might just be the most intelligent purchase you’ll ever make.

 

 

 

"Bossa Nova Breeze" by Marisol Evora, Spain. Art Style: Abstract Expressionism

 

 

1. Abstract Expressionism – The Visionary Who Plays by Their Own Rules

 

This is not art for the hesitant. Abstract Expressionism is pure energy, emotion, and intuitive. It’s not about careful planning - it’s about trusting the moment, taking risks, and letting creativity run wild. Every brushstroke is bold, every movement is fearless. This is art for those who don’t follow the rules - they create their own.

Abstract Expressionism is a full-force declaration - untamed, magnetic, and emotionally fearless. The works in this style are eruptions of energy, instinct, and risk.

 

If you’re drawn to this, you are not here to follow the crowd. You thrive on challenge. You don’t ask for permission - you create your own space. You understand that success doesn’t come from playing it safe but from trusting your instincts and embracing the unpredictable.

 

This is the kind of art that takes over a room - not just visually, but emotionally. Think of Jackson Pollock’s Number 31, 1950- like a chaotic party of paint that somehow just works.

Or Willem de Kooning’s Woman III - where passion and attitude throw themselves onto the canvas and refuse to be ignored. More contemporary artists like Cecily Brown have continued this tradition, creating works that pulse with raw intensity.

Lee Krasner’s The Seasons is a perfect example of her bold, energetic compositions that burst with movement and life.

Elaine de Kooning’s Bullfight captures raw action in broad, sweeping strokes, proving that Abstract Expressionism wasn’t just about pure abstraction but also about capturing a feeling.

Franz Kline’s Chief is all about bold, black-and-white brushstrokes that feel as powerful as thunderstorms. 

Grace Hartigan’s "The King Is Dead" or "Reisterstown Mall" mixes bright colors and strong gestures, giving abstraction a sense of urgency and storytelling.

Joan Mitchell’s City Landscape is a whirlwind of thick, expressive paint, where every stroke feels like it was made in the heat of the moment.

 

If you own or collect art like this, you are not just choosing decoration. You are choosing power. This is the art of innovators, entrepreneurs, and those who know that true success comes from embracing chaos - and making it your own.

And here’s something else - Abstract Expressionism has a history of explosive investment value. Works from this movement have broken auction records again and again. The reason? It’s timeless. It never loses its edge, never stops challenging, never stops demanding attention.

You’re not just buying art. You’re making a statement.

 

 

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM EXAMPLES of FAMOUS ARTSTS

 

 

 

2. Minimalist Abstract – The Mastermind of Control

 

Minimalism in abstract art is not about less - it’s about precision. It’s the quiet confidence of someone who doesn’t need to shout to be heard.  

If you’re drawn to works like Mark Rothko’s No. 14, 1960 or Agnes Martin’s Untitled #5, you’re the type who sees the big picture - calm, focused, and always a step ahead. No distractions, no chaos - just pure, strategic genius, a thinker, a master of efficiency. You don’t get distracted by noise - you focus on what matters.

This art speaks to those who appreciate depth beneath simplicity. The kind of people who can sit in silence and still hold the most powerful presence in the room.

Minimalist abstract paintings have become some of the most sought-after investments in modern art, consistently breaking records at auctions. Why? Because true refinement never goes out of style.

If you choose this kind of art, you are not just collecting - you are curating a legacy. 

 

 

 

"48 Circles" by Marisol Evora, Spain. The artwork is inspired by Agnes Martin.

 

 

 

3. Geometric Abstraction – The Precision Architect

 

Clean lines. Bold shapes. Perfect balance. Geometric Abstraction is for people who see patterns where others see randomness - the ones who appreciate structure, logic, and beauty working together in harmony. This style isn’t about emotion spilling onto the canvas - it’s about precision, rhythm, and the art of knowing exactly where everything should go.

Imagine sharp edges, repeating patterns, and colors placed with purpose. There’s no mess, no guesswork - just pure composition. Some pieces feel like mathematical puzzles, while others create an almost hypnotic sense of movement. 

 

If you’ve ever seen Piet Mondrian’s Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow, you know exactly what this style is about - blocks of color carefully arranged to create balance and rhythm. Then there’s Frank Stella, whose layered, complex designs (Harran II) turn geometry into something dynamic and full of life.

