Skip to main content

Photorealist Art

PHOTOREALISM

A direct challenge to Abstract Expressionism’s subjectivity and gestural vigor, Photorealism was informed by the Pop predilection for representational imagery, popular iconography and tools, like projectors and airbrushes, borrowed from the worlds of commercial art and design.

Whether gritty or gleaming, the subject matter favored by Photorealists is instantly, if vaguely, familiar. It’s the stuff of yellowing snapshots and fugitive memories. The bland and the garish alike flicker between crystal-clear reality and dreamy illusion, inviting the viewer to contemplate a single moment rather than igniting a story.

The virtues of the “photo” in Photorealist art — infused as they are with dazzling qualities that are easily blurred in reproduction — are as elusive as they are allusive. “Much Photorealist painting has the vacuity of proportion and intent of an idiot-savant, long on look and short on personal timbre,” John Arthur wrote (rather admiringly) in the catalogue essay for Realism/Photorealism, a 1980 exhibition at the Philbrook Museum of Art, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its best, Photorealism is a perpetually paused tug-of-war between the sacred and the profane, the general and the specific, the record and the object.

Robert Bechtle invented Photorealism, in 1963,” says veteran art dealer Louis Meisel. “He took a picture of himself in the mirror with the car outside and then painted it. That was the first one.”

The meaning of the term, which began for Meisel as “a superficial way of defining and promoting a group of painters,” evolved with time, and the core group of Photorealists slowly expanded to include younger artists who traded Rolleiflexes for 60-megapixel cameras, using advanced digital technology to create paintings that transcend the detail of conventional photographs.

On 1stDibs, the collection of Photorealist art includes work by Richard Estes, Ralph Goings, Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, Charles Bell and others.

57
to
287
2,110
680
731
723
1,364
1,129
322
543
791
350
470
686
Overall Height
to
Overall Width
to
120,221
69,919
50,170
22,584
15,195
8,229
4,968
4,779
4,002
2,604
2,596
2,419
593
1,172
558
470
388
376
332
302
284
254
231
181
171
165
156
151
142
142
133
117
104
1
5
1,016
1,815
2
5
16
10
123
106
149
178
78
134
49
47
46
45
1,254
900
605
588
541
Style: Photorealist
JAPANESE KIMONO Signed Lithograph, Blonde Woman White Silk Kimono Gold Cranes
Located in Union City, NJ
Japanese Kimono by the American photorealist artist Douglas Hofmann is an original hand drawn lithograph(not a photo reproduction or digital print) printed using hand lithography techniques on Arches paper, 100% acid free. Print size - 31.25" x 24", unframed, excellent condition, pencil signed by Douglas Hofmann Image size - 24.25" x 18.25" Edition size - 300, plus proofs Year published - 1990 Printer - JK Fine Art Editions Co. Japanese Kimono is a remarkable rendering of a young blonde woman, hair in a chignon, modeling a white Japanese silk kimono, embellished with red edging and elegant gold cranes...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

12 Photos (Magenta and Yellow) - Large Scale Textural Photographs
Located in Soquel, CA
12 Photos (Magenta and Yellow) - Large Scale Textural Photographs Series of detailed macro photos by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). This set of photos shows several textured a...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

12 Photos (Graffiti and Stripes) - Large Scale Textural Photographs
Located in Soquel, CA
12 Photos (Graffiti and Stripes) - Large Scale Textural Photographs Series of detailed macro photos by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). This set of photos shows several textured...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Sant'Eufemia
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the Santa Eufemia church - Milan (Italy). Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan. He lives and works bet...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment

Sommer’s Glow -original realism modern seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
"Sommer's Glow" captures the essence of a tranquil seaside moment, rendered in the vibrant strokes of impressionism by the talented Lia Madsen. This diptych masterpiece consists of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Azure Tempest -original modern realism seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
In "Azure Tempest," Lia Madsen presents a breathtaking vista of the ocean in all its tumultuous beauty, expertly rendered in realistic detail. This original seascape painting invites...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Green Glow of the Sea-original realism seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
In "Green Glow of the Sea," Lia Madsen transports viewers to the mesmerizing realm where land meets water, capturing the essence of the ocean's verdant embrace in stunning realism. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Glare on the waves, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Glare on the waves. Blue water, ocean shine, glare on the water, small waves create an atmosphere of relaxation, romance. Made in the style of realism. Part of a permanent series of ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Sounds of morning waves, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The sounds of the morning waves. The shining ocean, small waves, glare on the water, the beach, clear sky create an atmosphere of relaxation, romance. Made in the style of realism, L...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Landscape with a boat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting. Landscape with a boat. A saturated palette of greenery, water, boats on the shore, forest, pine trees, cause a feeling of love and gratitude to nature. The picture has a go...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

