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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
Returnable Items Only
Pop Fizz Clink, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
:: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Location: bottom...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Deco Delight
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Deco Delight' depicts a San Francisco building facade with cool shadows cascading across an art deco building and golden light reflected in the window panes. The subtle and brillian...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Lifeguard On Duty, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
:: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Location: bottom...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

In These Shoes
Located in London, GB
In These Shoes A super sexy oil on linen provocative BDSM painting of a sexy woman wearing Louboutin heels. Martin Allen is a London based artist. Marti...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Yes Darling
Located in London, GB
One of a series of slightly edgy thought provoking series titled 'Yes Darling', is he in charge or is she in charge?... About The Artist Artist Martin Allen is a London based. Marti...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Duet
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Duet' depicts a historic San Francisco building with warm sunlight and shadows cascading across the facade of the building with an inset window pane. The subtle and brilliant work o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Heaven on Earth, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Turks And Caicos Islands Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

'Rising Tide' detailed hyperrealist painting of sea & rocks, blue, green & black
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Rising Tide' is a realist Contemporary Seascape Painting by Marc Esteve. Rockpools with glistening sunlight look like a photo such as the incredible detail Esteve is so famed for! ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

'Focus' Photorealist painting of a Tiger, ready to pounce, orange, grey & black
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Focus' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting of a Tiger. With such incredible detail you can almost feel fur and hear the roar from the animals mouth. Ben...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

A beach for daydreaming, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Bahamas Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. In this painting...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Massis Kabob, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
On my painting you see a man waiting for his order at kabobery Massis Kabob in Los Angeles. As a painter I'm interested in these small moments we usually don't think much about. To m...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

This is perfection, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Turks and Caicos Islands Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Window to My Soul
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Window To My Soul' - depicts a San Francisco building with warm sunlight and shadows cascading across the facade of the white building with blue inset window and trim. A tree and bi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Xtraordinary
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Xtraordinary' - depicts a San Francisco building with warm sunlight casting shadows that cascade across the facade of the green building with red inset window and trim. The piece i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Clementine & Roses Still Life photorealist painting of vase, flowers and fruit
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Clementines & Roses' 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 used t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

I dream of you, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Turks And Caicos Islands Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

End of the Road Photorealist painting of a red squirrel on a tree branch, green
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'End of the Road' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting of Red Squirrel in the wild. With such incredible detail you can almost feel the beautiful coat of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Bliss, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Bahamas and Turks And Caicos Islands from in my last vacation there Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxie...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

'Kingfisher' Photorealist painting of a small blue bird on a lock gate, vivid
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Kingfisher' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting of a vivid blue kingfisher. With such incredible detail. Ben Waddams is a British wildlife artist livin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Bird paradise, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Flower arrangement of tropical plants. Made on canvas gallery stretch, professional paints. Before sending, the painting will be covered with a protective varnish :: Painting :: Phot...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

After a Long Day 3
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork depicts a man in a state of relaxation, surrounded by a serene sitting room ambiance. The soft, cool tones of the blue sofa provide a tranquil backdrop, contrasting with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Canvas, Acrylic

Vintage American School Realist Trompe L'Oeil Kitchen Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Incredibly well painted American realist still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed verso.
Category

1970s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Where time stops, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Bahamas Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. In this painting...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Stripes & Fruits, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Stripes & Fruits" by Carlos Bruscianelli, a Venezuelan realist painter based in Miami Beach, FL. Oil Painting on Oil Primed Linen - fine texture (Claessenses). 2021. THE ARTWORK ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Koi Fish II, " Oil on Linen Photo-realistic Painting, Signed
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Koi Fish II" is an original oil painting on linen by Leslie Parke. The artist signed the piece in the lower right. This hyper-realist painting depicts a school of multi-colored koi ...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

L'ORIGINE DELLA VITA, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
DETAILS: Oil on canvas, size 20x40x1.5 inches - 50x100x4 cm - Sides are painted to match the painting SUPPORT: gallery canvas, wrapped around the sides and stapled to the back SIGN...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Missed Connection, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Everyone requires a bit of sunshine and air. To experience the magnificence of nature, and think for a brief moment Measuring 9 x 9 inches, it is set in a flat panel black frame w...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Tracks, " Oil on Linen, Signed
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Tracks" is an original oil painting on linen by Leslie Parke. The artist signed the piece in the lower right. This hyper-realist painting depicts tire tracks in wet grey mud. 31" ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

Window into my shoul, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original, one-of-a-kind, hand painted, inspired by the aerial view of The Turks And Caicos Islands Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. In...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas, Oil

After a Long Day 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Alagbe's artwork beautifully captures the desire for calmness and relaxation. The act of pouring fruit juice into a glass cup represents the quest for a soothing beverage to calm the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Charcoal, Mixed Media

