Black and White Paintings

Black and white abstract art for sale in Sydney

A black and white painting is one of the easiest large works to live with. It holds its own in a neutral room, gives a colourful one a point of rest, and works as well in a hallway as above a sofa. Without colour to lean on, the scale of the mark, the handling of the surface and the balance between dark and light do the work, which is why monochrome painting rewards a longer look.

Highlights include Michel Canetti, Michael Whitehead, Henryk Lobaczewski, Harry Moores, Phil Stallard, Conchita Carambano and Ross Tamlin. The collection also includes a wall-mounted work by Lobaczewski, for a more sculptural take on monochrome.

Choosing a black and white painting

Think about contrast, not just colour. Strong black and white contrast reads from across a room and suits open-plan spaces and tall walls. Softer greys and layered tones suit quieter rooms where the work is seen up close.

Scale matters most. Err large rather than small: as a rough guide, a painting should fill about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it. Browse by size: small paintings, medium paintings, large paintings and oversized and extra-large paintings.

Check the light. Matte and gloss surfaces, and heavy texture, look quite different in daylight and lamp light, so think about where the work will hang. Home trials are available in Sydney so you can see a painting on your own wall.

See also: abstract art and canvas paintings, blue paintings and all original art for sale.

Black and white paintings FAQ

What is black and white abstract art? Abstract work made in black, white and the greys between them. It uses line, mark, texture and contrast as the subject, rather than picturing a recognisable scene.

Will a black and white painting suit a colourful room? Yes. Monochrome gives a colourful interior a calm focal point, and in a neutral room it adds weight without competing with the furnishings.

Can I see the paintings in person? Yes. Works can be viewed at our Woollahra, Sydney gallery, and local home trials are available on request. Contact us to arrange a viewing.

Can I commission a black and white painting? Many of our artists accept commissions for a particular size or tonal palette. See art commissions or contact us.