Unframed Canvas Wall Art: 6 Stunning Examples

In recent years, unframed canvas wall art has become a popular choice for interior decoration. Not only does it add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room, but it also provides a modern and sleek look that is perfect for contemporary spaces. Additionally, the absence of a frame makes it more affordable while also allowing the canvas to take center stage, making it an impactful focal point in any room. If you’re looking to spruce up your home with an unframed canvas painting or print, here are some ideas to help you achieve a stunning modern look.

Large Artwork Above A Sofa

Hanging a large unframed canvas painting above the sofa is a prime spot that immediately catches your eye. You can have either one large canvas or a set of two to complement the wall space proportionately. Remember to leave enough space around the artwork to avoid making the room feel smaller.

Unframed canvas wall art example #4 — Canvas Painting "Auric Dawn" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Abstract Art

One of the most popular choices for unframed canvas wall art is abstract art. With its bold colors and unique shapes, abstract art can instantly elevate the look of any room. Whether you prefer a large statement piece or a series of smaller artworks, abstract art is a versatile option that can complement any decor style.

Unframed canvas wall art example #3 — Canvas Painting "Elegant Surprise" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Unframed canvas wall art example #5 — Canvas Painting "Skyward" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Minimalist Art

For those who prefer a more understated look, minimalist prints are an excellent choice for unframed canvas wall art. Simple geometric shapes, neutral colored art, or monochromatic designs can create a sleek and sophisticated look that is perfect for modern spaces. Pairing minimalist canvas art prints with minimalist furniture and decor can create a cohesive and stylish aesthetic.

Nature-Inspired Art

Bringing the outdoors in with nature-inspired art is another great way to incorporate unframed canvas wall art into your home. Whether you choose botanical prints, landscape paintings, floral artwork, nature-inspired art can add a touch of tranquility and beauty to any room. Consider a large canvas nature-inspired piece that matches the decor colors in the room for a striking and cohesive look.

Unframed canvas wall art example #6 — Canvas Painting "Secret Garden" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Unframed canvas wall art example #2 — Canvas Painting "Uplift My World" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Dynamic Suprematism 1915 or 1916 by Kazimir Malevich

Understanding Abstract Art – What is Abstract Art?

What is Abstract Art?

Whether you love it or hate it, abstract art is a defining and revolutionary art form in the modern era. It fostered a sense of freedom and facilitated a collective shift in the way society approached creativity and self-expression. So what is abstract art you ask? Abstract art emerged in the early 1900s as a new and strange style within the modern art movement. It marked a significant departure from the traditional art forms that sought to represent the world as it appeared. Instead, painters and sculptors explored a new way of creating art that aimed to depart from reality and separate something from its original subject – thus giving birth to abstract art.

This may sound like a simple idea, but it was very controversial at the time. It was so shocking that many first refused to accept it as art at first, but reluctantly got convinced. Ever since its inception, there has been a continued interest in abstract art because of its profound ability to inspire our curiosity. For artist and viewer alike, there is something so very poetic in abstract art in that it is completely unique and open-ended, allowing for mixed interpretation and amazing variety of personal meaning for each person.

Why Was Abstract Art Created?

The 20th century brought about tremendous changes that had a profound impact on society and culture. By observing these changes it becomes apparent that abstract art was a natural expression of the times and the resulting effect that the machine age and technology had on society. Advancements in technology, such as the widespread use of electricity, the invention of the camera, the telephone, and radio, transformed the way people lived and perceived the world. Simultaneously, the machine age propelled progress in modes of transportation, offering unprecedented mobility via railroads, automobiles, boats, and planes. These new global advancements opened up a progressive era of prosperity all while the potential of dystopian World Wars loomed on the horizon.

