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.
"Orange and Green" - Surrealist Still-Life, Oil Painting on Panel
By Scott Fraser
Located in Denver, CO
"Orange and Green" is an original photorealist painting by American painter Scott Fraser, depicting a variety of vine ripened tomatoes. This piece rests at 5 x 11, and is framed at 1...
Oil, Panel
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
Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting
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
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
Sometimes I fell like I was just born to love 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
Catching Fire in the Sunlight by K. Husslein Impasto Flower 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
$308Sale Price|45% Off
Boat Spain Oil on Canvas Painting, Photorealist, Framed, 1990s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frame size 75x64 cm.
Canvas, Oil
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
$308Sale Price|45% Off
Oporto Portugal oil on canvas painting seascape boats Porto
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Canvas, Oil
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
Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting
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
$1,223
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
Louis Vuitton in Barcelona: Photorealistic Oil Painting
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
Our Love to be One by K Husslein Botanical Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of a colour gradient in the background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,522
Lemons - original still life realism oil 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
$3,795
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
"Convergence" by David Cheifetz, Surreal Oil Painting (2025)
Located in Denver, CO
David Cheifetz's "Convergence" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman converging with a city. About the Artist: David is an internationally acclaimed and collec...
Oil
$2,039
Glass and Lemons, ORIGINAL Realism Still Life Oil Painting 40X40cm, Signed
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
"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
"Totem" - Realist Still-Life and Interior, Oil Painting on Board
Located in Denver, CO
This piece rests at 22 by 20 inches, and is framed at 29 x 22 inches wired and ready to hang. Gregory was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1986 and moved to Colorado at an early ag...
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
Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting
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
$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
$716Sale Price|20% Off
American School Super Realist Still Life Surreal Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed verso.
Canvas, Oil
La Fauteil, Photorealist Still Life Oil Painting by Patrick Le Flohic
Located in Long Island City, NY
La Fauteil Patrick Le Flohic, French (1952 - ) Oil on Canvas, signed lower right, titled on verso Size: 35 x 45.5 in. (88.9 x 115.57 cm) Frame Size: 36.5 x 47 inches
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
"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
"Fruits on Paper" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Canvas Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Carlos Bruscianelli's "Fruits on Paper" is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas panel that measures 10.25 x 24.25 inches framed and is ready to hang. About the Artist: Carlo...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
$8,000
Sunset
By Mimi Jensen
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Sunset' by artist Mimi Jensen, who uses bold colors to depict theatrically lit objects. The painting measures 30 x 40 inches and is professionally framed in a contemporary ebonized ...
Canvas, Oil
$6,253
Red Currants and Jug - original still life realism 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...
Linen, Acrylic
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
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Dario Campanile, "Oggetti Semplici". Stunning still life featuring pink orchids
Located in Hollister, CA
"Oggetti Semplici" is a flawless limited edition giclée, on high quality canvas, ready for stretching and framing. Edition 39/75 Dario Campanile is an Italian-born artist whose car...
Giclée
FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting
By Lynette Cook
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Faded' depicts Chinese immigrant woman looking out from the window of her Chinatown home. The building is covered with cascading shadows that are created from the building's metal...
Acrylic, Canvas
Lime Juice Still-Life Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 40x40cm, original realism
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
$950
Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)
Located in Hudson, NY
Photorealist still life painting of green lotus flower petals and a brown lotus pod against a light blue background oil on canvas, 16 x 16 inches, 17 x 17 inches in dark wood moulding Signed lower left Painted with the exactness of a still life photograph, this hard edge realist painting by artist Frank DiPetiro features a brown lotus pod with lush green leaves on a pale grey-blue 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
$5,300
Sold
By Lynette Cook
Located in Burlingame, CA
Original acrylic photorealist architectural painting in full and dazzling color, where a "SOLD" sign hangs on a San Francisco Chinatown building for sale. The complex scene features ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Settling Into Dusk - Calm Seascape of Crashing Waves Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Steven Nederveen's art is a testament to the complex and ever-evolving relationship between humans and nature. His vivid nature scenes, often seemingly uplifting and idyllic, also re...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Wildlife of the Southwest, Large Painting by Bill Wiman 1978
By Bill Wiman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Bill Wiman, American XXth Title: Wildlife of the Southwest Year: 1978 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 58 x 58 in. (147.32 x 147.32 cm) Frame: 59 x 59 inches
Oil
"Before, " Original Still Life Oil Painting, Donuts
Located in Denver, CO
Gregory Block's (US based) "Before" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an open box of donuts with rainbow sprinkles. Gregory was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1...
