Realist art attempts to portray its subject matter without artifice. Similar to naturalism, authentic realist paintings and prints see an integration of true-to-life colors, meticulous detail and linear perspectives for accurate portrayals of the world.
Work that involves illusionistic techniques of realism dates back to the classical world, such as the deceptive trompe l’oeil used since ancient Greece. Art like this became especially popular in the 17th century when Dutch artists like Evert Collier painted objects that appeared real enough to touch. Realism as an artistic movement, however, usually refers to 19th-century French realist artists such as Honoré Daumier exploring social and political issues in biting lithographic prints, while the likes of Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet painting people — particularly the working class — with all their imperfections, navigating everyday urban life. This was a response to the dominant academic art tradition that favored grand paintings of myth and history.
By the turn of the 20th century, European artists, such as the Pre-Raphaelites, were experimenting with nearly photographic realism in their work, as seen in the attention to every botanical attribute of the flowers surrounding the drowned Ophelia painted by English artist John Everett Millais.
Although abstraction was the guiding style of 20th-century art, the realism trend in American modern art endured in Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and other artists’ depictions of the complexities of the human experience. In the late 1960s, Photorealism emerged with artists like Chuck Close and Richard Estes giving their paintings the precision of a frame of film.
Contemporary artists such as Jordan Casteel, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Aliza Nisenbaum are now using the unvarnished realist approach for honest representations of people and their worlds. Alongside traditional mediums, technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and immersive installations are helping artists create new sensations of realism in art.
Find authentic realist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.
Blood Moon, Oil Painting
By Jesse Aldana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A blood moon glows softly against a brilliant night sky. A row of palm trees in the foreground reaches upward. Pale clouds drift and billow, adding a sense of c...
Oil
Wild Strawberry - original still life impressionism painting - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This elegantly framed artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Sig...
Canvas, Oil
Coastal Solitude, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this evocative watercolor painting, artist Vic Roschkov captures the quiet resilience of a coastal sanctuary. Bathed in the crisp light of a northern afterno...
Watercolor
White Cherries, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Three juicy cherries line up on a table, with the light enhancing their luminous and vibrant color. The sharp and detailed rendition of the fruit imparts a re...
Oil
Nature's Bounty, Oil Painting
By Jo Galang
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The vibrant colors in this piece highlight a dynamic interplay of orange and green hues, evoking freshness and vitality. It captures the essence of abundance ...
Oil
$859Sale Price|20% Off
"Nude II" - limited edition finest quality - color photograph
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Kseniia Kokovashina - "Nude II". Beautiful limited edition art photography. Printable in colour or black/white. Editions: 20. Technique: Photo...
Photographic Paper
Lost to Time, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A weathered yellow cottage with a red roof stands alone on the prairie, surrounded by wildflowers and a rustic fence. Dark clouds gather overhead, adding a se...
Acrylic
St, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by a twilight he witnessed, artist Jose Luis Bermudez captures the setting sun on a natural landscape. Bathed in su...
Oil
$1,723Sale Price|20% Off
"Nude I&II" - limited edition finest quality - color photograph - set of two
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Kseniia Kokovashina - "Nude I&II" set of two. Beautiful limited edition art photography. Printable in colour or black/white. Editions: 20. Tec...
Photographic Paper
Jackson Creek Florida, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Nestled amidst the vibrant foliage, Jackson Creek emerges as the centerpiece of artist Kent Sullivan's realistic piece. The flowing water possesses an idyllic allure amidst the lush landscape, reflecting the verdant bounty that thrives along its banks. The meeting of land and water echoes the harmonious balance co-existing within this ecologically diverse region. The work serves as a poetic reminder of the profound beauty lying within reach and demanding our respect. With every delicate brushstroke, Kent invites us to reflect on the value of nature's magnificence and our shared responsibility to protect and cherish these invaluable treasures.
