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Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

SURREALIST STYLE

In the wake of World War I’s ravaging of Europe, artists delved into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with this reality. Poet and critic André Breton, a leader of the Surrealist movement who authored the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, called this approach “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” Surrealist art emerged in the 1920s with dreamlike and uncanny imagery guided by a variety of techniques such as automatic drawing, which can be likened to a stream of consciousness, to channel psychological experiences.

Although Surrealism was a groundbreaking approach for European art, its practitioners were inspired by Indigenous art and ancient mysticism for reenvisioning how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them.

Surrealist artists were also informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 Zurich and embraced absurdity over the logic that had propelled modernity into violence. Some of the Surrealists had witnessed this firsthand, such as Max Ernst, who served in the trenches during World War I, and Salvador Dalí, whose otherworldly paintings and other work responded to the dawning civil war in Spain.

Other key artists associated with the revolutionary art and literary movement included Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim, all of whom had a distinct perspective on reimagining reality and freeing the unconscious mind from the conventions and restrictions of rational thought. Pablo Picasso showed some of his works in “La Peinture Surréaliste” — the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting — which opened at Paris’s Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. (Although Magritte is best known as one of the visual Surrealist movement’s most talented practitioners, his famous 1943 painting, The Fifth Season, can be interpreted as a formal break from Surrealism.)

The outbreak of World War II led many in the movement to flee Europe for the Americas, further spreading Surrealism abroad. Generations of modern and contemporary artists were subsequently influenced by the richly symbolic and unearthly imagery of Surrealism, from Joseph Cornell to Arshile Gorky.

Find a collection of original Surrealist paintings, sculptures, prints and multiples and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Surrealist
Abra Cadabra - Original Whimsical Abstract Still Life Collage Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Lazy Sunday Morning - Original Abstract Food Still Life Collage Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Skull and Ornament - Vanitas, Still Life, Color Pencil Drawing, Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
Drawings of skulls are often called vanitas, which often contain collections of objects symbolic of the inevitability of death and the transience and vanity of earthly achievements and pleasures; it exhorts the viewer to consider mortality and to repent. This still life vanitas drawing is matted with a heavy white mat and framed in a bronze toned wooden frame measuring 15.75 x 16.25 inches. John Hrehov Skull and Ornament colored pencil on paper 7h x 8w in 17.78h x 20.32w cm JHR006 John Hrehov Education 1985 MFA-Painting, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1981 BFA-Painting, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH. Solo Exhibitions 2017 John Hrehov, Paintings and Drawings. Tom Thomas...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Color Pencil

Mandolin - Unique Drawing Pencil on Paper Hand Signed Surrealism, 1930
Located in New York, NY
Salvador Dalí Mandolin, ca. 1930 Graphite on paper 6 × 8 in l 15.2 × 20.3 cm Frame included - 11 x 13 in l 28 x 33 cm The authenticity of this artwork has been confirmed by Mr. Desc...
Category

1930s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite

'The Holy Grail', Last Supper, Egyptian Iconography, Seattle Art Museum, Surreal
By Leo Kenney
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower center, 'Leo Kenney' (American, 1925-2001) and dated 1947. A seminal figure in the second generation of Northwest School artists, Leo Kenney was, like many of his conte...
Category

1940s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, India Ink, Watercolor

Desert Flower
By Pierre Roy (b.1880)
Located in London, GB
'Desert Flower', gouache on coloured paper, by Pierre Roy (circa 1930s). The artist has skilfully captured the beautiful white flowers extending from the ma...
Category

1930s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

"Foxglove" (2024) By Ania Mohrbacher, Original Fantasy Watercolor Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Foxglove" (2024) Is an original watercolor fantasy painting, which depicts a young witch and her black cat in the center of a clearing in a forest, rife with magical flora and fauna...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

Plumb, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A towering stack of pancakes, topped with butter and dripping syrup, balances as a plumb line ensures its perfect level. The precise measurement keeps the foo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Valentines Night - Original Romantic Playful Still Life Collage Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Cherry and Beetroot - Original Playful Food Still Life Collage Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Abstract Surrealist Botanical
Located in Soquel, CA
Detailed drawing of several flowers and geometric shapes by an unknown artist (20th Century). Signed (illegible) and dated on the right side. Presented in a new double mat (grey, and...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Felt Pen

Watercolor on paper: )"Monkey at Sea" (elephant nose )
Located in New York, NY
Shiri Mordechay's paintings are a whirlwind of emotion and complexity, drawing the viewer into a vibrant and dynamic world. Each piece is packed with countless details, your eyes are...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

Flower Studies
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Unsigned Graphite and colored pencils on laid paper
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Color Pencil, Graphite

Trompe-l'Oeil Study
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Trompe-l'Oeil Study Watercolor on heavy wove paper, 1943 Signed with the artists initials, lower center of image; Dated 1943, lower center of image Provenance: Swann Galleries, 2007, realized $2,640 Condition: Excellent. Fresh colors. Framed with conservation glass. Sheet: 14 3/4 x 11 1/4" