A direct challenge to Abstract Expressionism’s subjectivity and gestural vigor, Photorealism was informed by the Pop predilection for representational imagery, popular iconography and tools, like projectors and airbrushes, borrowed from the worlds of commercial art and design.
Whether gritty or gleaming, the subject matter favored by Photorealists is instantly, if vaguely, familiar. It’s the stuff of yellowing snapshots and fugitive memories. The bland and the garish alike flicker between crystal-clear reality and dreamy illusion, inviting the viewer to contemplate a single moment rather than igniting a story.
The virtues of the “photo” in Photorealist art — infused as they are with dazzling qualities that are easily blurred in reproduction — are as elusive as they are allusive. “Much Photorealist painting has the vacuity of proportion and intent of an idiot-savant, long on look and short on personal timbre,” John Arthur wrote (rather admiringly) in the catalogue essay for Realism/Photorealism, a 1980 exhibition at the Philbrook Museum of Art, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its best, Photorealism is a perpetually paused tug-of-war between the sacred and the profane, the general and the specific, the record and the object.
“Robert Bechtle invented Photorealism, in 1963,” says veteran art dealer Louis Meisel. “He took a picture of himself in the mirror with the car outside and then painted it. That was the first one.”
The meaning of the term, which began for Meisel as “a superficial way of defining and promoting a group of painters,” evolved with time, and the core group of Photorealists slowly expanded to include younger artists who traded Rolleiflexes for 60-megapixel cameras, using advanced digital technology to create paintings that transcend the detail of conventional photographs.
On 1stDibs, the collection of Photorealist art includes work by Richard Estes, Ralph Goings, Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, Charles Bell and others.
$3,855
The scent of sunshine by K. Husslein Impasto Flower still life Painting
Located in DE
Katharina Husslein's textural and abstract paintings vividly encapsulate the vibrancy and movement found in a bouquet of flowers. This series differs from Husslein’s more controlled...
Canvas, Oil
If ever any beauty i did desire and got twas Husslein Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
Title: If ever any beauty i did desire and got twas but a dream of you This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of dark background. Reminding us ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,746
Vase of Spring Light-original realism still life 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. Vase of Spring Light by Ann Goldberg captures the vibrant cont...
Canvas, Oil
Pineapple Pink - Original Figurative Still Life Fruit Food Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Waves of Freedom
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Waves of Freedom" captures the moment when water washes away all constraints and expectations, allowing the soul to breathe freely. Each brushstroke symbolizes the journey toward in...
Oil, Wood Panel
DIVE
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Be like water, my friend" by Bruce Lee. When Lee said "be like water," he called upon people to embrace flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. He asserted ...
Canvas, Oil
City - 4 , 1977 Large Painting
By Hilo Chen
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Hilo Chen Title: City - 4 Year: 1977 Painting oil on canvas Size 54 x 54 inches 137 x 137 cm Contemporary photo-realist painter Hilo Chen (Yee-Lum) was born in 1942 in Taiwan and later became an American citizen. He is noted for his paintings of nudes and flowers. Chen's as painter is nothing less than superb. The skin tones of his nudes seem more "real" than life itself. You feel as though you can almost touch these women who are so oblivious to being observed. Chen's work is held in public collections at: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY; San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose CA...
Oil
"Pear II" Original Artwork, 24kt Gold on Museum Glass
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Kate Breakey is internationally known for her large-scale, richly hand-colored photographs including her acclaimed series of luminous portraits of birds, flowers a...
Gold Leaf
"This One is Warmth" (2025) Abstracted Realist Female Portrait
By Karen Offutt
Located in Denver, CO
About the Artist: Karen Offutt was born and raised in Dallas, Texas by a creative family who encouraged her to explore her artistic talent from an early age. Her father is an artist ...
Oil, Panel
$3,000
"Diversity" by Karina Rodríguez, Oil Painting - Realistic Rubber Band Ball
Located in Denver, CO
Karina Rodríguez's "Diversity," rendered in oil on panel, measures 12 x 12 x 75 inches, with a framed dimension of 13.25 x 13.25 inches, ready to hang. This strikingly realistic stil...
Oil, Panel
$7,800
Lotus No. 65 (Photo-Realist Still Life Painting of Pink & Green Lotus Flowers)
Located in Hudson, NY
Photorealist still life painting on canvas of a light pink lotus flower with brown lotus pods and green petals against a light grey background "Lotus Number Sixty-Five" oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches, 49 x 49 x 2 inches with a dark wood frame Signed lower left Excellent condition and ready to hang Painted with the exactness of a still life photograph, this hard edge realist painting by artist Frank DiPietro features a light pink lotus flower, with lush green leaves on a pale grey background. Inspired by close observations of the natural world and encounters with still moments that give us pause. Lines, shapes and colors encountered in nature, reveal the cycles of decay and regeneration that are life’s constant state of change. The work has a quiet, meditative quality. The subject is portrayed in a manner true to their existence in a specific time and place and selected based on considerations of visual relationships to formal elements of painting. Aspects of photo realism, hard edge and color field techniques are utilized to isolate the uniqueness of the subject’s detail, as well as emphasize flatness and illusion of depth within the two-dimensional space of the painting. About the artist: Frank DiPietro was born and raised in Scranton PA. He received a Bachelor of Art from Bloomsburg University in 1997, majoring in both Painting and Ceramics with a minor in Art History. In 2000 he earned a degree in Art Education from Moore College of Art and Design while continuing his studies in painting. Frank lived in Philadelphia for twelve years painting and teaching at several museums, art centers and schools in the region. In 2010 he and his family moved to Chester County PA, where he currently resides. Frank currently teaches painting classes and workshops at the Delaware Art Museum and Longwood Gardens...