Other artists, like Josef Albers, explored how color interacts, making simple squares feel deep and dimensional (Homage to the Square). Kazimir Malevich, one of the pioneers of this style, took things even further with his iconic Black Square - a painting that questioned how simple something could be while still carrying deep meaning.

If you’re drawn to Geometric Abstraction, you’re probably someone who values order, strategy, and clear thinking. You appreciate logic, but you’re also creative - you see patterns, connections, and meaning where others might see chaos.

You’re the type who enjoys clean, modern spaces, loves a well-organized plan, and believes that great design is just as important as great ideas.

 

Why Do Collectors Love It?

 

Because it’s timeless. Geometric Abstraction has been a collector’s favorite for decades because it never feels outdated. It fits effortlessly into modern, contemporary, and even classic interiors, making it a smart and versatile investment.

 

From Victor Vasarely’s eye-catching optical illusions to Bridget Riley’s mesmerizing black-and-white waves, this style continues to evolve. New artists are still pushing it forward, proving that geometry isn’t just about structure - it’s about vision, movement, and the endless possibilities of form and color.

Owning this kind of art says: “I appreciate order, but I also value bold ideas.” It’s intellectual, stylish, and - like any well-designed structure - built to last.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Lyrical Abstraction – The Sophisticated Risk-Taker

 

Where Abstract Expressionism is a storm, Lyrical Abstraction is the calm, powerful current underneath. It’s fluid, poetic, and emotional, but in a way that feels thoughtful and refined. 

There’s movement, but it’s not wild - every color shift and brushstroke feels intentional, like a conversation instead of a shout.

If you’ve ever seen Helen Frankenthaler’s Mountains and Sea, you know the feeling—colors melting into each other like watercolor on a sunlit page. Morris Louis created the same effect with his flowing veils of color, while Paul Jenkins let paint move across the surface in soft, organic waves.

Some artists, like Gerhard Richter, added a modern edge, dragging paint across the canvas to create blurred, dreamlike movement (Abstract Painting (780-1)). Others, like Sam Gilliam, broke the rules completely, draping canvases like fabric instead of stretching them on frames (Carousel Form II).

If you’re drawn to Lyrical Abstraction, you probably trust your instincts but also appreciate balance.

You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to make an impact. There’s an elegance to this style and also a sense of freedom. This is art for those who understand nuance - who know that real impact doesn’t have to be loud. It’s highly sought after in the art market because it balances expression with elegance. 

 

Why people love it? Because it feels timeless. Lyrical Abstraction has the expressive depth of Abstract Expressionism, but with an elegant, refined touch. It’s art that invites emotion but never demands attention - the kind that grows in meaning the longer you live with it.

Some of the biggest names in this style - Joan Mitchell, Zao Wou-Ki, and Pat Steir - took it in new directions, blending color, movement, and emotion in ways that feel both personal and universal. This style is all about depth, energy, and quiet power.

And like any great investment, it only gets more valuable over time - just like a well-built legacy.

 

 

 

VARIATION OF ABSTRACT ART STYLES

 

 

 

5. Surrealist Abstraction – The Untamed Intellect

 

Some people want answers. You prefer questions. Surrealist abstract art bends reality, playing with form, space, and the subconscious.

This art style isn’t for those who need everything to make sense. It’s for the thinkers, the dreamers, and the ones who are always asking "what if?".

This style doesn’t just break the rules - it ignores them entirely, twisting reality into something you feel rather than understand.

If you’re drawn to Surrealist Abstraction, you probably love mystery, complexity, and a little bit of chaos. You don’t need things to be obvious - you enjoy hints, hidden meanings, and images that keep shifting the more you look at them. You appreciate the unknown, the unexplained, and the strange beauty that comes with it.

 

What Does It Look Like? Imagine a world where forms melt, objects float, and space doesn’t follow any logical rules. Shapes drift in and out, like half-remembered dreams. Colors and textures blend in unexpected ways, and nothing is quite what it seems. It’s familiar, but also deeply unsettling - like stepping into someone else’s imagination.

 

This style takes inspiration from classical Surrealism, with artists like Joan Miró, Yves Tanguy, and Salvador Dalí, but pushes even further into pure abstraction. Instead of recognizable figures in bizarre situations, Surrealist Abstraction removes reality altogether, creating compositions that are entirely dreamlike.