“Abstract art has come into being as a necessary expression of the feelings and thoughts of our age; it has added new dimensions to creative painting.” ~ Leonard Brooks

The world changed a lot, and very quickly. Naturally, culture and art changed too. The rapid pace of progress during this era both exhilarated and unsettled individuals. On one hand, the world witnessed a new era of prosperity and endless possibilities. On the other hand, the looming threats of two devastating World Wars created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety. It was amidst these contrasting emotions and shifting societal norms that abstract art found its voice. Not only that but as society as a whole became less restrictive and more open, the very idea that art could be rebellious, individualistic, and imaginative was better able to be received among the critics and collectors.

Mark Rothko - Abstract Painting - "No. 21 (Red, Brown, Black, and Orange)" — Mark Rothko - Expressionism, Color Field Abstract Painting - "No. 21 (Red, Brown, Black, and Orange)"

Abstract Art Styles Exists On A Spectrum

Abstract art was first created with indifference and sometimes blatant rejection to how tradition defined art. It was born from an experiment and a need to explore in new creative ways. Thus, it only makes sense that abstraction is not restricted or confined by a concrete set of rules – it can vary on a spectrum from very slight to completely non-objective.

Wikipedia states: “Abstraction indicates a departure from reality in depiction of imagery in art. This departure from accurate representation can be slight, partial, or complete.”

“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes… Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an explosion into unknown areas.” ~ Arshile Gorky

It is a common misconception to think that all abstract art does not have a subject matter – that it is made up of shapes, color, and form that represent nothing of the real world. This type of art is known as non-representational art or non-objective art (developed by Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich), and while it is clearly a type of abstract art, the non-objective art style does not define the entirety of abstract art. After all, the earliest known abstract art paintings were known to be done in the Cubism style. Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braques, these artists reduced and fragmented a realistic subject into strange forms and basic geometric shapes. Often they would use a figure or portrait of an actual person that then goes through an abstraction process. So within the spectrum of abstract art are a range of creative styles that are representational or expressive of their natural surroundings. This includes themes or subjects that are related to abstract nature art, or abstracted objects, landscapes, figures, cityscapes, and much more.

Pablo Picasso - Abstract Painting - "Girl With Mandolin" -1910 — Pablo Picasso - Cubism Abstract Painting - "Girl With Mandolin" -1910

Over the years abstract art has evolved and been defined differently per the individual. For some artists such as Jackson Pollock, abstract art is the result of enjoying the action of painting with grand gestural movements that are in touch with the way the paint drips onto the canvas. Other artists who were influenced by Pollock, such as Jaison Cianelli, combined the idea of action painting with abstracting a subject such as a landscape.

“With abstract art I’m not trying to create a masterpiece, I’m trying to master peace.” ~ Jaison Cianelli

Today abstract art is still a popular style for creating art, and it’s not always painted with a brush and canvas. It’s important to remember photography or digital art can be abstract, as well as installation art and sculptures. Contemporary art today utilizes the abstraction process in any number of ways, with a wide range of styles that could be related to inner emotions, action painting, and abstracted subjects such as landscapes, water scenes, animals, famous figures, and more.

Bursting Sun Abstract Landscape Painting by Jaison Cianelli. — Jaison Cianelli - Expressionism Abstract Landscape Painting - "Bursting Sun" -2009

Abstract Artists Are Very Skilled In Their Own Way

Just about anyone can fill a canvas with paint, so in a way creating abstract artwork is easy right? Well, not exactly. The style and techniques of abstract art can vary from very simple to extremely hard, but distinguishing oneself in the art world by producing high-quality and unique abstract artworks is very hard. It’s also a common fallacy that abstract art is made by artists who can’t draw and have no academic training. Historically speaking, the original abstract artists were all trained in ancient traditions and could easily paint like classical artists, they just chose not to. Even today, many, if not all, professional abstract artists start out in realism creating compositions with a high degree of skill. There are also new unbelievable talents in the use of combining many other mediums besides paint. Abstract art is created with literally anything on hand with an array of technologies at the artist’s disposal. For example fabric, recycled waste, 3D printed items, written words, digital art, photographs, and natural material are all acceptable mediums in a visual abstract art piece.

