Figurative Paintings
Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Paper, Thread, Ink
1980s Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Paper, Ink, Laid Paper, Gouache
1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Paper, Ink
1980s Modern Figurative Paintings
Gesso, Masonite, Ink, Cotton, Acrylic
1980s Op Art Figurative Paintings
Silk, Masonite, Ink, Acrylic, Gesso
1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Paper, Ink
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Paper, Watercolor
Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Lithograph
2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
1960s Modern Figurative Paintings
Acrylic, Gouache, Permanent Marker, Mixed Media
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Ink, Rag Paper, Monotype, Gouache
Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Paintings
Paper, Mixed Media, Cardboard
2010s Modern Figurative Paintings
Gesso, Paint, Oil, Acrylic, Board
Early 1900s Realist Figurative Paintings
Watercolor, Board
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Paper, Acrylic
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Paper, Acrylic
1980s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Paper, Monotype
Figurative Paintings for Sale
Figurative art, as opposed to abstract art, retains features from the observable world in its representational depictions of subject matter. Most commonly, figurative paintings reference and explore the human body, but they can also include landscapes, architecture, plants and animals — all portrayed with realism.
While the oldest figurative art dates back tens of thousands of years to cave wall paintings, figurative works made from observation became especially prominent in the early Renaissance. Artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and other Renaissance masters created naturalistic representations of their subjects.
Pablo Picasso is lauded for laying the foundation for modern figurative art in the 1920s. Although abstracted, this work held a strong connection to representing people and other subjects. Other famous figurative artists include Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. Figurative art in the 20th century would span such diverse genres as Expressionism, Pop art and Surrealism.
Today, a number of figural artists — such as Sedrick Huckaby, Daisy Patton and Eileen Cooper — are making art that uses the human body as its subject.
Because figurative art represents subjects from the real world, natural colors are common in these paintings. A piece of figurative art can be an exciting starting point for setting a tone and creating a color palette in a room.
Browse an extensive collection of figurative paintings on 1stDibs.