Dancing glare on the water., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Dancing glare on the water. Blue water, blue ocean, clear sky, reflections on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation, serenity, romance. Made in the style of realism, deep blue...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

A magical sunrise at the sea, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A magical sunrise at the sea, the sound of coastal waves, sea foam, the reflection of the sun in the water, the sky, inspired me to create this picture. The atmosphere of relaxation,...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Gold sparks on the water., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Gold sparks on the water. Warm water, waves, serene views, ocean shine, evening sun glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, a...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Shining horizon., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Shining horizon. Blue water, clear skies, waves, serene views, sun glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. The blue and white palette, made in the style of...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

"For the Shear Fun of it" Charcoal Painting 29" x 21" inch by Casey Baugh
Located in Culver City, CA
"For the Shear Fun of it" Charcoal Painting 29" x 21" inch by Casey Baugh Medium: Charcoal on paper ABOUT THE ARTIST: Baugh's work can be described as narrative impressionistic re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Charcoal, Paper

Warm sunset over the ocean., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Warm sunset over the ocean. Blue water, sea, ocean, waves, sun glare on the water, clear warm sky, warm sand, beach create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Light flickers on ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Black Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Located in Soquel, CA
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of white painted concrete with a sp...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Painted Concrete - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Located in Soquel, CA
Painted Concrete - Large Scale Textural Photograph Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of concrete that has been painted a few ...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Music of the ocean 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Music of the ocean 2. Blue water, ocean, shimmering sun glare on the water, clear sky, small waves, create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, ligh...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Silver of the ocean 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Silver of the ocean 2. Power of nature. The ocean ... deep, mysterious. He beckons you to unravel his secrets. ... Silver water, ocean, sun glare on the water, clear sky create an...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Raindancer - archival pigment print - 35х24"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A young beautiful woman is dancing under the rain. Her dress is all wet. Some strange fishes are reflected in the window behind her. Original gallery quality print signed by the art...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Traditional English Farm with Horses, Figures, Trees & Lake by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
English Farmhouse with Horses, Figures, Fields, Trees & Lake entitled 'Winters Morn' by 20th Century British Artist. Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 41 x 30 inches Ch...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

La Vie Est Belle. 2023, oil on canvas, 80x70 cm
Located in Riga, LV
La Vie Est Belle. 2023, oil on canvas, 80x70 cm Works of Liene Liepina are full of life and joy because of photography-like, realistic details on the one hand, and intense and slight...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

'A Moment rest' Photorealist painting of a Kingfisher in the wild, blue, orange
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'A Moments Rest' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting of a Kingfisher perched on a branch. With such incredible detail you can almost feel feathers and exp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Sea 22., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Sea 22. Light blue water, sea, ocean, small waves, glare on the water, clear sky create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, light blue, white p...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Bridgehampton, Photorealist Screenprint by Arne Besser
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bridgehampton Arne Besser, American (1935–2012) Portfolio: Cityscapes Date: 1981 Screenprint, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 250, 30 AP Size: 30 in. x 22 in. (76.2 cm x 55....
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Screen

Scratched Paint - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Located in Soquel, CA
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of heavily painted concrete that ha...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

The Game of Life, Jacque
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In her painting entitled “The Game of life, Jaque”, Eva Carzul captures life’s complexities, portraying it as a chess game, all the while adorned in a top that ironically expresses g...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Unstable Affection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In Eva Carzul’s painting, “Unstable Affection,” a comedic portrayal unfolds, vividly illustrating the visual representation of emotional fragility and instability. Perched atop a box...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

(Male Nude) Untitled, 1977, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: (Male Nude) Untitled Year: 1977 Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board Size: 48.5 x 38.75 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed & date...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Graphite

The Worship of this Love by K Husslein Botanical Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of a dark background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

(Male Nude) Untitled, 1973, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1973 Year: 1973 Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board Size: 38.5 x 26.75 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed ...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Graphite

(Male Nude) Untitled, 1974, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1974 Year: 1974 Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board Size: 38 x 23.5 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed & d...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Graphite

(Male Nude) Untitled, 1977, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1977 Year: 1977 Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board Size: 52.5 x 40 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed & d...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Graphite

(Male Nude) Untitled, 1980, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1980 Year: 1980 Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board Size: 54.75 x 39.75 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Graphite

(Male Nude) Untitled, 1973, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1973 Year: 1973 Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board Size: 40 x 30.25 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed & ...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Graphite

White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Abstract Textural Photograph
Located in Soquel, CA
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of heavily painted concrete, with w...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

