Realist More Art
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.
1980s Realist More Art
Oil, Cardboard
Artist Comments
Artist Olena Nabilsky draws inspiration from the vast expanse of open space to create a stunning depiction of a rocky valley in Ar...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by the scenic landscapes of the State of Washington, this painting features a mountain of rocks at the edge of a lake. The vibrant contrast of orange, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The teapot's handle and spout mirror the stems of the plums. The interplay of the sturdy, metallic exterior of the container with the vibrant and soft flesh and...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
This painting captures a serene beach filled with warm light. In the foreground, lush grasses catch the glow of the setting sun while the water beyond the dunes...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In the style of 19th-century Luminism, this painting captures the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow through clouds, reflected in the estuary below. Thin ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
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In this watercolor still life, a stack of large, plump oranges forms a column, with a tea bag resting on top. A honey bee buzzes by, leaving its shadow on the f...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
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 interpla...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A pair of sandhill cranes stand on opposite sides, their intense eyes seemingly watching each other's backs. Their stoic stance accentuates as the pond they inhabit fades into the grayish rainy mist of California's Central Valley in early winter. Rendered with a loose, watercolor-like technique, the birds' portrayal carries an expressive touch.
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
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 th...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The painting captures a summer night in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. In the distance, hints of activity in Bartel-Pritchard Square contrast with the quietness of th...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The painting shows three red roses thriving in a flourishing garden. The sun casts shadows and highlights intricate details of the leaves and flowers, creating ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
The sun sets on the Grand Canyon, leaving a blanket of soft light over its ridges. It is a magical time as a mesmerizing array of colors fills the landscape. Th...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by the ocean and the captivating moments of sunrises, artist Olena Nabilsky captures the radiant glow of the clouds. Enve...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The breathtaking sight of Niagara Falls captures the mesmerizing fusion between the cascading waters below and the enchanting twilight sky above. According to artist Olena Nabilsky...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
At the break of dawn, the Grand Canyon embraces yet another fleeting moment in its timeless existence. Its layers echo the majestic grandeur of this natural wonder. Artist Olena Nabilsky...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In the evenings in the suburbs, New York City's silhouette is visible from far away. The city rests between the radiant sky and the quiet sea. As the sun sets, dipping slowly towards the horizon, the Big Apple skyline awakens, illuminated by the city lights.
About the Artist
Artist Olena Nabilsky captures grand natural scenes through her realistic approach to art. Hailing from Ukraine, upon arriving in the US, she embarked on a cross-country road trip from New York to Los Angeles by car. Along her extensive journey, she encountered breathtaking landscapes that served as inspirations for her works. "Words can't express my awe at nature's beauty, so I pour my emotions into my art," says Olena. Using her travel photos as references, Olena painstakingly incorporates intricate details into her paintings. Her studio, alternating between tidy and chaotic, resonates with soft melodies as she immerses herself in her creative process. During her leisure hours, Olena dedicates time to contemplating future paintings and refining her artistic technique.
Words that describe this painting: seascape, sunset, coast, city, New York, NYC, oilpaint, panoramic, clouds, sky, sun, skyline, realism, seascape, realism, oil painting, blue
Far Far...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A serene seascape with a glowing cloud delicately hovers over the tranquil shore. Artist Nancy Hughes Miller uses a variety of pastel colors to express the sk...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by a walk along the beaches of Long Island, artist Olena Nabilsky presents an idyllic scene where the ocean meets the sky...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
The awe-inspiring skyscrapers of New York City never fail to captivate artist Olena Nabilsky with their sheer power and beauty, st...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
As she strolls through New York, artist Olena Nabilsky remains endlessly fascinated by the towering skyscrapers that adorn the cityscape. Eager to portray one o...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A still life rendered in a realist tradition using watercolor. The bowls sit beside each other, with a curled purple ribbon bridging the gap between the rustic ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Artist Emil Morhardt depicts a family of aquatic birds he saw in a northern Iceland lake. "The mother bird saw me and swam across to proudly show off her chick," says Emil. With near-photographic detail, the subjects stand out vividly against a clean white background.
