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Realist Paintings

7,035 Results
REALIST STYLE

Realist art attempts to portray its subject matter without artifice. Similar to naturalism, authentic realist paintings and prints see an integration of true-to-life colors, meticulous detail and linear perspectives for accurate portrayals of the world. 

Work that involves illusionistic techniques of realism dates back to the classical world, such as the deceptive trompe l’oeil used since ancient Greece. Art like this became especially popular in the 17th century when Dutch artists like Evert Collier painted objects that appeared real enough to touch. Realism as an artistic movement, however, usually refers to 19th-century French realist artists such as Honoré Daumier exploring social and political issues in biting lithographic prints, while the likes of Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet painting people — particularly the working class — with all their imperfections, navigating everyday urban life. This was a response to the dominant academic art tradition that favored grand paintings of myth and history. 

By the turn of the 20th century, European artists, such as the Pre-Raphaelites, were experimenting with nearly photographic realism in their work, as seen in the attention to every botanical attribute of the flowers surrounding the drowned Ophelia painted by English artist John Everett Millais.

Although abstraction was the guiding style of 20th-century art, the realism trend in American modern art endured in Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and other artists’ depictions of the complexities of the human experience. In the late 1960s, Photorealism emerged with artists like Chuck Close and Richard Estes giving their paintings the precision of a frame of film.

Contemporary artists such as Jordan Casteel, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Aliza Nisenbaum are now using the unvarnished realist approach for honest representations of people and their worlds. Alongside traditional mediums, technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and immersive installations are helping artists create new sensations of realism in art.

​​Find authentic realist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Realist
"Unattractive" Hyper realism. Large size . Horizontal . Acrylic on canvas.
"Unattractive" Hyper realism. Large size . Horizontal . Acrylic on canvas.

"Unattractive" Hyper realism. Large size . Horizontal . Acrylic on canvas.

Located in Oslo, NO

My friend Katya brought apples from her garden, saying that they are not attractive, but delicious and suitable for apple pie. Apples were lying in my kitchen for several days and I ...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

First Light Oil Painting of Mother and Baby, Framed, Signed
First Light Oil Painting of Mother and Baby, Framed, Signed

First Light Oil Painting of Mother and Baby, Framed, Signed

By Elin Sian Blake

Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset

Elin Siân Blake. Welsh ( b.1981). First Light. Oil On Canvas. Signed Lower Left. Image size 23.4 inches x 17.3 inches ( 59.5cm x 44cm ). Frame size 28.5 inches x 22.4 inches ( 72.5cm x 57cm ). Available for sale; this original painting is by the contemporary Welsh artist Elin Sian Blake. The painting is presented and supplied in a sympathetic frame (which is shown in these photographs) and is supplied ready to hang and display. The painting is signed lower left. Elin Siân Blake is a contemporary Brecon-based artist, originally from the South Wales valleys, whose work delves deeply into the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. Through various mediums, she creates poignant reflections of societal and cultural issues that have shaped the Welsh identity. Born in 1981, Elin Siân Blake began producing commissioned artwork from an early age, focussing on the traditional Welsh ponies and landscapes of her childhood. She was particularly inspired by the agricultural and equestrian events she attended. As a teenager she spent all her spare money on art supplies. Blake graduated from the University of Glamorgan in 2002 with a degree in graphic design and illustration, but quickly realised that she wanted to create conventional paintings, rather than producing digital images. She then spent several years living on the road in vintage vehicles, painting the scenes and characters she encountered on her travels. Blake taught herself oil painting using library books, originally producing very detailed photo-realistic images. Her artistic style developed considerably over the years, becoming more expressive. Blake’s main emphasis is always her love of images from the Welsh countryside and industry. As she explores the heritage of the Welsh valleys, she paints a social commentary on everyday Welsh working life. Her work captures the essence of Welsh tradition whilst simultaneously challenging societal norms. Bold and evocative, Blake's art invites the viewer to take a critical look at the complexities and nuances of Welsh heritage. By melding her artistic vision with a profound cultural understanding, she presents a thought-provoking examination of the past, present, and future of Wales. © Big Sky Fine Art This is a stunning and very tender image of a mother and baby, sitting by a window in the first light of a new day. It is all the more intimate because it is in fact a self-portrait of the artist shortly after the birth of her own daughter. The baby is wrapped in a soft cream blanket and is being held to her mother’s breast, feeding or sleeping after feeding. The mother, dazzingly beautiful, is captured in the dappled light of the new dawn. The background is sparse, making the image almost timeless. The young woman is sitting on a modest wooden chair and on the wall behind her is a hand-carved traditional Welsh love spoon...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Golden Cove Breakers; Rancho Palos Verdes
Golden Cove Breakers; Rancho Palos Verdes