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Antique American Southern School Signed Moonshine Corn Whiskey Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American realist still life of corn and a bottle of corn whiskey. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Image size, 5L x 7H.
Category

1890s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Time ², 1989, NYC Vintage New York City, Time Square Painting, Photorealism
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Don Jacot (American, 1949 - 2021) Signed: DJacot ' 89 (Lower, Right) " Time ² ", 1989 (Titled, In Pencil, Center) (Time Squared) Gouache on Paper Painti...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Gouache

1759
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original oil on canvas 2023 Signed lower right
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

CROCCANTINO, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
DETAILS: Oil on canvas, size 28x40x1.5 inches - 70X100X4 cm - sides are painted to match the painting SUPPORT: gallery canvas, wrapped around the sides and stapled to the back SI...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

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...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Carn Gloose, Hot and Sunny Twinkly Seas By Maggie LaPorte Banks
Located in Deddington, GB
original Acrylic on linen Image size: H:50 cm x W:50 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:50 cm x W:50 cm x D:2cm Frame Size: H:53 cm x W:53 cm x D:5cm Sold Framed Please note ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Los Angeles Crashing Waves Triptych, Nautical, Handmade Cyanotype in Blue Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Photographic Film, Photogram, Monotype, Lithograph, Color, C Print, Phot...

'The Challenge' Contemporary Photorealist painting of a large African Elephant
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'The Challenge' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting of an African Elephant. With such incredible detail you can almost feel the leathery skin of the anim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Lucky Packs
Located in Ridgewood, NY
Most mornings we wake up to a physical reality of sharp contrast and clear-cut edges. Defined outlines help us navigate everyday life and the world around us. But the blurry fringes ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil

Gas Lamp, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an oil painting the paper and tape is an illusion is called Trompe-l'Å“il The painting is signed and dated by the year and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. DENNI...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Glowing ocean waves., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Glowing ocean waves. Blue water, clear skies, waves, serene views, sun glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, turquoise, blu...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Rack Them Up, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
"Rack Them Up" is part of my Glitch series which combines realism that blends with digital aesthetics This series is based on photos that I made and combined with some graphic effec...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Autumn, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting was created from various photos my wife Loretta and I took while canoeing in Algonquin Park. I enjoy the change of the seasons and bringing these compositions to life. ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Selfie (triptych), Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original work - 3 big paintings (triptych) in contemporary pop art style from hungarian artist Janos Kujbus. Story about artwork: "Sometimes I feel we live a strange life. We d...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sweet Satisfaction
Located in Dallas, TX
The works of Mike Dargas elude a clear temporal distinction. Even if the representations can stand as indications of a contemporary Western zeitgeist, the images lose their temporal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Still Life
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Louis Russomanno (b.1948). Still Life, ca. 1975. Oil on canvas, 16 x 24 inches; 20 x 28 inches framed. Signed upper right. Excellent condition. Detail is simply amazing in this photorealistic original painting. Gallery label affixed on verso. Contact number with no area code suggests a mid-1970's range in which to date the piece. A native of New York, Russomanno has exhibited widely and with success and is the recipient of numerous prizes and juried awards including from the Phillips Mill...
Category

1970s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

Sunflowers, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In this creation I chose a muted grey for the sky as I wanted the focus to be on the sunflowers and the background to compliment, not take over. This was purely from my imagination u...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Hot Chilis" Large Acrylic Painting with Rectangular Abstraction
Located in Austin, TX
A photorealistic depictions of red chili peppers, emphasizing the aesthetic vibrance of their color and sheen. 38.5" x 51.5" Acrylic on Canvas
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Where You Touched Me, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Where You Touched Me... Flowers Bloomed. The painting represents a woman and her feelings. It makes us think about our actions and how they affect others. :: Painting :: Photoreal...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Silver placer., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Silver placer. Blue water, waves, serene views, ocean shine, glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation, romance. Made in the style of realism. Part of a permanent series ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Lullaby - seascape coastal landscape original oil painting realism photorealist
Located in London, Chelsea
This seascape painting by Christopher Witchall examines the natural beauty observed in the ocean. Demonstrating a passion for this translucent sub...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Suspended Animation 2
Located in Greenwich, CT
Joel Carson Jones Biography American, b. 1975 Joel Carson Jones lives, teaches, and paints in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1975.  With the work-ethic of the Scran...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"VERITAS" Truth", Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
The question "What is truth?" is a hot topic, especially today. Truth"”at times affronted and manipulated"”can elicit the nuances of shadow and light. But t...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

FRAGILE II, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Ball covered with adhesive tape "FRAGILE" on a black background. symbolizing the planet. Several layers of paint on a fine canvas. Matt varnish :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This p...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

I LOVE YOU, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"I LOVE YOU" made with red and gold balloons on a black background. Several layers of paint, using traditionnal tools, :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an offici...
Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

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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