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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.

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Style: Photorealist
"Cherries"
"Cherries"

"Cherries"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

The artwork presents two ripe cherries connected by their slender green stems, with a single leaf extending from one stem. The cherries have a smooth, reflective surface, showing bri...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Print

Palace, Signed Photorealistic Oil Portrait by Di Li Feng
Palace, Signed Photorealistic Oil Portrait by Di Li Feng

Palace, Signed Photorealistic Oil Portrait by Di Li Feng

By Di Li Feng

Located in Long Island City, NY

Di Li Feng, born 1958, is a Chinese contemporary artist, now working as Professor in the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, in China. Born in a small Chinese town, he graduated from the Ch...

Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

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

Blue Rolling Waves off Sidney, Seascape Diptych Cyanotype, Australian Coast Surf
Blue Rolling Waves off Sidney, Seascape Diptych Cyanotype, Australian Coast Surf

Blue Rolling Waves off Sidney, Seascape Diptych Cyanotype, Australian Coast Surf

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Rolling Waves off Sidney" is a gorgeous original cyanotype diptych showing energetic waves embracing the Australian coas...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Emulsion, Watercolor, Lithograph, Monotype, Rag Paper

"Glow, " Oil Painting
"Glow, " Oil Painting

"Glow, " Oil Painting

By Karen Offutt

Located in Denver, CO

Karen Offutt's "Glow" is an original, handmade painting that depicts a close up view of a feminine face with her eyes closed as her necklace and alabaster skin reflect brightly again...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Sunshine Yellow
Sunshine Yellow

Jose BorrellSunshine Yellow, 2020

$2,500Sale Price|64% Off

Sunshine Yellow

By Jose Borrell

Located in Atlanta, GA

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. While having attended renowned art schools in Spain, including the Fine Arts School of Alcoy ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Dusk" - Abstract Expressionist Cityscape, Oil Painting on Canvas
"Dusk" - Abstract Expressionist Cityscape, Oil Painting on Canvas

"Dusk" - Abstract Expressionist Cityscape, Oil Painting on Canvas

Located in Denver, CO

"Dusk, what a lovely time to see the emergence of the city lights, the shift of warm to cool hues. The speckled sky. The sleeping behemoths of concrete and glass." - Dominic Harman ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Gesso, Oil

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

"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

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones

By Art Kane

Located in Austin, TX

The Rolling Stones, taken in 1966 by Art Kane Originally photographed in London by Art Kane for McCall’s Magazine’s 1966 photo essay‘ Teen Idols’, Kane lay on his back and had the b...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Jimi Hendrix Contact Sheet Print

Jimi Hendrix Contact Sheet Print

By Ed Caraeff

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition contact sheet print by Ed Caraeff of Jimi Hendrix, drummer John “Mitch” Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding before a performance at the Hollywood Bowl, Californi...

Category

1960s 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

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

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

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

The Heirloom  / oil on linen
The Heirloom  / oil on linen

The Heirloom / oil on linen

By Mimi Jensen

Located in Burlingame, CA

Persimmons, cobalt blue table linens and silver are the focus of this elegant and dramatic still life. Colors include silver, orange and blue. Photorealist oil painting on canvas. T...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves
Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves

Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves

By Steven Nederveen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Steven Nederveen's art is a testament to the complex and ever-evolving relationship between humans and nature. His vivid nature scenes, often seemingly uplifting and idyllic, also reveal the darker aspects of our connection with the natural world. Through his work, Nederveen explores the dualities of our relationship with nature - the love and destruction that can coexist within us. His masterful use of color and light illuminates the beauty and mystery of natural environments such as oceans and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel

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

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

By Michael Brennan

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition print of Muhammad Ali by Michael Brennan, taken in 1977. A copy of this Iconic photograph is held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery...

Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Jimi Hendrix live 1968

Jimi Hendrix live 1968

By Barrie Wentzell

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Jimi Hendrix taken by Barrie Wentzell, live at the Woburn Music Festival, Woburn UK, 6th July 1968. The July 1968 Woburn festival was ...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"Sky 54" Oil Painting

"Sky 54" Oil Painting

By James Van Fossan

Located in Denver, CO

James Van Fossan's "Sky 54" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a skyscape of grey and white clouds arching through a blue sky.

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor signed Lifetime Edition

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor signed Lifetime Edition

By Terry O'Neill

Located in Austin, TX

Lifetime prints are the last remaining prints available, signed by Terry O’Neill and obtained from the Terry O’Neill Archive in London. Signed limited edition, silver gelatin print ...

Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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

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

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 Cure 1980 by Jill Furmanovsky
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.