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.
Moonshadows Still Life Painting, Oil on Canvas, 21st Century Art
By Mimi Jensen
Located in Burlingame, CA
Mimi Jensen uses bold colors to depict theatrically lit objects. Her paintings invite speculation into possible metaphors – California Home+Design magazine Ms. Jensen is a Still Lif...
Canvas, Oil
$420
Greek Beach Bliss, Handmade Cyanotype on Watercolor Paper, Swimming Body in Blue
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Greek Beach Bliss" is a cyanotype of a woman's feet in the fresh water of a sandy beach shore in Greece. Details: + Tit...
Handmade Paper, Monotype
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ian Hornak, Georgica Pond at Sunset, East Hampton, 1973
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Georgica Pond at Sunset, East Hampton Year: 1973 Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 72 x 48 inches (182.88 x 121.92 cm) Condition: Well preserved,...
Canvas, Acrylic
Intimate Perspective by Josephine Cardin Contemporary Fashion photography
Located in DE
Artist: Josephine Cardin Medium: Photography Limited edition of 30 “From this new and intimate perspective, she learned a simple, obvious thing she had always known, and everyone k...
Photographic Paper, Pigment
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ian Hornak, Pastoral Landscape, circa 1971
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Pastoral Landscape Year: circa 1971 Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 50 x 72 inches (127 x 182.88 cm) Condition: Well preserved, consistent with...
Canvas, Acrylic
Egrets, Photorealist Screen Print by Fran Bull
By Fran Bull
Located in Long Island City, NY
Egrets by Fran Bull, (1938 - ) Date: 1979 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Size: 30 x 22 in. (76.2 x 55.88 cm)
Screen
$7,500
Richard Estes - Salzburg Cathedral photorealist silkscreen on paper Signed/N
Located in New York, NY
Richard Estes Salzburg Cathedral, 1983 Silkscreen in colors on Fabriano Cottone Pencil signed and numbered 248/250 on the front Silkscreen in colors on Fabriano Cottone, signed in pe...
Screen
Cherries, Hyperrealist Still Life, Original 100 x 100 Oil Painting
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...
Linen, Acrylic
"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 ...
Gesso, Oil
Glass and Lemons, Realism Still Life Oil Painting, Signed, 40x40cm
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simple and hassle-free. Glass and Lemons by Irina Trushkova is a luminous original oil on canvas, showcasing exquisite realism and still-life painting through a sophisticated study of light, texture and everyday objects. A graceful glass carafe filled with water and delicate lemon slices becomes the centrepiece, beautifully reflecting the surrounding light. Nearby, whole lemons sit in a small bowl, while a lemon wedge and antique knife rest...
Canvas, Oil
$343Sale Price|34% Off
A man and his boat Spain oil on canvas painting seascape beach
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frame size 75x66 cm.
Canvas, Oil
$530
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...
Emulsion, Watercolor, Lithograph, Monotype, Rag Paper
$92,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka Year: 1986 Medium: Acrylic on panel, with artist painted frame Size: 65.5 x 52.5 inches (166.37 x 133....
Acrylic, Panel
Our Love to be One by K Husslein Botanical Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of a colour gradient in the background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,536
Bowl of Lemons: Original Contemporary realism Still Life painting 40x40cm
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
"1959 Cadillac El Dorado" (2021) By Shan Fannin, Limited Edition Giclée Print
By Shan Fannin
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "1959 Cadillac El Dorado" is an limited edition giclée print that depicts a close up view of the baby blue fins and taillights o...
Giclée
The Beatles 1963 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...
C Print
Cherries in a Dish: Original Contemporary realism Still Life painting 40x40cm
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Oil, Canvas
Beautiful British Columbia 2, Landscape Photography, 60 x 40 cm
Located in PARIS, FR
With Beautiful British Columbia 2, Benjamin Rosemberg creates an aerial vision where a turquoise river meanders between the rugged peaks of British Columbia. The mountains, bathed in...
