Figurative Paintings
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Inkjet, Mixed Media
1970s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Cotton Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil
1960s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1980s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Ink, Acrylic
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Pastel
2010s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil
1970s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Three people stand closely together. Bold black strokes outline their figures, adding depth and definition. Through abstract shapes, vibrant colors, and confide...
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings
Acrylic
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Ink, Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
1980s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Ink, Acrylic
1980s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Ink, Acrylic
1980s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Ink, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings
Wood, Acrylic, Oil
Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Lithograph
Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Watercolor
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Early 2000s Realist Figurative Paintings
Gouache, Illustration Board
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Gold Leaf
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Wood, Oil, Cardboard
1880s Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel
1970s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Clay, Canvas, Oil
Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel
Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
House Paint, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Canvas
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1950s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Casein
Mid-19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Oil
1990s Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Geometric Figurative Paintings
Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Oil
1930s Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Oil
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Acrylic, Mixed Media, Oil Pastel, Canvas
2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Sandstone
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Mid-18th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Wood, Oil, Wood Panel
1960s Realist Figurative Paintings
Gouache, Illustration Board
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
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.