Golden Cove Breakers; Rancho Palos Verdes

By Peter Adams

Located in Pasadena, CA

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist. Signed "Peter Adams" on lower right. Artist Statement “At the time of big surf in the late afternoon, it is wonderful t...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel

Painting of the Chrysler Building 42nd Street New York City by British Artist
Painting of the Chrysler Building 42nd Street New York City by British Artist

Painting of the Chrysler Building 42nd Street New York City by British Artist

By Angela Wakefield

Located in Preston, GB

Painting of the Chrysler Building 42nd Street New York City by Contemporary British Artist, Angela Wakefield. Art measures 24 x 36 inches Frame measures 30 x 42 inches This origina...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Clouds Came In
Clouds Came In

Clouds Came In

By Bob Stuth-Wade

Located in Dallas, TX

Eleanor Jones Harvey, Chief Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, writes about Bob Stuth-Wade: “Over the course of his career, Bob Stuth-Wade has examined his responses to life through landscape, still life, portraiture, and abstraction. Restlessly creative, he has explored these varied genres with equal concentration…..” Bob Stuth-Wade’s method of painting is uniquely his own, having taught himself technique; his only formal training was as a teenager with Dallas artist Perry Nichols...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Panel

Photorealistic Ocean Painting Print, Blue Water, Virgin Sands by Todd Kenyon
Photorealistic Ocean Painting Print, Blue Water, Virgin Sands by Todd Kenyon

Photorealistic Ocean Painting Print, Blue Water, Virgin Sands by Todd Kenyon

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Todd Kenyon "Virgin Sands (Diptych)" Giclee Print on Canvas (Lead Time Varies) (60 x 40 in. each canvas) 60 x 80 in (152.4 x 203.2 cm) __________________________ JoAnne Artman Gall...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Archival Pigment

"Spectator" - Original Oil Painting on Copper Leaf Panel
"Spectator" - Original Oil Painting on Copper Leaf Panel

"Spectator" - Original Oil Painting on Copper Leaf Panel

By Dana Hawk

Located in Denver, CO

Artist Statement I grew up in a small town west of St. Louis, MO.  To be more specific, I grew up in the woods outside of that small town.  Not having many human children around, my...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Copper

"Banksy coronavirus"
"Banksy coronavirus"

"Banksy coronavirus"

By Kyrylo Bondarenko

Located in Edinburgh, GB

A second life for academism, mothballs, frameworks, prohibitions, conditions, and laws. I take dry and boring academism and transform it into vibrant, joyful contemporary art. Academ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

"Banksy"
"Banksy"

"Banksy"

By Kyrylo Bondarenko

Located in Edinburgh, GB

A second life for academism, mothballs, frameworks, prohibitions, conditions, and laws. I take dry and boring academism and transform it into vibrant, joyful contemporary art. Acade...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

Sunset Dream-original figurative seascape oil painting- sunset modern Art
Sunset Dream-original figurative seascape oil painting- sunset modern Art

Sunset Dream-original figurative seascape oil painting- sunset modern Art

By Nikki Baxendale

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow with Horns Stood in Lake Profile
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow with Horns Stood in Lake Profile

British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow with Horns Stood in Lake Profile

By John Rabone Harvey

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Graphite

"The Heart of the Eternal City"
"The Heart of the Eternal City"

"The Heart of the Eternal City"

By Vasyl Kohutych

Located in Edinburgh, GB

This painting is executed in the technique of classical watercolor, which successfully combines soft strokes of sky and water with clear graphic details of architecture. The paper de...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Coquelicots by E. Brandt - Oil on canvas 29x68 cm
Coquelicots by E. Brandt - Oil on canvas 29x68 cm

