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Photorealist Paintings

PHOTOREALISM

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.

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Style: Photorealist
Color:  Gold
Pineapple Gold
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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Figure 2061
Located in Kensington, MD
Exhibited 2001 at Atelier 31, Kirkland, WA Includes certificate of authenticity by artist. Tatiana Garmendia is a figurative artist with a conceptual edge. Working with oil paint a...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

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2010s Photorealist Paintings

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Still life with Pears- original realism still life painting-contemporary Art
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"Umbria, " Oil Painting
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Victoria Novak's "Umbria" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of figs on a stone column. About the Artist: Realist painter...
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Victoria Novak's "Roman Noon" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of grapes and fall colored leaves in a woven basket. Abo...
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Diptych Hand Paintings
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Exceptional pair of paintings by Manon Cleary (1942-1911). Paintings are oil on canvas. Dated 1980 and signed in the front lower right corner and on reverse. Manon Cleary's work is ...
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1980s Photorealist Paintings

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Mini Macintosh 2-original impressionism still life oil painting-contemporary Art
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"Mini Macintosh 2" by James Zamora stands as a captivating testament to the seamless intersection of technology and art. This original still life, crafted with meticulous strokes in ...
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Sailor fisherman in his boat Spain oil on canvas painting seascape
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Domingo Alvarez (Spain 1942) - sailor fisherman in his boat - oil on canvas Canvas size 46x61 cm. Unframed.
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Early 2000s Photorealist Paintings

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"1959 Red BMW Isetta 300" (Original Acrylic painting)
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "1959 Red BMW Isetta 300" is an acrylic painting that depicts a red 1959 Red BMW Isetta 300. Born 1969 in California, artist Shannon “Shan” Fannin brings v...
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2010s Photorealist Paintings

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Wood Panel, Acrylic

"1959 Chevrolet El Camino, " Acrylic painting
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "1959 Chevrolet El Camino" is an acrylic painting that depicts the closeup view of the taillights of a red 1959 Chevrolet El Camino ...
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2010s Photorealist Paintings

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"Black Cow", Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ali Ghassan's "Black Cow" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a black and white cow with a yellow ear tag with a blue sky background. Abou...
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2010s Photorealist Paintings

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Florence -original still life painting-original realism still life oil painting
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"Florence," a captivating Impressionistic masterpiece by the talented artist Irina Trushkova, beautifully captures the essence of one of the world's most enchanting cities. Rendered ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

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Neglected Stone
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Neglected Stone" serves as a poignant metaphor for the potential found within damaged individuals who emerge from underprivileged backgrounds to shine as stars in society. The young man in the artwork embodies the spirit of those who have faced adversity, yet refused to be defined by it. Just as a neglected stone can become the cornerstone of a grand structure, so too can those who have experienced hardship rise above their circumstances to become pillars of strength and inspiration. The brown hat worn by the young man symbolizes the trials and struggles he has encountered throughout his life. It represents the weight of his past, the challenges that threatened to overshadow his potential. However, the hat also serves as a testament to his resilience—the ability to bear the weight of his history while moving forward with determination. Against the backdrop of a vibrant blue, the artwork accentuates the stark contrast between the young man's journey and the potential that lies ahead. Blue, often associated with serenity and tranquility, represents a world of possibilities and a bright future. The blue background serves as a reminder that even amidst difficulties, hope and opportunity can emerge, paving the way for greatness to shine forth. Adewale's artwork eloquently conveys the message that great beauty and strength can emerge from the depths of misfortune. Just as a diamond is formed under immense pressure, so too can individuals forged in the crucible of hardship display a brilliance that defies all odds. The young man in "Neglected Stone" epitomizes the triumph of the human spirit, illustrating that a resilient heart can overcome even the most adverse circumstances. Moreover, the artwork serves as a poignant admonition to society not to write off anyone passing through hard times as totally useless. It is a call for compassion, understanding, and the acknowledgment that every individual has the potential for greatness, regardless of their past or current circumstances. By showcasing the young man's fortitude and determination, Adewale invites viewers to reflect on their own preconceptions and biases, urging them to see beyond the surface and recognize the inherent worth and potential in every human being. In conclusion, "Neglected Stone" by Busari Adewale...
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21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

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Acrylic, Canvas, Oil

Previously Available Items
"Royal 2", Mixed Media Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Josie Morway's "Royal 2" is an original, handmade mixed media painting that depicts a closeup portrait of a predatory bird in shades of blue with golden accents.
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2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Gold

Photorealist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, green, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Gregory Block, James Zamora, Ian Hornak, and Kathleen Keifer. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Photorealist paintings, so small editions measuring 3.5 inches across are also available. Prices for paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $585,000, while the average work sells for $3,772.

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