 

Artists like Joan Miró were pioneers in blending Surrealism with abstraction, creating pieces that feel spontaneous and deeply intuitive. His paintings, like The Tilled Field and Blue II, are filled with playful, floating shapes that almost seem to be communicating with each other. Roberto Matta, another major figure, took things further, painting cosmic landscapes that feel like visions from another dimension.

More modern artists, like Kiki Smith and Julie Mehretu, continue this tradition, using layers of symbols, marks, and sweeping lines to create pieces that feel both ancient and futuristic at the same time.

 

Why Do Collectors Love It?

 

Because it never gets boring. Surrealist Abstraction is the kind of art you can stare at for years and still find something new. It’s unpredictable, layered, and full of hidden details waiting to be discovered.

This style speaks to people who love depth, philosophy, and the idea that not everything has to be explained. If you collect Surrealist Abstraction, you don’t just love art - you love mystery, imagination, and a continuous conversation with the unknown.

 

 

 

 

6. Kinetic Abstract – The Magnetic Force

 

Kinetic abstraction creates movement - not in reality, but in perception. It’s the kind of art that feels alive, shifting as you look at it. Better words - it’s art you experience. It plays with your eyes, your mind, and your sense of space, making still images feel like they’re in motion. The longer you look, the more it seems to shift, pulse, or even vibrate.

 

This style is all about energy, rhythm, and the illusion of movement. Some pieces create depth that pulls you in, while others seem to flicker and change as you shift your gaze. It’s bold, dynamic, and constantly playing tricks on perception.

 

Imagine lines that seem to ripple, colors that change as you move, and patterns that make your vision flicker. It’s like standing in front of a piece of art that’s breathing, shifting, or vibrating - without actually moving at all. 

 

Kinetic Abstract art plays with contrast, repetition, and geometry to create these optical illusions.

Artists like Bridget Riley mastered this technique with mesmerizing black-and-white waves, as seen in Fall (1963), while Jesús Rafael Soto used layered materials to create sculptures that seem to change as you walk past them. Victor Vasarely, one of the pioneers of Op Art, played with color and shape to make his paintings look almost three-dimensional.

 

If you’re drawn to Kinetic Abstraction, you probably love speed, progress, and the idea that nothing stays the same for long. You thrive on movement, think ahead, and never sit still for too long.

 

Why Do Collectors Love It?

 

Because it’s alive - or at least, it feels that way. 

Kinetic Abstract pieces bring energy into any space, making them perfect for modern interiors, high-tech spaces, and contemporary collections. It’s art that never gets old because it’s always shifting with your perception.

It also represents innovation and forward-thinking, making it a favorite for collectors who see art as more than just decoration - it’s a statement, a conversation, and a reflection of constant evolution. This art will always be in demand.

 

 

 

 

7. Expressive Gestural Abstraction – The Art of Movement and Instinct

 

Some paintings make you stop and think. Expressive Gestural Abstraction makes you feel first, think later. It’s raw, urgent, and alive - like capturing motion in real time.

Unlike Abstract Expressionism, which was a historic movement with big ideas and emotional intensity,

Expressive Gestural Abstraction is all about the physical act of painting itself. The strokes are bold, the energy is unmistakable, and the marks left on the canvas tell a story of movement, speed, and instinct.

 

Think of Franz Kline’s powerful black-and-white paintings (Painting Number 2), where brushstrokes look like they were done in one sweeping motion - sharp, confident, and bold.

Or Kazuo Shiraga, who took things even further, using his feet to push paint across the canvas, making his work an extension of his own body.

More recently, artists like José Parlá combine gestural abstraction with layers of history, graffiti, and storytelling.

 

If you’re drawn to this, you are someone who trusts your instincts. You move fast, think fast, and take action when others hesitate. 

This art doesn’t ask for approval - it commands presence. It’s the choice of those who understand that true impact comes from movement, momentum, and never overthinking the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Textural Abstraction – The One Who Feels Everything

 

Some people look at a painting and see color. Others want to touch it. If you’re drawn to textural abstraction, you’re someone who doesn’t just appreciate art - you experience it with all your senses.

This style goes beyond just paint - it plays with thick layers, scratched surfaces, and unexpected materials to create depth you can feel. It’s for those who love details, imperfections, and the raw beauty of things that look real, lived-in, and full of history.