Pigment
Bowl of Strawberries: Original Contemporary realism Still Life painting 40x40cm
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
$364Sale Price|28% Off
Fishing Port Essaouira, Morocco - Signed Oil on Canvas, 50x61 cm
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Canvas, Oil
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
Steve Martin, Los Angeles 1974 “Let’s Get Small”
By Norman Seeff
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition fine art print of Steve Martin, taken in Los Angeles by Norman Seeff in 1974. Norman recalls - “When I relocated to LA as Creative Director of United Artist ...
Archival Pigment
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor signed Lifetime Edition
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 ...
Silver Gelatin
Still Life with Paintbrush, Contemporary Realism, 14 x 11 Oil Painting
By David Henry
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unframed Dimensions: 14 x 11 inches Framed Dimensions: 18 x 15 inches David Henry is a contemporary realist painter living in Philadelphia. He has devoted many years developing the ...
Oil, Panel
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...
Canvas, Oil
$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 ...
Oil, Canvas
"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...
Oil, Panel
Peonies
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This artwork depicts peonies in full bloom, their petals unfolding with a volcanic tenderness. The painting captures the moment when beauty becomes force, turning spring into a deton...
Oil
Weightless, Timeless: Oil Painting of Two Women Swimming in Pool
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...
Canvas, Oil
MAN RAY (1890-1976), SURREAL MODERNIST ABSTRAC, 1934 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION
By Man Ray
Located in Pembroke Pines, FL
Artist: Man Ray (American born, 1890 - 1976) Title: SURREAL MODERNIST ABSTRACT Date Of Negative: 1934 Type Of Print: Authentic Vintage Sheet Fed Photogravure/Heliogravure. Date Of Pr...
Photogravure
$393Sale Price|68% Off
On the Downtown Shore, Photorealist Black and White Photograph, 1965
By Karol Kallay
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The picture of NYU was done in 1965 as a collection of photographs for a German book editor. Later a phonebook about NYU was published.
Photographic Paper
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
"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...
Oil, Canvas
Daylily, Mandarin and Mudman, Original 10 x 8 Oil Painting
By David Henry
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unframed Dimensions: 10 x 8 inches Framed Dimensions: 14 x 12 inches David Henry is a contemporary realist painter living in Philadelphia. He has devoted many years developing the a...
Oil, Panel
$344Sale Price|72% Off
1965 NYC Shopping Couple, Black and White Photorealist Photograph
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.
Photographic Paper
Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis by Jill Furmanovsky
Located in Austin, TX
Silhouette portrait of Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis taken in London in September of 1995 by Jill Furmanovsky during a break in the making of the Wonderwall video. Signed and n...
Archival Pigment
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo Year: 1990 Medium: Acrylic on panel, with artist painted frame Size: 58 x 48 inches (147.32 x 121.92 c...
Panel, Acrylic
Bob Marley
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Bob Marley by Kevin Cummins, photographed whilst performing at Bingley Hall in Stafford, England, June 22, 19...
Silver Gelatin
$72,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ian Hornak, Marcia’s Meadow, Vermont, Variation #2, 1984
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Marcia’s Meadow, Vermont, Variation #2 Year: 1984 Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 50 x 72 inches (127 x 182.88 cm) Condition: Well preserved, c...
Canvas, Acrylic
$56,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ian Hornak, October: The Nature Trail, East Hampton, 1973-1994
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: October: The Nature Trail, East Hampton Year: 1973–1994 Medium: Acrylic on panel Size: 41.5 x 54.5 inches (105.41 x 138.43 cm) Condition: Well p...
Acrylic, Panel
$10,500
"Toronto", Photorealist Forest Painting, Textured Oil Impasto, Large Yellow Tree
By Majid Javadi
Located in Carmel, CA
Majid Javadi (Iranian, born 1973) "Toronto", 2024 Oil paint on stretched canvas The artist signed the back of the canvas. “Toronto” is a striking, highly texturized, photorealist la...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$2,519
Your Warmth is infectious by K. Husslein Impasto Landscape Mountain Painting
Located in DE
Katharina Husslein's textural and abstract paintings vividly encapsulate the vibrancy and movement found in a bouquet of flowers. This series differs from Husslein’s more controlled...