Canvas, Oil
"Languishing, " Oil Painting, Reclining Female Nude
By Karen Offutt
Located in Denver, CO
Karen Offutt's "Languishing" is an original, handmade painting that depicts a nude female figure covered by a sheer black fabric with peonies in the foreground. About the Artist: K...
Panel, Oil
Growing toward each other K.Husslein abstract figurative contemporary painting
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of dark background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ti...
Canvas, Oil
$409Sale Price|32% Off
Boat Spain oil on canvas painting seascape beach
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frame size 75x64 cm.
Canvas, Oil
$409Sale Price|32% Off
Oporto Portugal oil on canvas painting seascape boats Porto
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Canvas, Oil
Plums - Still Life Original Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stuart Dunkel has spent decades refining his hyper-realistic style. He paints realistic imagery based on real world inspirations. His paintings show that the everyday object can be f...
Oil, Board
$1,238
Life belt-original hyperrealism modern water 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...
Oil, Board
"Coffee Break (Keep on Grinding)" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
As a trompe l’oeil painter, Jay Davenport is rooted in representational art, but his subject matter departs from tradition in offering commentaries on contemporary life--often humoro...
Oil, Panel
Strawberries in a Glass Bowl - original still life contemporary realism artwork
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
Swimmer
Located in Zofingen, AG
With each dip into the water, the swimmer experiences a renewing sensation, as if every droplet washes away fatigue and brings forth strength. In this fluid motion, an almost etherea...
Canvas, Oil
1870's Antique Italian Hunting Scene trompe l’oeil Oil Painting Birds Game Gold
Located in Buffalo, NY
This striking 19th-century painting signed "A. Malevolti 1877 Florence" is a fine example of the trompe l’oeil tradition, in which artists skillfully render imagery that "tricks the ...
Oil, Board
Undamaged - original still life oil painting - contemporary realism artwork
By Sarah Eden
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, Board
"The Last" Citrus Elegance Still Life Oil Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
"The Last," a 2013 oil on canvas by Victoria Novak, is a testament to the timeless beauty and elegance of still life painting. Measuring 19.70 x 39.40 i...
Canvas, Oil
"Nautilus Shell" Original Artwork, 24kt Gold on Museum Glass
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Kate Breakey is internationally known for her large-scale, richly hand-colored photographs including her acclaimed series of luminous portraits of birds, flowers a...
Gold Leaf
$2,064
Lime Juice - original modern 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
$1,362
Razzle Dazzle Raspberries –original realism contemporary fruit painting for sale
By Sarah Eden
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, Board
Breath of the Sea - original contemporary seascape 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...
Oil, Board
Strawberry Deuce – original realism contemporary fruit painting for sale
By Sarah Eden
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, Board
Tipping Point
Located in Fairfield, CT
Her oil on canvas images are photorealistic and gorgeous.
Canvas, Oil
"Pear II" Original Artwork, 24kt Gold on Museum Glass
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Kate Breakey is internationally known for her large-scale, richly hand-colored photographs including her acclaimed series of luminous portraits of birds, flowers a...
Gold Leaf
$585,000
Hannah’s Mirror, Rembrandt’s Three Trees Transformed Into The Expulsion fr/Eden
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
IAN HORNAK (1944–2002) Title: Hannah’s Mirror, Rembrandt’s Three Trees Transformed Into The Expulsion From Eden Date: 1978 Medium: Acrylic ...
Acrylic
"Fire Flower" by Daniel Sprick, Oil Painting of Roses
Located in Denver, CO
Daniel Sprick's (US based) "Fire Flower" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a colorful rose bathed in light contrasted with a dramatic background. About the artist...
Oil, Board
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ireti (Hope)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ireti (Hope)" is a thought-provoking artwork created by the talented artist Olalekan Adeyemi. This captivating piece centers around a young woman and...
Canvas, Oil
Seashore 2 Oil Painting on Wood Panel, Photorealist, 2010s, Unframed
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Seashore 2” captures the fleeting moment when a wave bursts into sparkling spray, bringing the ocean’s energy to life. The emerald tones and dynamic textures invite the viewer to fe...