“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes… Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an explosion into unknown areas.” ~ Arshile Gorky

Not always, but sometimes, abstract art can look like very simple works of art that anybody can accomplish. So we are often left with the question of what makes the art special. For example some say that even a child could create the large color field paintings by Mark Rothko. And while Rothko’s paintings continue to increase in incredible value today, you have to remember that these are historical pieces that mark a great period in art history. Rothko believed his fields of color were spiritual planes that could tap into our most basic human emotions. Whether you agree or not, pioneering a style of art that represents a new idea or theory is not easy and not many will ever succeed at it. Not only that but some of Rothko’s paintings are very large, so they are more of an experience much like Pollock’s work, where the size of the art creates a presence that has to be felt in person to be truly appreciated.

Jackson Pollock - Abstract Expressionism - Action Painting

Expressionism, Color Field Abstract Paintings By Mark Rothko - Museum Collection

Abstract Art Creates A Variety Of Feelings

Many people collect abstract art as decoration but also because they feel a connection to the overall emotions and energy that the art gives off. The best abstract artwork can literally change a living space and create a more beautiful atmosphere. The wonder of abstract art is that anyone can take what they see and interpret it however they want. And over time there is a very dynamic relationship with the art because of its open and free nature. This dynamic relationship gives life to the art and allows people to enjoy and receive it very differently, which is quite a unique characteristic.

“It [abstract art] should be enjoyed just as music is enjoyed after a while you may like it or you may not.” ~ Jackson Pollock

Abstract art is really a creative and evolving art style that resonated with new ideas both in the past and today. There are many varieties within it that can be appreciated in different ways since it is so free. It is also always changing with new technological advancements and ideas of expression. So from subject matter to how it is created, abstract art lives on a spectrum of interpretation of what it was and what it will be.

Modern Abstract Art - Abstract Painting - Large Tall Abstract Wall Art Art For Sale — Jaison Cianelli - Expressionism, Digital Mixed Media Abstract Art - "A Heart So Big"

Examples Of Abstract Art

Good abstract art can capture your imagination and take you on a viewing journey. Abstract art should ultimately evoke something inside you. Here are large abstract art canvas paintings that are sure to please the senses. These are contemporary abstract art pieces inspired by either landscapes, cityscapes, flowers, rocks, and other natural formations.

Large Abstract Painting Wall Art - Large Abstract Art For Sale — "Essence" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Modern Abstract Art -Large Wall Art Canvas - Paintings For Sale - Abstract Wall Art Print — "Elegant Surprise" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Abstract Landscape Painting For Sale - Large Abstract Canvas Art — "Abstract Landscape Sunny" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Canvas Wall Art Abstract Painting For Sale — "Efflorescence" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Abstract Painting - Oversized Big Wall Art Painting — "A Heart So Big" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Abstract Flower Art Painting - Oversized Big Abstract Art For Sale — "Somebody's Smiling" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Contemporary Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Cityscape Painting - Large Abstract Wall Art Art For Sale - Boston Harbor — "Boston Harbor Night Vibe" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Art Information

Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting

How To Hang Large Modern Wall Art For Living Room or Bedroom

Modern Wall Art For Living Room

We all know that the living room is the most popular room for entertaining, talking, reading, or watching television. Not only will you spend most of your time there but it’s usually the largest room in the home. The living room is the perfect space to showcase a large modern wall art painting that you can enjoy for a long time to come.

You can hang paintings above a sofa, between a sitting area, or above a sideboard. When matching the decor you will want to visually connect the artwork to the living room so that it is extra cozy. You also want to choose the appropriate size and spacing to hang it correctly and make it more inviting and balanced in your space.

Hanging At The Correct Height

57 inches is the average eye height, and this is usually a good standard height to use when hanging art throughout the home. This means the center of the artwork is 57 inches from the ground, which helps to align the art at eye level and create balance and harmony.

But when hanging large modern wall art above a sofa, bed, or sideboard, you may have to deviate from the 57 inch rule. The reason being, the furniture is of varying height and you also want the art to be part of the furniture.

It is important to hang your large artwork low enough so it is visually connected to the furniture, but not floating high above it. And that means the bottom of your artwork or frame should hang 8” to 10” above the back of the sofa or height of the sideboard.