Canvas, Oil
Suzie, Framed Oil on Canvas painting by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) Title: Suzie Year: circa 1980 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 41 x 52 inches (104.14 x 132.08 cm) Frame Size: 42.5 x 52.5 inches
Canvas, Oil
"5I" Original Photograph of Marilyn Monroe, Hand Signed
Located in Chatsworth, CA
GEORGE BARRIS 5I FROM "THE LAST PHOTOS" ORIGINAL PHOTO FROM ORIGINAL NEGATIVE 20 X 16 INCHES HAND SIGNED BY ARTIST PRINTED IN 1987 This piece is an original photograph of Marilyn Mo...
Photographic Paper
$2,098Sale Price|20% Off
The Super Constellation Lockheed - Roma airport CIA
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition This photo was made in 1953, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical parameters (framing, contrast, light, etc.) was approved by him. This is a very high quality fine art prints on 310 gr/m² Fine Art paper with museum quality pigment inks. The TWA (Trans World Airlines) Super Constellation...
Archival Pigment
Still Life with Citrus, Original Oil Painting, Contemporary Realism
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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,097
Complementary I -original modern realism waterscape 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...
Canvas, Oil
Over The Beach - Landscape Ocean Original Painting
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 ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Taking Flight by Josephine Cardin Contemporary Fashion photography
Located in DE
Artist: Josephine Cardin Medium: Photography Limited edition of 30 Cardin uses a mix between photography and painting to develop her contemporary figurative art, inspired by music...
Photographic Paper, Pigment
Photorealist Window Still Life Painting in Oil on Canvas, 21st Century
By Mimi Jensen
Located in Burlingame, CA
Mimi Jensen uses bold colors to depict theatrically lit objects. Her paintings invite speculation into possible metaphors – California Home+Design magazine Ms. Jensen is a Still Li...
Canvas, Oil
$848Sale Price|20% Off
Sprinkles - Photorealist Chocolate Cupcake Colorful Sprinkles on Purple Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stuart Dunkel is an artist, a musician and an author. He has studied music at Boston University, Mannes College of Music, the Juilliard School (Doctorate), and art at the Boston Mus...
Oil, Canvas
Comfort in Chaos by Josephine Cardin Contemporary Fashion photography
Located in DE
Artist: Josephine Cardin Medium: Photography Limited edition of 30 "Another conversation with no destination, another battle never won. Each side is a loser, so who cares who fired...
Photographic Paper, Pigment
Pelicans, Photorealist Screen Print by Fran Bull
By Fran Bull
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pelicans by Fran Bull, (1938 - ) Date: 1980 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Screen
$2,098Sale Price|20% Off
Er Fusto, Roma Ciampino Airport (1953) Large size Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition This photo was made in 1953, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical parameters (frami...
Archival Pigment
"#1488" converse sneakers, still life, blue, orange, black, laces, rubber, shoes
Located in Edgartown, MA
The work of Santiago Garcia explores the wondrous, colorful and always intriguing world between figuration and abstraction. Through contextualization of reality, the Uruguayan artist...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,225
The Mystery of Growing Things - Colorful Still Life Flowers in Vase Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by paintings created by old masters and the immersive nature she experienced in the Black Forest, German artist Katharina Husslein paints in a representational hyperrealisti...
Canvas, Oil
$2,500
Pamela Des Barres 1968 Groupies, signed limited edition silver gelatin print
By Baron Wolman
Located in Austin, TX
Miss Pamela by Baron Wolman, taken in Los Angeles in 1968 as part of Baron's Groupies series, taken for Rolling Stone magazine. Limited edition number 2/1...
Silver Gelatin
"Coyote" Original Artwork, Pigment Print and Colored Pencil
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
Artist's Statement: This image was from a series made with a trail camera set up very close to my home in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. I've captured many desert creatures, bobcat, ...
Gold Leaf
Sunlight on Oranges - Original Oil on Canvas Still Life, 40 x 40 CM
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...
Canvas, Oil
$10,000
"Spring Morning" - Contemporary Realist Oil Painting of Rural Barns, 2024
Located in Denver, CO
Michael Miller’s "Spring Morning" (2024) captures the serene beauty of rural America in a masterfully executed oil on panel. This contemporary realist work depicts a timeworn red bar...
Canvas, Oil