 

Think of Antoni Tàpies, whose works (Grey and Green Painting) feel like ancient walls whispering forgotten stories.

Or Anselm Kiefer, whose pieces are layered with lead, straw, and even ash, turning paintings into landscapes of memory and time.

 Contemporary artists like Elliott Puckette and Manuel Mathieu explore surface in ways that make you want to run your hands across the canvas.

If this style speaks to you, you are deeply connected to the world around you. You notice details others miss. You understand that beauty isn’t always polished - it’s layered, textured, and shaped by experience. 

 

Collectors are drawn to this style because it adds dimension, presence, and emotion to a space - it’s not just something you see; it’s something you feel.

 

 

 

 

VARIATION OF ABSTRACT ART STYLES

 

 

 

 

9. Atmospheric Abstraction – The Seeker of Beauty and Depth

 

Some art shouts. Some art whispers. Atmospheric abstraction is the kind that draws you in, like a distant memory or a moment of stillness before something extraordinary happens.

This style is for those who are introspective, emotionally aware, and connected to beauty that isn’t obvious at first glance. It’s soft but robust, blending colors in a way that makes you feel like you’re stepping into another world.

Think of Mark Rothko, whose paintings (No. 61 (Rust and Blue)) aren’t just color - they’re mood.

Or J.M.W. Turner, whose later works blurred the line between land, sea, and sky in a dreamlike haze.

More recently, artists like Ethan Cook and Odili Donald Odita use color fields and soft transitions to create emotional depth.

If this art resonates with you, you’re someone who understands subtlety and depth. You know that not everything needs to be loud to be powerful. You seek meaning beyond the surface, and you appreciate experiences that evolve the more you sit with them.

 

Collectors love atmospheric abstraction because it’s timeless, calming, and endlessly fascinating - an investment in art that transforms the space.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Neo-Expressionism – When Abstract Art Becomes Raw Emotion

 

Neo-Expressionism is the wild, rebellious younger sibling of Abstract Expressionism. It exploded in the late 20th century, bringing back intense emotion, raw brushwork, and untamed energy - but with a contemporary, often figurative twist.

If Abstract Expressionism was about emotion, Neo-Expressionism is about making you feel something deep and unforgettable. It’s often rough, aggressive, and layered, like a combination of raw power and deliberate storytelling.

If a painting looks like it has something urgent to say - whether through bold colors, expressive lines, or rough, almost violent textures - it belongs to this style.

 

Example of some Famous Artists here, Jean-Michel Basquiat (Untitled, 1982) – A mix of abstraction, graffiti, and raw street energy. His works have sold for over $100 million at auction.

Anselm Kiefer (Seraphim) – Uses rough textures, ash, and lead to create haunting, powerful compositions.

Georg Baselitz (Rebel) – Famous for his upside-down paintings that challenge traditional perspectives.

 

 

Who Loves It?

 

People who don’t want safe, polished art. Neo-Expressionism is for those who want art that punches them in the chest, makes them think, and never lets them go. It’s raw, intense, and deeply human.

 

Collectors love it because it has both historical weight and contemporary relevance, making it a strong investment that continues to gain recognition in the art world.

 

 

 

 

" Spring" by Marisol Evora, Art Style: Abstract Expressionism.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts - Abstract Art Is an Investment in  Beauty, Status, and Smart Investing

 

Abstract art is not for those who need things explained. It’s for those who create their own meaning - who trust their instincts, take risks, and understand that real value is not always obvious at first glance.

Whether you are drawn to the unpredictable energy of Abstract Expressionism, the calculated genius of Minimalism, or the strategic structure of Geometric Abstraction, one thing is clear - abstract art is not just a purchase - it’s a declaration.

The right piece brings energy and character. It makes a space feel complete like it truly belongs to you. A great piece of art holds its value, and that’s a win-win.

 

The great masters? Their work once sold for the price of a fancy dinner. Now? Millions. 

Today’s emerging artists are next in line. Finding a piece that speaks to you now could turn out to be one of the smartest decisions you ever made. Because when the world catches on, you’ll already be ahead of the game. And that’s a pretty good place to be.

 

And if you have the vision to see its power now? That vision will reward you in ways that go far beyond aesthetics.

The only question left is - what does your art say about you?