Modern Abstract Wall Art Canvas Painting - Art For Living Room Hallway Sideboard — Modern Wall Art For Living Room Above Sideboard - "Whimsical"

Appropriate Size

When deciding upon the size, a good rule of thumb is that the wall art should NOT be larger than the furniture because this will overwhelm it and throw the overall feel off balance. In general, a good size is about 2/3 the length of the piece of furniture.

Wide format panoramic size paintings or prints are perfect when hanging above a sofa or bed. When hanging canvas art between chairs you will most likely want to choose square art or a tall piece so that the chairs frame the artwork and compliment it nicely.

Modern Abstract Wall Art Canvas Painting - Art For Living Room Hallway — Modern Wall Art For Living Room Above Bench - "Romance"

Spacing Out A Modern 3 Piece Gallery Wall Set

Hanging canvas art as a 2 or 3 piece wall art set can add a bold and elegant touch to your living room. With the addition of framing the sets you create even more visual grid lines and more attention to the art. Also, by combining smaller pieces together you are creating the feel of a large artwork without having to pay the extra expense of oversized shipping costs.

When hanging this grouping of art, you should leave 2” to 5” between each frame for a balanced look. Make sure to be exact in your spacing. It is also important to hang each canvas or framed print perfectly level. Any deviation will make add a degree of sloppiness you really don’t want. Use a ruler to measure from the ceiling or floor and consider a laser leveler to help you align everything straight.

Modern Wall Art Above Bed

The same general rules apply when hanging wall art above the bed. The only main difference is the theme or energy of the artwork you are choosing. A bedroom is a place of sleep and relaxation, so typically softer and gentler abstract themes and colors are desired. Usually, wide panoramic wall art is best to match the width of the bed.

Wall Art Above Bed - Above Bed Art — Wall Art Above Bed - "Cascade In Blue"

Art Decoration Tips

Modern Abstract Wall Art – New Abstract Art 2023

Some of the best modern abstract wall art is able to evoke emotions and capture your attention, all while being able to harmonize nicely with modern interior decor. These large contemporary abstract art pieces do just that. So if you get excited over large abstract wall art you’ve come to the right place. Here is a growing list of brand new modern abstract canvas art by Jaison Cianelli.

Modern Abstract Art - Abstract Landscape - Heaven Abstract Art — "Drop Of Heaven" - Modern Abstract Wall Art, Framed Canvas Print

Abstract Wall Art - Contemporary Abstract Painting For Sale - Modern Wall Art Cosmic Consciousness — "Cosmic Consciousnesse" - Modern Abstract Wall Art, Gallery Canvas Print

Contemporary Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Painting - Large Abstract Wall Art Art For Sale — "Mind Expansion" - Modern Abstract Wall Art, Gallery Canvas Print

Large Abstract Seascape Painting Wall Art - Large Abstract Art For Sale — "Potter Pond" - Modern Abstract Wall Art, Gallery Canvas Print

Large Abstract Painting For Sale - Modern Abstract Art Wide Contemporary Abstract Art — "Elixir" - Modern Abstract Wall Art, Framed Canvas Print

Large Abstract Art, New Modern Abstract Wall Art

Simple Guide To Buying Large Abstract Art

Purchasing large abstract wall art can be a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following this simple advice you will be less likely to get stuck with an expensive large painting that doesn’t seem to fit in. With a little patience and a keen eye you can have a lot of fun picking out your perfect abstract artwork. In the end you will get years of bliss out of your new addition. So let’s begin.

Choose Abstract Art That Moves You

Figuring out what you like is easy. Often times, you feel it right away. With large abstract art, the feeling you get is just about all you need to go by. There are many other factors like size, cost, and where it will be hung, but this is a good place to start. Your instincts will guide you, but give it a little time. See what you come back to. You will always go back and observe the ones you like the most. They find a place in your heart and stick around. It’s a connection, almost like the art is calling you.