Oil, Wood Panel
In the Doghouse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stuart Dunkel's original oil paintings are created in a hyper-realistic style. He paints realistic imagery based on real-world inspirations. His paintings show that everyday objects ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Love Letters - Scrabble Coffee Original Painting Board Game Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer is a California-based internationally collected artist. She is a leading force of the New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her hyperrealistic ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$409Sale Price|32% Off
Fishing port Essaouira Morocco oil on canvas painting seascape boats
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Oil, Canvas
$1,589Sale Price|30% Off
Country Lane to Farmhouse & Birds in English Countryside by 20th Century Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Country Lane to Farmhouse & Birds in English Countryside by 20th Century Artist Christopher Osborne. Art measures 12 x 8 inches Frame measures 16 x 12 inches Signed, oil on boa...
Canvas, Oil
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Cosmo - Original Pink Contemporary Bar Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer is a California-based internationally collected artist. She is a leading force of the New California Realism. With a high level of technical virtuosity Keifer creates...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Sky 60" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
James Van Fossan's "Sky 60" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a skyscape of grey and white clouds arching through a blue sky and the sunlight dances through it.
Oil, Panel
"Total Solar Eclipse 2017" Original Artwork, 24kt Gold on Museum Glass
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Kate Breakey is internationally known for her large-scale, richly hand-colored photographs including her acclaimed series of luminous portraits of birds, flowers ...
Gold Leaf
$10,000
"Spring Morning" - Contemporary Realist Oil Painting of Rural Barns, 2024
Located in Denver, CO
Michael Miller’s "Spring Morning" (2024) captures the serene beauty of rural America in a masterfully executed oil on panel. This contemporary realist work depicts a timeworn red bar...
Canvas, Oil
The eternal summer - K.Husslein Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of dark background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ti...
Canvas, Oil
Whatever our souls are made of - K.Husslein Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of dark background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ti...
Canvas, Oil
"New" Oil Painting
By Mia Bergeron
Located in Denver, CO
Mia Bergeron's (US based) "New" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts the glow of a lit candle with the morning light of sunrise Mia Bergeron's interest in art was cul...
Wax, Oil, Panel
$4,216
Mono-Poli III - Realism, Photorealistic Oil Painting, Colorful, Hyperrealism
Located in Salzburg, AT
„He is a declared painter with full awareness of his conceptual past. His works, near to photo-realism, show objects in a garish intense coloristic. It is the process of painting, the transition from the idea to a perfect canvas, which is most important for Toman. The object is just a pretext, the valuable is the studio and the picturesque amatory, which makes it possible to copy the material fragments of life.“ (Panteon) Born 1966, studied 1986-87 at the Institute of Artistic Education UMCS Lublin/studio Prof. Mieczysław Herman, 1988-93 at the Faculty for Painting/Academy of Fine Arts, Cracow, diploma in the studio of Prof. Włodzimierz Kunz; 1995-97 Ecole Regionale des beaux-arts in Rennes/France, diploma with distinction under direction of Prof. Gerard Baldet...
Canvas, Oil
Composition of red peonies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Multi-part composition of red peonies , 2023 year :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang:...
Oil
Just Peachy – original realism contemporary fruit painting for sale
By Sarah Eden
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
Gold Allure - original oil painting - contemporary still life realism artwork
By Sarah Eden
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, Board
CRYSTAL WAVE
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Crystal Wave" embodies the romantic beauty of nature. A majestic wave unfolds across the panel like a living crystal, its elegant curves gently caressing the shore. Within its trans...
Wood Panel, Oil
$409Sale Price|32% Off
A man and his boat Spain oil on canvas painting seascape beach
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frame size 75x66 cm.
Canvas, Oil
"I always thought that records were meant to be Broken" (Ferrari F2004)
By Shan Fannin
Located in Denver, CO
About Painting: My husband and I photographed this gorgeous lady in 2018 when we took a trip to Maranello, Italy to visit Ferrari. It was such a treat to see this amazing vehicle tha...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,746
Back to the source, Oil painting on Canvas, Water Reflections, Leafs, Realistic
Located in AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FR
Work : Original Oil Painting, Unique Work. Handmade artwork. Ready to Hang. Medium : Oil and Acrylic painting on Canvas. Artist : Deniz Bayav Subject : Retour à la source (Title / F...
Canvas, Oil
Chanel, Bond Street, London - Photorealist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Size listed does not include the frame. Frame adds around 3 inches to each side to the posted ...
Canvas, Oil
Girl in a Chair, Large Painting by Bill Wiman
By Bill Wiman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Bill Wiman, American (1940 - ) Title: Girl in a Chair Year: 1978 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 82 x 83.5 in. (182.88 x 212.09 cm) Frame: 83 x 84.5 inches
Oil, Canvas
$3,900Sale Price|25% Off
"Where is Home?", Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Pegah Samaie's (CA based) "Where is Home?" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a reclining nude woman, wrapped in a white fabric, gently to...
Oil, Panel
"Booth Lake Trail-Vail Colorado" - Soft Pastel on Wood Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"Booth Lake Trail-Vail Colorado" by Sharon Pomales Tousey is an original, handmade soft pastel painting on wood panel that measures 44 x 48 inches framed and is ready to hang.
Pastel, Wood Panel
$4,817
Seanergy I -original modern realism waterscape 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
Gourds in a White Bowl-original still life realism painting-contemporary artwork
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
Aguas Cristalinas -original modern realism waterscape 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