Skip to main content

Photorealist Art

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.

to
706
668
867
412
502
709
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
2
1,143
2,009
5
1
26
12
20
128
112
183
200
89
117,037
64,423
56,469
28,325
14,595
9,612
6,708
6,003
4,184
2,537
2,337
2,145
604
1,534
1,264
339
1,217
577
484
388
380
332
303
277
274
224
202
180
178
159
148
147
144
139
114
112
1,287
951
678
666
620
191
69
54
49
813
896
2,303
735
Style: Photorealist
The Cure, New York 1980 by Allan Tannenbaum

The Cure, New York 1980 by Allan Tannenbaum

By Allan Tannenbaum

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition print of Robert Smith and The Cure taken on Columbus Ave, NYC, April 1980 by Allan Tannenbaum 17" x 22" Paper - Edition 50 Printed to the highest quality on...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Ian Hornak, The Banyan Tree, Variation #4, 1981
Ian Hornak, The Banyan Tree, Variation #4, 1981

Ian Hornak, The Banyan Tree, Variation #4, 1981

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled The Banyan Tree, Variation #4, was executed in 1981. The masterfully conceived composition exemplifies Hornak’s cele...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting
FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Willie Nelson at the 4th July Picnic 1979

Willie Nelson at the 4th July Picnic 1979

By Scott Newton

Located in Austin, TX

Willie Nelson, taken at the 4th July Picnic in 1979 in Austin Texas by photographer Scott Newton Signed limited edition print, printed on heavyweight cotton photo rag with a matte f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Red Hot Chili Peppers by Ebet Roberts

Red Hot Chili Peppers by Ebet Roberts

By Ebet Roberts

Located in Austin, TX

A classic, stunning shot of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1985 by celebrated photographer, Ebet Roberts. Signed limited edition, hand printed silver gelatin print. Ebet Roberts bega...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Waves of Freedom
Waves of Freedom

Waves of Freedom

By DARIA DUDOCHNYKOVA

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...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

June Twilight - Large Original Palm Tree Gray Painting Landscape California Art
June Twilight - Large Original Palm Tree Gray Painting Landscape California Art

June Twilight - Large Original Palm Tree Gray Painting Landscape California Art

By Kathleen Keifer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kathleen Keifer is a California-based internationally collected artist. She is a leading force of the New California Realism. Kathleen brings a fresh, clean perspective to her colorf...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting
Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting

Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting

By Jesus Navarro

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 ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

DIVE
DIVE

DIVE

By DARIA DUDOCHNYKOVA

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 ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

NYC Shopping Couple
NYC Shopping Couple

NYC Shopping Couple

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

The picture is an edition ( Edit. of 50) and part of a book about NYC, which Kallay done in 1965 for a German book publisher.

Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Lotus No. 65 (Photo-Realist Still Life Painting of Pink & Green Lotus Flowers)
Lotus No. 65 (Photo-Realist Still Life Painting of Pink & Green Lotus Flowers)

Lotus No. 65 (Photo-Realist Still Life Painting of Pink & Green Lotus Flowers)

By Frank DePietro

Located in Hudson, NY

Photorealist still life painting on canvas of a light pink lotus flower with brown lotus pods and green petals against a light grey background "Lotus Number Sixty-Five" oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches, 49 x 49 x 2 inches with a dark wood frame Signed lower left Excellent condition and ready to hang Painted with the exactness of a still life photograph, this hard edge realist painting by artist Frank DiPietro features a light pink lotus flower, with lush green leaves on a pale grey 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...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Locked, " Oil Painting
"Locked, " Oil Painting

"Locked, " Oil Painting

By Karen Offutt

Located in Denver, CO

Karen Offutt's "Locked" is an original, handmade painting that depicts a close up view of a feminine face at three quarters view, her brown hair frames her porcelain face. About th...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Filled with Light

Filled with Light

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

The picture belongs to. a set of photographs, done by Kallay in NYC in 1965 for a German book publisher.

Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Forever Sunset - Large Palm Tree Red Original Landscape Painting California Art
Forever Sunset - Large Palm Tree Red Original Landscape Painting California Art

Forever Sunset - Large Palm Tree Red Original Landscape Painting California Art

By Kathleen Keifer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kathleen Keifer is a California-based internationally collected artist. She is a leading force of the New California Realism. Kathleen brings a fresh, clean perspective to her colorf...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Down on East River
Down on East River

Down on East River

By Karol Kallay

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

Black and White photograph, edition 50, part of book about NY, 1965.

Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990
Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990

Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, was executed in 1990. The masterfully conceived composition exemplifies H...

Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Panel, Acrylic

David Bowie The Archer
David Bowie The Archer

David Bowie The Archer

By John Rowlands

Located in Austin, TX

This iconic image of David Bowie as The Thin White Duke was taken by renowned Rock photographer, John Rowlands, on February 26th, 1976, at Maple Leaf Gar...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Kate Bush

Kate Bush

By Gered Mankowitz

Located in Austin, TX

Portrait of singer and dancer, Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978. Kate Bush has seen a huge resurgence...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Weightless, Timeless: Oil Painting of Two Women Swimming in Pool
Weightless, Timeless: Oil Painting of Two Women Swimming in Pool

Weightless, Timeless: Oil Painting of Two Women Swimming in Pool

By Samantha French

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...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986
Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986

Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, was executed in 1986. The masterfully conceived composition exemplifies H...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

"Shadow's Edge" Oil Painting
"Shadow's Edge" Oil Painting

"Shadow's Edge" Oil Painting

By Diego Glazer

Located in Denver, CO

Diego Glazer's "Shadow's Edge" is a captivating representation of nature's untouched beauty. Painted in 2022, this oil on canvas piece stretches across dimensions of 60 x 72 x 3 inch...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)
Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)

Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)

By Ralph Goings

Located in New York, NY

Ralph Goings Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY, 1996 Ceramic Plate Artist signature fired into the plate on the front and back and numbered 105 from an edition of 510. 10 1/5 inches diameter by 1/4 inch height Unframed This beautiful, limited edition, signed and numbered bowl...

Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Ceramic, Screen, Mixed Media

Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo
Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo

Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Jack Mitchell, American Photographer (1925-2013). Joe Dallesandro, ca. 1973. 11 x 14 inches; 12 x 15 inches framed. Period print from artist's studio. The image was intended for ...

Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Kate Bush Lionheart album cover

Kate Bush Lionheart album cover

By Gered Mankowitz

Located in Austin, TX

Portrait of singer and dancer, Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978 for the cover of her album, Lionheart. Gered recalls, "The cover series of portraits that I shot for Lionheart in August 1978. I art directed the album cover and my assistant at the time, Richard Grey...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting
Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting

Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting

By Jesus Navarro

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 ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit
1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit

1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit

Located in San Francisco, CA

A 1920s Detroit-based company baseball team gathered for this photo. The Sewell Cushion Wheel Company’s players wear uniform shirts bearing the timeless term “All Cush,” (frankly, wo...

Category

1920s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ian Hornak, Childhood of Hephaestus, Variation #5, 1985
Ian Hornak, Childhood of Hephaestus, Variation #5, 1985

Ian Hornak, Childhood of Hephaestus, Variation #5, 1985

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled Childhood of Hephaestus, Variation #5, was executed in 1985. The masterfully conceived composition belongs to Hornak...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

'Red Squirrel Redoubt' Photorealist painting of a Squirrel on a branch, grey
'Red Squirrel Redoubt' Photorealist painting of a Squirrel on a branch, grey

'Red Squirrel Redoubt' Photorealist painting of a Squirrel on a branch, grey

By Ben Waddams

Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Framed Size: 35" x 23.5" 'Red Squirrel Redoubt' is a charming and beautifully observed portrait that captures the alert nature and delicate beauty of one of Britain’s most treasured...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Beatles 1963 by Norman Parkinson

The Beatles 1963 by Norman Parkinson

By Norman Parkinson

Located in Austin, TX

The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr at the President Hotel, Russell Square, London, 12 September 1963 by Norman Parkinson NORMAN PARKINSON POST...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Mezzogiorno al Pantheon, Rome, 1958 - Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Mezzogiorno al Pantheon, Rome, 1958 - Limited Edition Black & White Photography

Mezzogiorno al Pantheon, Rome, 1958 - Limited Edition Black & White Photography

By Fabrizio La Torre

Located in Brussels, BE

Artwork sold in perfect condition Double frame under American box presenting the two sides of the obelisk fountain on the Place du Panthéon. This work by Giacomo della Porta, (and li...

Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)
Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)

Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)

By Frank DePietro

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...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ann Richards and Dolly Parton in Austin Texas by Scott Newton

Ann Richards and Dolly Parton in Austin Texas by Scott Newton

By Scott Newton

Located in Austin, TX

Texan politician and former Texas governor, Ann Richards with Dolly Parton taken at the Driskill Hotel, Austin Texas in 1982 by photographer Scott Newton Photographers notes: We wer...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph
Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph

Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph

Located in Soquel, CA

Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph Original photograph of Marilyn Monroe posing in her dressing room on the film of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" by photographer Milton Gold (American,...

Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

The Beatles Dolls 1966 contact sheet print by Robert Whitaker

The Beatles Dolls 1966 contact sheet print by Robert Whitaker

By Robert Whitaker

Located in Austin, TX

The Beatles "Dolls" contact sheet by Robert Whitaker from the photo session that ended up giving the band the controversial cover for the 1966 release "Yesterday and Today". On March 25, 1966, The Beatles visited 1 The Vale, Chelsea, London, a top-floor studio leased by Oluf Nilssen and frequently used by renowned photographer Robert Whitaker. Before the photo session with Robert Whitaker, The Beatles posed for a more conventional session at the studio with Nigel Dickson of The Beatles Book...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Sunset
Sunset

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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jill I, Photorealist Lithography by John Kacere

Jill I, Photorealist Lithography by John Kacere

By John Kacere

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: John Kacere, American (1920 - 1999) Title: Jill I Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 300, 10 HC, 45 AP Image Size: 25.5 x 19 inches Size: 2...

Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Lemons - original still life realism oil painting - contemporary artwork

Lemons - original still life realism oil painting - contemporary artwork

By Christopher Witchall

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 Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Cure 1980 by Jill Furmanovsky

The Cure 1980 by Jill Furmanovsky

By Jill Furmanovsky

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition fine art print of The Cure on the road in Holland and Belgium during their 1980 'Seventeen Seconds' tour. Signed and numbered by Jill Furmanovsky in pencil an...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Photorealist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist art 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 art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, purple, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Gregory Block, Lowell Nesbitt, and Ian Hornak. 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 art, so small editions measuring 0.79 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $11 and tops out at $585,000, while the average work sells for $2,404.