Abstraction in art is playful, it encourages the imagination and propels the mind to perceive visual language at an emotional level. In my opinion, great abstract art never leaves the viewer stranded for long. The composition is not obnoxious or devoid of beauty. There has to be some sort of connection that draws you in so that you always return to it. It may mean that the composition contains something reminiscent in the natural world and you can relate to it and form your own unique place in your mind. Sometimes it just means the colors themselves and the grand encompassing size resonate with you so much that you want to be surrounded by their beauty. Or perhaps the textural elements are so intriguing because of the patterns and shapes that you can’t stop staring.

Large Abstract Wall Art - Abstract Painting For Sale - Skyward by Jaison Cianelli — "Skyward" - Large Abstract Wall Art

Research The Artist

It would not hurt to do a little research. Get to know about the artist and have a look at their portfolio. See if they are currently creating new works because that’s always a bonus. Later on down the road you may want to reach out them and consider purchasing another one of their works. Not only does it look better to have multiple pieces of the same artist on your walls, but artists generally will give a discount to those that repeat buy.

Understand what you are considering buying. Is it an original paintings? A canvas print? If it is mass produced and sold from a large retail store or popular websites, there’s a good chance it’s a common themed piece. That doesn’t mean the art is bad, it just means that the forms and colors are very popularized, and may come across as boring in the hearts and minds of onlookers including yourself.

Think About Interior Decoration And Color Relationships

Having awareness of the relationship that exists between the art and the living space is so very important and even more so with large abstract art. Whether it is nature inspired elements in the art, the colors, or the textures, you will want to think about them and consider how these elements can exist in the room where the wall art will be hung.

The most important thing is to consider are:

The size of the wall space and size of artwork.
The color of your wall.
The arrangement and color of your main furniture items.

When you are buying large oversized art you have to realize that these pieces stand alone as a focal point on the wall. So measure your wall space and mark the wall with a masking tape border of the painting to help gain a better understanding of an appropriate size.

If your main furniture items or walls are white or grey you’re in luck, you can pretty much match any artwork to it. But if there is more color you have to consider how those colors interact with the colors in the artwork. For example, if your couch or walls have red tones does the artwork have any red in it? Or if your furniture has gold legs, perhaps a gold frame around the painting would look nice.

Then comes the easy part. Once you have that sorted out you can think about matching the room around the wall art by simply adding or changing basic decor items such as pillows, blankets, plants, curtains, textured rugs, etc. Making the right choices in adding these little details can give greater balance and richness to both. For example, if the artwork appears to shimmer or has smooth soft lines you can add a faux silk throw on your bed or couch. Or if the abstract is floral or beach related, perhaps you want to add a plant to compliment and bring life into the overall room experience.

For more detailed information visit my other blog post, How To Hang Large Modern Wall Art For Living Room or Bedroom.

Use The Wall To Enhance The Art

In the examples below the wall is a lighter tone than the main colors in the artwork. The wall space is large so a larger canvas is used. Texture or panelling on the wall can be used to add more compelling design behind the art because the canvas art is without a traditional frame. In these examples the wall compliments the artwork.

Large Abstract Art Painting - Oversized Big Abstract Art For Sale — "Abstract Landscape Clearing" Modern Abstract Art by Jaison Cianelli.

Large Canvas Wall Art Abstract Seascape Painting For Sale — "Aloft In Paradise" - Large Abstract Wall Art

Add Colors That Pop In A Neutral Room

White, cream, and grey based tones are the easiest to add wall art to especially of you have a variety of color in the art. The washed out room craves color so why not add the color with a large abstract canvas painting or print. Ideally, toss in a decor items in the room that match the large wall art because this helps cohesiveness. Notice you can visually frame the canvas with chairs or make the painting a focal point above a sofa or bed.

Total Room Decor Matching

This is where it all comes together. Notice that plants help the relationship especially if the abstract art has natural elements in it. A simple understanding of your wall color, fabric textures, and a little pillow matching goes a long way.

Art Buying Tips, Art Information, Large Abstract Art

Menu