Oil, Board
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
$308Sale Price|45% Off
Fishing Port Essaouira, Morocco - Oil on Canvas, Signed, 2010
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Oil, Canvas
"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
$556Sale Price|20% Off
American School Modernist Trompe L'Oeil Still Life Realist Large Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist realist still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed verso.
Canvas, Oil
White peonies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
2022 years :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Locati...
Oil
$19,000
Summer Solstice: Photo-Realist Figurative Oil Paining of Two Swimmers in Aqua
Located in Hudson, NY
"Summer Solstice", this photo-realist painting of a man and a woman swimming in a pool is painted by Hudson Valley artist, Samantha French made in 2024...
Canvas, Oil
Le Fauteuil aux Fleurs, Photorealist Oil Still Life by Patrick Le Flohic
Located in Long Island City, NY
Le Fauteuil aux Fleurs Patrick Le Flohic, French (1952) Oil on Canvas, signed lower right, titled on verso Size: 39.5 x 32 in. (100.33 x 81.28 cm) Frame Size: 45 x 38 inches
Canvas, Oil
Peonies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Peonies, 2023 year :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signatur...
Oil
Bowl of Cherries, Photorealist Acrylic Painting by Charles Wildbank
Located in Long Island City, NY
A bright, photorealistic still-life painting of a silver bowl full of cherries, perched atop a white marble surface. The artist has taken immaculate care to preserve the shiny aspect...
Acrylic
Harmony / oil on canvas
By Mimi Jensen
Located in Burlingame, CA
Sophisticated shades of grey and white still life with vases, shell, box and marble. Wonderful complex patterns throughout the oil painting on canvas. In excellent condition. Signed ...
Canvas, Oil
Lighting My Way
By Lynette Cook
Located in Burlingame, CA
Lynette Cook’s realist acrylic paintings focus on shadows and silhouettes within San Francisco’s urban landscape and surrounding regions and here they now carry a mysterious, layered...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tipping Point
Located in Fairfield, CT
Her oil on canvas images are photorealistic and gorgeous.
Canvas, Oil
"A Willing Spirit #4" - Photorealist Miniature Animal Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Statement: I crave beauty, peace, and order, and paint subjects and settings that reflect this idyllic view of the world. My creative work conveys a sense of calm beauty with captiv...
Linen, Oil
$9,500
Les Carreaux Anciens, Photorealist Still Life Oil Painting by Patrick Le Flohic
Located in Long Island City, NY
Les Carreaux Anciens Patrick Le Flohic, French (1952) Oil on canvas, signed lower left, titled on verso Size: 44.5 x 57.5 in. (113.03 x 146.05 cm)
Canvas, Oil
Up In the Clouds
By Lynette Cook
Located in Burlingame, CA
Lynette Cook’s newest acrylic paintings continue her focus on shadows and silhouettes within San Francisco’s urban landscape and surrounding regions, yet they now carry a more myster...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,087
Complementary II -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
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
Lemon - original realism still life 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...
Linen, Acrylic
$1,903
Peaches - original still life realism oil 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
Abundance, Oil painting on Canvas, Leafs, Forest, Realistic Nature
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 : Foisonnement (Title / FR) Si...
Canvas, Oil