Original Acrylic Paintings for Sale

First developed in the 1930s, acrylic paint became important in Modern Art because of its versatility, fast drying time, and ability to create a range of effects. Depending on the amount of water used to dilute the paint, artists can apply acrylic paint thinly, like watercolor, or thickly, like oil paint.

Acrylic paint easily became popular with many modern and contemporary artists experimenting with new techniques and large-scale works. Abstract Expressionist artists like Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock used acrylic paint as it allowed them to work faster. Acrylic paint became widely used in Pop Art as it made it easier for artists like Andy Warhol to produce bold, flat colors and clean lines. David Hockney also helped the medium gain popularity through his modern paintings in the 1960s. Later, acrylic paint became closely connected to graffiti and street art.

Abstract expressionist paintings work well in rooms that need color, movement, or a focal point. Large paintings placed above furniture anchor the room. Compositions with softer colors can make the space feel calmer, while those with a bold palette add a dramatic energy. Since abstract expressionist paintings focus more on emotion than realistic representation, they are easy to pair with different interior styles.

Action paintings, similar to the works of Jackson Pollock, use mark-making, drips, and gestural strokes that bring movement and texture into a space. These paintings often suit modern and minimalist architecture, with simple furniture and open walls.

Color field paintings, similar to the works of Mark Rothko, use large areas of flat color to create a calmer mood. These soft compositions are perfect for bedrooms, libraries, and other quiet spaces.

Jose Mugrabi was born in Jerusalem in 1939 to a Syrian-Jewish family. At sixteen, he left school and moved to Colombia to work for his uncle's textile business. Within a few months, he left his uncle to join a competitor after failing to negotiate a raise. He became a successful salesman in two years and built one of Columbia's major textile export businesses.

By the early 1980s, Mugrabi moved his family to New York. He began collecting art after selling his assets. His first purchases included paintings from Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Mark Rothko. Early resale successes convinced him to pursue art collecting more seriously.

He aggressively amassed contemporary art and eventually became the world's biggest collector of Andy Warhol. He owned 800 of his works. Art dealers closely followed his buying activity as his competitive bidding practices and willingness to overpay increased the market prices, particularly for Warhol's works.

What makes acrylic paintings different from oil paintings?
Acrylic and oil paintings differ in drying time and appearance.

Acrylic paint uses a water-based binder and dries quickly, often within minutes to hours. Oil paint uses natural oils and can take days to years to fully dry. Paintings made with acrylic often appear darker and more matte once the paint dries, while those painted with oil retain a rich and glossy appearance.

How do I clean and care for an acrylic painting?
Acrylic paintings are durable and usually do not need glass framing. However, the surface can still collect dust easily.

To clean an acrylic painting, gently remove dust with a soft cloth or feather duster. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive brushes and sponges, or rough tools that may damage the paint surface.

Keep acrylic paintings away from direct heat and moisture, as they can cause fading and mold over time. For long-term storage, keep the paintings upright in a cool, dry place, separated by protective paper.

How much do acrylic paintings cost?
The price of an acrylic painting depends on the size and details of the artwork, as well as the background of the artist. At UGallery, small acrylic paintings measuring up to 20 inches typically range from $300 to $1,000. Medium-sized acrylic paintings measuring 21 inches to 35 inches usually cost between $900 and $3,000. Large acrylic paintings exceeding 36 inches cost around $2,200 to $5,000 or more.

Every artwork purchased from UGallery comes with a certificate of authenticity, free insured shipping, and a 7-day free return policy.

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