About the Artist
There are more places Kent Sullivan would like to paint than he ever will be able. Employing many of the Hudson River School methods in his landscapes, Kent captures the ephemeral interactions of clouds, sun and earth with his delicate use of color and gesture. His work is published in two prominent books: "Art of the National Parks" and "Picturing Florida." He has lectured at museums and been sought after by many large corporations. “Several years ago I had the incredible fortune of being part of the NASA art program. Five paintings are now part of the Smithsonian Collection. At one gathering at the Kennedy Space Center...
Oil
Purple Crayon, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A white pitcher with horizontal bands sits against a dark blue background. In front of it, a small orange container holds a purple crayon. The still life celebr...
Watercolor
$763
Strawberries in a Cup - original still life painting - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
ZigZag, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
While traveling from Colorado to Arizona, artist Renee Noel witnessed zigzagging clouds cutting through a rapidly moving storm over the western terrain. In this...
Acrylic
$115Sale Price|20% Off
Christo - "Wrapped Walk Ways", Loose Park in Kansas City - photo offset
$5,414
Snow Track – original realism contemporary landscape art for sale -oil painting
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Evening at the Lake, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lush green palms border a lake, creating a serene afternoon scene. Lavender shades blend with coral and pink clouds, reflecting the warm glow of the setting sun...
Oil
Winter's Chill, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A narrow, half-frozen stream winds through a snow-covered field, reflecting the soft light of a pale winter sky. Bare trees frame the scene and lead the gaze in...
Watercolor
Silent Stream, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soft winter hush settles over a quiet bend where a dark ribbon of water slips gently through snow-covered banks. Sparse reeds and delicate branches create a m...
Watercolor
Island. Memories of Jiangnan, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Jiangnan is artist Guigen Zha's birthplace. In this painting, he depicts the region's tranquil environment, with islands perfectly reflected in the calm water. ...
Oil
Northern Hush, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this quietly cinematic winter scene, artist Vic Roschkov captures the faded grace of an old farmhouse beneath drifting snow. Stark trees reach almost lifelik...
Watercolor
The Rookery, Oil Painting
By Jesse Aldana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A bright blue sky stretches over a scalloped coastline. Safe in the rookery below the cliffs, elephant seals bask in the sun, their voices blending with the c...
Oil
Forgotten Dwelling, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A weathered farmhouse stands silent against a late fall sky, its boarded windows holding the echoes of another time. Dry grasses and bare trees seem to lean inw...
Watercolor
View from the Bridge, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet river winds through a grove of trees. The warm glow at the horizon in mid-October creates a dreamlike mist and softens the scene.Artist Candice Eisenfel...
Acrylic
$1,915
The Essence of Harmony - original realism floral oil painting - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
$115Sale Price|20% Off
The Gates - New York Central Park
By Christo
Located in Winterswijk, NL
The artwork "The Gates - New York Central Park" by the artist Christo is extraordinary and an eye-catcher for every room Color offset on heavy paper B...
Color, Offset
A Surprising Center, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A squash and a chocolate-covered maraschino cherry rest on a green table. Split open, they reveal rich colors and textures in their cores. In this still life, a...
Watercolor
Interstate, Oil Painting
By Jesse Aldana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Jesse Aldana presents a skyscape from a ground-level angle in realistic detail. White clouds, flattened in their haste, race across the sky. It leaves ...
Oil
Early Twentieth Century Aviation Vintage Aircraft Airplane Framed Painting
Located in ludlow, GB
Early Twentieth Century Aviation Vintage Aircraft Airplane Framed Gouache Painting of Imperial Airways Hannibal. One of a set of three that were painted by the well known Artist and Illustrator Charles Thomas Howard. Each was painted to be published as postcards so these are the original artworks. They are in good clean condition with fresh and vibrant colours I have had them framed in handmade gold frames with a flecked cream mount. Can be sold individually or as a set, they look really striking displayed together. “Three Studies of Airplanes” Gouache, Signed and Framed. Charles Thomas Howard was born in Boston, Lincolnshire in 1865 and after he married in 1905 moved to London where he pursued his career as Painter and Illustrator. He did many works that were produced as postcards as these three all were. He worked for at least three publishers and was incredibly highly sought after. His work was diverse but he specialised in Aviation, Railways and Military subjects. His work is held in many Art Libraries including the Bridgeman and as postcards have been reprinted many times over the years and still resonate with todays audiences. He died at the age of 76 in West Sussex. These originals comprise of De Havilland Comet...
