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.
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
"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
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
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
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
Oporto Portugal oil on canvas painting seascape boats Porto
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
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
"Homestead" (2024) By Michael Miller, Original Midwestern Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Michael Miller's beautiful original photorealist Midwestern landscape painting "Homestead" (2024) depicts a cozy Midwestern red barn in the middle of a plains farmland, among a grey ...
Canvas, Oil
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
Boat Spain Oil on Canvas Painting, Photorealist, Framed, 1990s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frame size 75x64 cm.
Oil, Canvas
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
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
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
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
You Are My Home - Colorful Textural Floral Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With a contemporary perspective on still-life painting and inspired by paintings created by old masters, German artist Katharina Husslein paints in a representational manner to captu...
Canvas, Oil
"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
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
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
Porsche 993. Contemporary figurative acrylic painting, Realistic car, Polish art
Located in Warsaw, PL
Acrylic on canvas contemporary figurative painting by Michal Wojtysiak. Artwork depicts porsche car in realistic style. Colors are mostly grey. MICHAŁ WOJTYSIAK (ur. 1984) Graduate...
Canvas, Acrylic
"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
"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
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
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
"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
"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
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
Coca Cola Aisle - original realism still life oil painting - contemporary art
By James Zamora
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, Canvas
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
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
"Ghost Keeper" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Panel
By Anthony Waichulis
Located in Denver, CO
Anthony Waichulis' "Ghost Keeper" is an original, handmade oil painting on panel that measures 27 x 23 inches framed and is ready to hang. About the artist: Anthony Waichulis (born ...
Oil, Panel
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
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
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
"Secluded Bridge" (2024), Original Photorealist Jungle Village Painting
Located in Denver, CO
About the Artist: For as long as I can remember, I have been on a quest to convincingly represent on canvas what I see in the physical world, what I see in my mind and what I feel. M...
Oil, Panel
To Be a Hawk
By Lynette Cook
Located in Burlingame, CA
Lynette Cook, 'To Be a Hawk', 30 x 24, Acrylic on canvas. One of the artist's new 'To Be' paintings that is a recognition of our urban spaces coexisting with nature. Diving deeper, ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tipping Point
Located in Fairfield, CT
Her oil on canvas images are photorealistic and gorgeous.
Canvas, Oil
Fishing Port Essaouira, Morocco - Oil on Canvas, Signed, 2010
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Canvas, Oil
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
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
Photorealistic 'Lemons on a yellow plate' Still life oil painting of fruit
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Lemons on a Yellow Plate' is a fabulous example of Lijftogt's work. Such amazing eye for detail is what makes this piece such a knockout piece. A beautiful colour palette has been u...
Oil, Panel
Traditional English Farm with Horses, Figures, Trees & Lake by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
English Farmhouse with Horses, Figures, Fields, Trees & Lake entitled 'Winters Morn' by 20th Century British Artist. Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 41 x 30 inches ...
Canvas, Oil
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
Ain't no Mountain high enough by K. Husslein Impasto Landscape Mountain 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
Weightless, Timeless: Oil Painting of Two Women Swimming in Pool
Located in Hudson, NY
Horizontal figurative photo-realist painting of women swimming in an aqua blue pool "Weightless, Timeless," painted by Hudson Valley artist, Samantha French, is 2019 oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches Sides are cleanly painted white so additional framing is optional Excellent condition and ready to hang as is This photorealist figurative painting captures a peaceful water scene of a women leisurely floating in a crisp, aqua blue pool. The sunlight reflecting off their sun kissed skin complements the cool color palette, making for a serene visual experience. The brush work is highly detailed with little texture (impasto) on the surface. The horizontal painting on canvas is currently unframed and has clean, white painted sides, so additional framing is optional. About the Artist: Born and raised in north central Minnesota, Samantha French graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2005. French’s current body of work explores the idea of escape, the tranquility and nostalgia for the lazy summer days of her childhood. The series is inspired by Samantha’s own reflections and memories of her childhood summers spent in the lakes of Northern Minnesota. French actively exhibits her paintings and is included in many private and public collections throughout the country while her work has garnered extensive international and national press. She is a full-time painter and keeps a studio in New York’s Hudson Valley. "My current body of work is focused on swimmers underwater and above. Using vague yet consuming memories from my childhood summers spent immersed in the tepid lakes of northern Minnesota, I attempt to recreate the quiet tranquility of water and nature; of days spent sinking and floating, still and peaceful. These paintings are a link to my home and continual search for the feeling of the sun on my face and warm summer days at the lake. They are my escape, a subtle reprieve from the day-to-day. At the same time, I am drawn to an idealistic time before my own, where swim caps and wool swimsuits were commonplace. This combination of memory, observation and photography has allowed me to preserve the transitory qualities of water and remembrance." Artist Resume: 2019 Winter Swim, Rubine Red...
Canvas, Oil
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
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
Shimmer Abstraction, Photorealist Acrylic Painting on Aluminum by David Kessler
Located in Long Island City, NY
Shimmer Abstraction David T. Kessler, American (1950) Date: 2005 Acrylic on Brushed Aluminum mounted to board, signed, titled and dated on verso Size: 48 x 72 in. (121.92 x 182.88 cm)
Metal
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
"The Dance" - Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting on Wood Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"The Dance" is an exquisitely detailed contemporary still life by Karina Rodríguez, rendered in oil on wood panel in 2025. This artwork is framed in a simple, black frame and is read...
Oil, Wood Panel
Hampshire Summer Garden, Dylan Lloyd, Original Floral Garden Landscape Painting
By Dylan Lloyd
Located in Deddington, GB
Hampshire Summer Garden by Dylan Lloyd [2021] original Oil paint on canvas Image size: H:50 cm x W:40 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:50 cm x W:40 ...
Canvas, Oil
Grapes and Jug - 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
Mid Century Still-Life with Grapes, Copper Vessel & Wine
By Manuel Ventura Millán
Located in Soquel, CA
Soft and realistic mid century still life of a basket overflowing with clusters of ripe grapes, beside a copper vessel and a glass of white wine, by Manuel Ventura...
Oil, Canvas
Horizon en été, Oil painting on canvas, Sea and Beach under a Summer Sky
Located in AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FR
Work : Original Oil Painting, Handmade artwork, Unique Work. Ready to Hang. Medium : Oil painting on stretched Linen. Artist : Gabriel Riesnert Subject : Horizon en été (Title / FR ...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
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
"Gold Gift Box" - Realist Still-Life of Present and Bow, Oil on Cradled Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"Gold Gift Box" by Sarah van der Helm is an original, handmade oil painting on cradled panel. This piece measures 4 x 2 x 4 inches unframed and is ready to hang. Born in 1970, Sarah...
Oil, Panel
"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
"Cherry" 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
"Toronto", Photorealist Forest Painting, Textured Oil Impasto, Large Yellow Tree
Located in Carmel, CA
Majid Javadi (Iranian, born 1973) "Toronto", 2024 Oil paint on stretched canvas The artist signed the back of the canvas. “Toronto” is a striking, highly texturized, photorealist la...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
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