Coquelicots by E. Brandt - Oil on canvas 29x68 cm

Located in Geneva, CH

Oil work on canvas with frame. Total size with frame is 38x78 cm Signed E. Brandt

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Spring Thaw, Oil Painting
Spring Thaw, Oil Painting

Spring Thaw, Oil Painting

By Jay Jensen

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Clear, crisp sunlight illuminates the rugged surface of a prominent tree trunk. Artist Jay Jensen draws attention to the subtle signs of spring as grass begins ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Milkweed Fall, Oil Painting
Milkweed Fall, Oil Painting

Milkweed Fall, Oil Painting

By Jay Jensen

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Jay Jensen draws inspiration from the haunting, textured landscapes of Andrew Wyeth. While Wyeth famously painted dried corn husks, Jay wondered why he n...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Blue Air Irises, Oil Painting
Blue Air Irises, Oil Painting

Blue Air Irises, Oil Painting

By Jay Jensen

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
White and purple irises grow from a rocky ledge on a towering granite mountain in an alpine landscape. Cool blue light filters through the thin petals, while de...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Gates in the Old Town  1982, paper, watercolor, 61x28 cm
Gates in the Old Town  1982, paper, watercolor, 61x28 cm

Gates in the Old Town 1982, paper, watercolor, 61x28 cm

By Janis Brekte

Located in Riga, LV

Gates in the Old Town 1982, paper, watercolor, 61x28 cm The watercolor technique allows for a loose and expressive style, which can effectively convey the architectural details and...

Category

1980s Realist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Holy Cow  . original painting
Holy Cow  . original painting

Holy Cow . original painting

By Alina O'Dwyer

Located in Zofingen, AG

This painting is inspired by my visit to India, where the cow is revered as a sacred animal. I am drawn to creating bright and colorful artwork that captures the beauty of everyday...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"The Painter and his Model", 19th C. Oil on Mahogany Wood Panel by E. L. Garrido
"The Painter and his Model", 19th C. Oil on Mahogany Wood Panel by E. L. Garrido

"The Painter and his Model", 19th C. Oil on Mahogany Wood Panel by E. L. Garrido

By Eduardo Leon Garrido

Located in Madrid, ES

EDUARDO LEÓN GARRIDO Spanish, 1856- 1949 THE PAINTER AND HIS MODEL signed "E. L Garrido" (lower right) oil on mahogany wood panel 19-3/4 x 24-1/8 inches (50 x 61 cm.) framed: 28-1/2 x 32-3/4 inches (72 x 83 cm.) PROVENANCE Private Spanish Collector Eduardo León Garrido (Madrid, 1856 - Caen, 1949) was a Spanish painter. He began his training at the Higher School of Painting in Madrid and as a disciple in Vicente Palmaroli...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

British Chalk Pencil Sketch of A Cow and Their Calf Munching on Grass
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of A Cow and Their Calf Munching on Grass

British Chalk Pencil Sketch of A Cow and Their Calf Munching on Grass

By John Rabone Harvey

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Graphite

"Free from religion"
"Free from religion"

"Free from religion"

By Valery Tatar

Located in Edinburgh, GB

One of the most fascinating topics in religion for me remains the theme of the Last Supper. What did Jesus say to his disciples? This is not the first interpretation I have made on t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Empire State Building Sunset in Manhattan New York City by British Urban Artist
Empire State Building Sunset in Manhattan New York City by British Urban Artist

Empire State Building Sunset in Manhattan New York City by British Urban Artist

By Angela Wakefield

Located in Preston, GB

Empire State Building Sunset in Manhattan New York City by British Urban Artist, Angela Wakefield. This is a rare early work from her New York Series. Featured in international front cover article in 2011. Art measures 24 x 47 inches Unframed - highest quality Pintura Italian Box Canvas Wakefield's work is a unique blend of abstraction and realism, with a strong emphasis on colour. Her paintings are known for their bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant hues, which capture the energy and diversity of New York City. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the gritty streets of Brooklyn, Wakefield's art reflects the city's many moods and personalities. Whether she is depicting the frenzied pace of Times Square or the quiet beauty of Central Park, Wakefield's paintings are a testament to the enduring allure of New York. Angela Wakefield has twice been on the front cover of ‘Art of England’ and featured in ARTnews, attracting international attention and critical acclaim with her urban landscape paintings of New York, London & the North of England. The style of painting has been described as ‘contemporary realism’, and is often favourably compared with Edward Hopper by collectors and art critics. Angela’s work is held in private collections in Europe and the USA, including the British Royal Family. Her admirers include leading figures in international business...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Paint, Acrylic Polymer, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Board

