Questions & Answers
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What do you call a painting that is not realistic?
1 Answer

What you call a painting that is not realistic varies. If the work doesn't represent the real world, a general term for it is abstract. A work that doesn't seek to portray a subject realistically may also be an example of a specific art movement. For example, Impressionist art embraced loose brushwork and plein-air painting to respond to the movement of daily life. In contrast, Pop art drew on imagery from popular culture, such as comic books, advertising, product packaging and other commercial media. Researching the artist of a painting can help you learn more about the art movements they were associated with. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of paintings.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
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Shop for Paintings on 1stDibs
Fuchsia Bellflowers, Illustration Style Painting, Wild Flowers, Spring Bouquet
Located in Barcelona, ES
This vibrant painting captures the graceful charm of delicate Fuchsia Bellflowers. Sweeping brushstrokes and vivid colors bring these flowers to life, highlighting their stylized sha...
Category
2010s Expressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
India Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor
Warm Arboretum - Abstract Botanical Contemporary Expressive Peach-Tone Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Oil
"American Cheese", Sewn Collage of Cheesesteak Shop in Textile Cityscape
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"American Cheese" is an original artwork by Eustace Mamba and measures 24"h x 24"w x 1.5"d. The artists cuts, arranges, sews, and collages fabric and paints to create layers of textu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mixed Media
Materials
Textile, Paint, Mixed Media
Awakening - Important Royal Academy Oil Painting of Neoclassical Nudes Nymphs
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘Awakening’ by Herbert James Draper (1864-1920).
This monumental masterpeice oil painting – which depicts two wood nymphs rising to meet the morning sun – is signed by the artist an...
Category
Late 19th Century Pre-Raphaelite Nude Paintings
Materials
Oil
Vigilance, Loyalty & Devotion - 19th Century Oil Painting Society Beauty & Dogs
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘Vigilance, Loyalty, and Devotion’ by Arthur Wardle R.B.C. R.I. (1864-1949).
The painting – which depicts a young beauty surrounded by poppies and her three faithful canine companio...
Category
Late 19th Century Pre-Raphaelite Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
News from the Front - 19th Century Oil Painting Royal Academy Exhibition 1849
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘News from the Front’ by Frederick Goodall R.A. H.R.I. (1822-1904).
The painting – which depicts a diverse cross-section of Victorian figures gathered outside a post office as they...
Category
Mid-19th Century Victorian Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil