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.
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Artist Comments
In this still-life watercolor, a cup of coffee sits perfectly centered on a rustic table. The morning brew evokes a sense of routine and comfort. The rich, da...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Oil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Inspired by a twilight he witnessed, artist Jose Luis Bermudez captures the setting sun on a natural landscape. Bathed in su...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A wooden basket contains a variety of apples and a World Series baseball. Painted realistically, this still-life watercolor ho...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Realist More Art
Gouache
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil, Panel
20th Century Realist More Art
Offset
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Resin, Ink, Panel, Graphite, Mylar, Color Pencil
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...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, 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
1970s Realist More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
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 ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
1960s Realist More Art
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," ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Mandy Main presents an uplifting, light-filled landscape of vast green fields and limitless skies. The breathtaking vista combines old-world realism wi...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Christopher Garvey displays a realistic still life of a potted calathea plant and a green glass pitcher. "I've always found greens a challenge since I typically mix my greens," shares Christopher. He compels himself with a study of different shades using multiple blue and black hues. The skillful interplay between light and shadow creates a visually balanced and pleasing composition.
About the Artist
Christopher Garvey focuses on the still life in his work, capturing objects like dishes and fruit with impressive clarity. He currently lives in South Carolina and finds inspiration in Renaissance and Baroque art. When it comes to technique, he enjoys the challenge of accurate drawing and the transparent qualities of oil paint. He has collected many books over the years, which he uses to improve his practice.
Words that describe this painting: vase, glass, plant, calathea, still life, pot, pitcher, still life, realism, reflection, tabletop, small, oilpaint, still life, realism, oil painting, green
Calathea with a Green Pitcher...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil, Panel
Artist Comments
Artist Shela Goodman presents a soothing early morning scene of a tranquil pond. Her impressionist approach emphasizes the soft r...
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 fl...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Oil
2010s Realist More Art
Oil, Other Medium
Artist Comments
A rustic barn stands covered in snow, its deep red walls contrasting with the icy blue landscape. The sky glows warmly. Inspired by a scene from the television ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Acrylic
1990s Realist More Art
Oil, Masonite
Early 20th Century Realist More Art
Porcelain
20th Century Realist More Art
Gouache
1780s Realist More Art
Engraving
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Paper
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
A weathered country home seamlessly blends into its surroundings. Dry, golden grass adds warmth to the scene, contrasting the dark foliage and overcast sky. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
A fallen tree stretches across a winding river, its bare branches creating a tangled web against the sky. The water flows gently, reflecting soft light as it ...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Paper, Color
Late 19th Century Realist More Art
Wood, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Paper
2010s Realist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Realist More Art
Gouache
Artist Comments
When you focus on classic automobiles, their designs often resemble human features. This yellow vehicle, for example, seems to radiate a cheerful, almost huma...
21st Century and Contemporary Realist More Art
Watercolor
1960s Realist More Art
Oil
1830s Realist More Art
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Realist More Art
Porcelain, Oil