Gouache
Pathway to the Past, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A rustic blue cottage, weathered by time, nestles among vibrant wildflowers. It was once the home of a widow who lost her loving h...
Acrylic
Winter Passage, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A pale winter road winds through a hush of trees, their bare branches reaching into soft, silvery air. The world holds its breath, and only the faint promise of...
Watercolor
Frozen Reflections, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Early morning light glimmers across a winding winter creek, scattering pale blues and cool shadows between the intricate weave of bare branches. Water moves ben...
Watercolor
$1,804
Sandbar-original modern impressionism seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Sandbar" by Lenny Cornforth is a captivating original seascap...
Canvas, Acrylic
Biscuit Before Harvest, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A white farmhouse sits quietly beneath a gray sky, its brick chimneys contrasting against the muted backdrop. A red tractor rests in the golden field. Artist ...
Watercolor
Frozen Silence, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet expanse stretches beneath a pale sky, where the lake and horizon merge in muted, cool tones. This winter landscape speaks of stillness, endurance, and t...
Watercolor
Thin Ice, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A narrow channel of ice stretches across a serene winter field, its delicate cracks revealing nature’s subtle strength and fragility. Soft washes of umber, gr...
Watercolor
$4,675Sale Price|44% Off
"Elephant In The Pool" Lrg Orig. Oil Painting by Robert White, Frameless Display
Located in Encino, CA
“Elephant In The Pool,” an original oil on canvas by Robert K. White, is a piece for the true collector. White’s careful attention to detail and vivid use of greens, browns, and blue...
Oil, Canvas
Underworld - original realism still life oil painting - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Peach XI-Original still life hyper realism oil painting-artwork-contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Oil, Panel
Nearing Dusk, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Dark silhouettes of bare trees create a quiet, moody landscape at dusk in the countryside. The glowing sunset illuminates the horizon. Deep tones fill a marsh b...
Watercolor
Dancing 1, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A roseate spoonbill opens its wings beside a clear, shimmering river, its gaze fixed on its own reflection. Bright colors create a dreamlike scene. The composit...
Oil
Coastal Patrol - original surrealist-realism oilpainting-contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Acrylic
Western Lands, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sunset reveals the vast grandeur of the Grand Canyon. The rugged cliffs glow with deep amber and violet hues beneath a sky brushed with luminous pastel clouds. ...
Oil
Calm Waters, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A gently flowing river reflects the soft glow of a warm summer morning, creating a sense of calm and stillness. A towering tree casts deep shadows over the wa...
Watercolor
Pine, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This work is a representation of the unadorned beauty of nature," shares artist Jose Luis Bermudez. The clear blue sky stre...
Oil
$483
BMW 502 (1954)- XXI Century, Contemporary Acrylic Painting, Vehicle, Car
Located in Warsaw, PL
Mariusz Szalajdewicz (b. 1974) Studied at the Faculty of Architecture at Warsaw University of Technology, where he mastered the drawing skill. Architect and urbanist, illustrator.
Canvas, Acrylic
Afterlight, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the ocean and the captivating moments of sunrises, artist Olena Nabilsky captures the radiant glow of the clouds. En...
Oil
Spring Rain, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Wooden spools convey a natural landscape reminiscent of towering cliffs. Hues of blue threads form a vista mimicking rain pouring down on dry land. The interp...