"Polk Street" Large Scale Textural Photograph San Francisco Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
"Polk" Large Scale Textural Photograph Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of heavily painted concrete. The paint is bold yello...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Mike Tyson - Stampa su carta in bianco e nero
Located in Napoli, IT
Stampa su carta in bianco e nero del pugile Mike Tyson, con cornice
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Paper, Monoprint

Softer Notes for Love by K Husslein Botanical Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of a dark background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sweet Bliss (AP)
Located in Dallas, TX
Archival ink on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 29x40" (print size) Individually numbered and Hand signed Limited Edition of 25 Artist Proof Edition Inspired by artists such as Dali, Caravaggi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper

New York City - Photorealistic Oil and Enamel Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ross Tamlin's unique photorealistic compositions merge traditional painting methods with modern industrial techniques to create captivating works of art. Using layers of oil and enam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Enamel

San Satiro Bramante
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the Santa Maria church - San Satiro. Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment

The Glory of Real Estate
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Eva Carzul’s artwork, “The Glory of Real Estate,” ingeniously infuses humor as the artist shares her personal experiences with the viewer. With one hand clutching keys to an undisclo...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

HMS Nairana. Royal Navy Seaplane Carrier. Float Plane.Tasmania & Melbourne Ferry
By Vincenzo D'Esposito
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Vincenzo D’Esposito. Italian ( b.1886 - d.1946 ). HMS Nairana, Royal Navy Seaplane Carrier. Gouache on Paper. Signed. Image size 7.7 inches x 12.2 inches ( 19.5cm x 31cm ). Frame si...
Category

Early 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Bilhete de identidade, Untitled 1
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Bilhete de Identidade series In this series, Félix Mula...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Bilhete de identidade, Untitled 8
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Bilhete de Identidade series In this series, Félix Mula...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Magoanine Verde, Untitled 5
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Magoanine Verde started in 2023 as a photographic project - still in process - about the conditions in which some part of the Magoanine “A” neighborhood has been living in recent years, after repeated rainfall. From the initial visits, I decided to document photographically certain areas, every available Thursday. Magoanine "A" is a suburban neighborhood, located a few kilometers from Maputo City, Capital of Mozambique. Rainwater forced the withdrawal of the inhabitants who, for several decades, have been settling on the banks of what was once a river. From the beginning of the establishment (or restoration) of the rise in water levels, the population demanded compensation from the Government for what had happened. However, after several attempts to study the case, experts came to the conclusion that the waters did not invade people's homes, but only resumed their course and space (habitat). Félix Mula...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Bilhete de identidade, Untitled 5
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Bilhete de Identidade series In this series, Félix Mula...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Bilhete de identidade, Untitled 7
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Bilhete de Identidade series In this series, Félix Mula...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Magoanine Verde, Untitled 1
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Magoanine Verde started in 2023 as a photogr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Magoanine Verde, Untitled 2
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Magoanine Verde started in 2023 as a photographic project - still in process - about the conditions in which some part of the Magoanine “A” neighborhood has been living in recent years, after repeated rainfall. From the initial visits, I decided to document photographically certain areas, every available Thursday. Magoanine "A" is a suburban neighborhood, located a few kilometers from Maputo City, Capital of Mozambique. Rainwater forced the withdrawal of the inhabitants who, for several decades, have been settling on the banks of what was once a river. From the beginning of the establishment (or restoration) of the rise in water levels, the population demanded compensation from the Government for what had happened. However, after several attempts to study the case, experts came to the conclusion that the waters did not invade people's homes, but only resumed their course and space (habitat). Félix Mula...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Magoanine Verde, Untitled 3
Located in MADRID, ES
Analogue photo. Photography, printed on Aluminium Dibond. Edition of 3 + 1 artist proof. Walnut wood frame, 35 mm depth, 4 mm thickness. Magoanine Verde started in 2023 as a photogr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital

Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Ann Richards and Dolly Parton in Austin Texas by Scott Newton
Located in Austin, US
Texan politician and former Texas governor, Ann Richards with Dolly Parton taken at the Driskill Hotel, Austin Texas in 1982 by photographer Scott Newton Photographers notes: We wer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Beatles Licensed Artwork by J. Scott Nicol Ltd Ed Signed and Numbered
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Beatles Licensed Artwork by J. Scott Nicol Ltd Ed Signed and Numbered The is a limited edition signed and numbered on canvas with museum quality wood framing. 20" x 30" One ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas

Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Photorealist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, purple, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Gregory Block, Lowell Nesbitt, and Ian Hornak. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Photorealist art, so small editions measuring 0.79 inches across are also available. Prices for art made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $585,000, while the average work sells for $2,404.

Recently Viewed

View All