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
It's a peaceful morning, with the sun shining brightly and reflecting its warm light on the pebbles on the riverbed. The trees provide a comforting shade, creat...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Early 20th Century Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
1960s Realist More Art
Pen, Gouache, Illustration Board
2010s Realist More Art
Ceramic, Paint
Artist Comments
Artist Andres Lopez captures a mesmerizing scene of glistening water with a vibrant orange reflection. The painting captures the play of light on the ocean's su...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Jose Luis Bermudez captures a verdant tapestry of nature where dainty daisies dominate the scene. "This represents natu...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Nick Savides captures a late afternoon scene in early autumn at Prospect Park, Brooklyn. On a bench, two figures sit facing the serene and peaceful Long ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Mandy Main paints a traditional old-world landscape of a peaceful estuary filled with warm greens and blues. Hazy and ivory-tinted clouds conceal the aft...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist John Jaster captures the ethereal beauty of an oriental lily. Its raspberry-red petals, framed by crisp white margins, cradle a bright yellow-green filam...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
1780s Realist More Art
Engraving
Artist Comments
Inspired by a twilight he witnessed, artist Jose Luis Bermudez captures the setting sun on a natural landscape. Bathed in suns...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Jose Luis Bermudez presents a tranquil lake bathed in a radiant golden light. "The atmosphere envelops this setting, providing a sense of stability and connection to the earth," says Jose Luis. The water reflects a magical and captivating effect as the sun sits low in the sky, just above the trees. Plants reach for the last rays, vibrant and full of life, while the atmosphere glows with deep yellow hues. Jose Luis invites the viewer to contemplate nature's fleeting beauty and appreciate the magic that can exist in a single moment. The painting arrives with a thin white floating frame.
About the Artist
Artist Jose Luis Bermudez brings to life natural sceneries with breathtaking detail. His realistic oil paintings invite the viewer into a captivating, serene world of golden sunsets and peaceful wetlands. “I offer a fragment of my existence, where you can escape from daily life, visit beautiful scenes and moments, or simply recall a fond memory,†says Jose Luis. Graduating in 2008 with a BA from the San Alejandro School of Fine Arts in Havana, Cuba, he later shared his expertise as a painting teacher at his alma mater. In 2014, he took the leap and moved to Miami, Florida, seeking better opportunities. The decision did not come easy for Jose Luis to leave his home country. Yet, he encountered career obstacles that made him feel artists lacked the resources and opportunities for broader impact, access to more information, and improved working conditions. These challenges became the catalyst for his bold decision to make the move. Today, he paints in a spacious, well-lit studio, which he keeps clean and organized, always accompanied by piano or instrumental music. When he is not painting, he loves connecting with nature. He travels outside the city to places removed from everyday life, breathing fresh air and listening to self-improvement audio books to charge him with energy and continue.
Words that describe this painting: nature, lake, sunset, sun, water, realism, oilpaint, reflection, large, warm, grass, foliage, woods, evening, nature, realism, oil painting, yellow
Golden Glow...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Mixed Media, Permanent Marker, Lithograph, Offset
Mid-20th Century Realist More Art
Glass
Artist Comments
A magical sunset unfolds in artist Jose Luis Bermudez's realistic piece. The sky glows in gold and pink tones as the clouds sl...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Jose Luis Bermudez paints a realistic landscape with a clear dawn sky over a vibrant ecosystem of plants. On the horizo...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
"This piece captures the essence of nature in its most serene and magical state," says artist Jose Luis Bermudez. The calmly f...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Mid-20th Century Realist More Art
Ink, Newsprint, Lithograph, Offset, Mixed Media
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman paints a lone oak tree standing majestically in an open sunlit field. "It is a symbol of strength, endurance, and protection," says Shela. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Late 19th Century Realist More Art
Porcelain, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Mandy Main presents an expansive, glowing landscape with an accentuated perspective that pulls the eye deep into the distance. "The impressive momentum o...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist John Jaster illustrates a dramatic still life in high contrast realism. A vintage blue campfire coffee pot sprouts a dynamic arrangement of colorful flow...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Jo Galang paints a tranquil river tucked in the middle of the woods. "One of the joys of life is finding unexpected treasure in the midst of nowhere," sa...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Jesse Aldana presents a peaceful grassland with a well-trodden path leading inward. Inspired by two early morning spring hikes—the background comes fro...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Early 2000s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Elizabeth Garat paints a realistic vision of twilight in a dramatic skyscape. Clouds glazed in rich tones of plum, white, and deep orange dominate the lu...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
1980s Realist More Art
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Artist Comments
Artist Mandy Main presents a light-filled atmospheric landscape that combines old-world realism with a modern aesthetic. A brimming reservoir stretches off into...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
1970s Realist More Art
Paper, Watercolor