Watercolor
Eighteenth Century Inn Scene with Rustic folk Drinking and Dog Oil Painting
Located in ludlow, GB
Eighteenth Century English Country Inn Scene with Rustic Figures and Dog, drinking and talking. A signed Oil on Canvas mounted on stretchers and Framed in a Morland Frame. This was o...
Oil
Caribbean Sky, Oil Painting
By Jay Jensen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A lone palm tree sways gently against the backdrop of a bright blue sky, with the ocean below reflecting the billowing white clouds. During a trip to the Domi...
Oil
Rural Reflections, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A barn stands at the corner of a dirt road, capturing the quiet poetry of rural life. Reflected in the still water below, the structure’s weathered textures a...
Watercolor
Red-Tailed Hawk on the Hunt, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Emil Morhardt paints a swooping hawk he observed circling the sky and then landing on a tall nearby tree. The bird inspects the many gopher holes nearby. Emil captures it just as it launches a successful attack—painting the plumage with fine detailed brushwork and intense colors against a pure white background. The piece embodies the essence of this powerful raptor.
About the Artist
Emil Morhardt is an acrylic painter from Santa Barbara, California who expresses his passion for birds through realistic acrylic paintings. He paints at home in a studio room that has large windows and a north-facing view of the mountains. He observes the animals from this window, watching roadrunners, foxes, bobcats, deer, and coyote run by. Surrounded by this wildlife, Emil paints bird portraits reminiscent of those by artist John James Audubon. He bases his paintings off hundreds of photographs he takes of birds in the wild and at wildlife recovery centers. Emil captures the freedom and inquisitiveness that birds display...
Acrylic
Flight Path II, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sweeping, layered clouds fill the sky, creating a dramatic contrast between light and shadow. Gentle waves with soft white foam at their crest roll towards the ...
Oil
Along the River, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A fallen tree stretches along a tranquil, icy riverbank, its gnarled branches reaching toward the pale winter sky. Patches of snow cling to the rugged bark, c...
Watercolor
Spring Sky, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A sweeping landscape where rugged mesas rise beneath a vast, glowing sky. Layers of deep indigo and violet mountains fade into the distance, while golden and ...
Oil
A Peach, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A ripe white peach with dried leaves rests on a wooden surface. Its pinkish-red and yellow skin contrasts with the dark background. Artist Art Tatin used Flem...
Oil
Shining Through, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A serene woodland bathes in dappled sunlight. Tall trees cast shadows across a winding road and the grass, while streaks of light add a sense of peace to the sc...
Watercolor
Family Tree, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This still-life arrangement of Granny Smith apples resembles a family portrait. Thoughtfully composed to guide the eye, the grouping of fruit evokes the warmt...
Watercolor
Throwing Shade, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sun pierces through the morning mist, casting a warm, golden glow on the fields and meandering stream below. The aerial view captures the scale, depth, and ...
Oil
Hot by the Sun, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sun hovers low on the horizon, casting its golden light creating a warm glow over the rugged landscape. This scene captures a timeless moment, where passi...
Oil
Woodpeckers on Tree, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A pair of little woodpeckers perch on opposite sides of a branch, busy probing the small holes they've made for fresh tree sap. The intricate features of their plumage and the textured bark create a striking contrast against the stark white background. Rendered in vibrant colors and fine detail, artist Emil Morhardt brings this charming scene to life.
About the Artist
Emil Morhardt is an acrylic painter from Santa Barbara, California who expresses his passion for birds through realistic acrylic paintings. He paints at home in a studio room that has large windows and a north-facing view of the mountains. He observes the animals from this window, watching roadrunners, foxes, bobcats, deer, and coyote run by. Surrounded by this wildlife, Emil paints bird portraits reminiscent of those by artist John James Audubon. He bases his paintings off hundreds of photographs he takes of birds in the wild and at wildlife recovery centers. Emil captures the freedom and inquisitiveness that birds display...
Acrylic