Charming Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Charming Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Charming Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Gardani Art

Located in Yardley, PA

One-of-a-kind Realism Original Oil Painting on canvas by Gardani available for you. Hand signed by the Artist front and back, comes with official Gardani Certificate of Authenticity ...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Girls who love ballet
Girls who love ballet

Girls who love ballet

By Serghei Ghetiu

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I captured the grace and dedication of two ballerinas, their poise and passion illuminated through rich oil textures. I wanted to celebrate the beauty of movement a...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Train of Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Train of Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Train of Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Gardani Art

Located in Yardley, PA

One-of-a-kind Realism Original Oil Painting on canvas by Gardani available for you. Hand signed by the Artist front and back, comes with official Gardani Certificate of Authenticity ...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Oxen by Anna Abys-Lotz - Oil on Canvas/Board - 43x30 cm
Oxen by Anna Abys-Lotz - Oil on Canvas/Board - 43x30 cm

Oxen by Anna Abys-Lotz - Oil on Canvas/Board - 43x30 cm

Located in Geneva, CH

Anna Abys-Lotz (1861–1945) was a Swiss painter born on October 10, 1861, in Basel, where she also passed away on July 4, 1945. She specialized in watercolor paintings, focusing on la...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

Vintage  Still Life Dog Birds & Fruit Oil Painting On Wood
Vintage  Still Life Dog Birds & Fruit Oil Painting On Wood

Vintage Still Life Dog Birds & Fruit Oil Painting On Wood

Located in Jacksonville, FL

Behold this enchanting vintage still life oil painting on wood, a composition that harmoniously blends elements of nature and artistry. The canvas comes alive with the timeless charm...

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Paris, by Alise Medina. Oil on canvas, 30x30 cm. Signed
Paris, by Alise Medina. Oil on canvas, 30x30 cm. Signed

Paris, by Alise Medina. Oil on canvas, 30x30 cm. Signed

Located in Riga, LV

Very often in my painting process I use photographs, sketches and I paint direct from the nature(in plein air). There are lot of excitement and impulses around; they can cover each o...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Of Sorrow and Love
Of Sorrow and Love

Of Sorrow and Love

By Nikita Budkov

Located in Pasadena, CA

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist. Signed "BUDKOV" on lower right. UNFRAMED: 30" x 24" FRAMED: 41" x 35" x 2.5" Artist Statement "A young woman stands in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Sheep by Mountain Waterfall in Lake District England an Original Oil on Canvas
Sheep by Mountain Waterfall in Lake District England an Original Oil on Canvas

Sheep by Mountain Waterfall in Lake District England an Original Oil on Canvas

By Peter Coulthard

Located in Preston, GB

Sheep by Mountain River Waterfall in the Lake District of England - an Original Oil on Canvas by 20th Century Modern British Artist, Peter Coulthard. Art measures 30 x 20 inches Fra...

Category

Late 20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil

"Archangel Michael"
"Archangel Michael"

"Archangel Michael"

By Kyrylo Bondarenko

Located in Edinburgh, GB

In this oil piece, I sought to fuse surrealism with expressionistic flourishes, creating a vision that's both ethereal and grounded. My brushstrokes channel a bold energy, capturing ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil

Faithful; St. Malo Beach, Oceanside

Faithful; St. Malo Beach, Oceanside

By Peter Adams

Located in Pasadena, CA

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "Peter Adams" on lower left. UNFRAMED: 12" x 16" FRAMED: 21" x 25" x 1.5" Artist Statement “I am particularly i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Pastel

Leap of Faith -original impressionism figurative oil painting-contemporary Art
Leap of Faith -original impressionism figurative oil painting-contemporary Art

Leap of Faith -original impressionism figurative 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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Realist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Realist 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, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Michael Budden, Su Yu, Olga Antonova, and Mark Hunter. 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 Realist paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available.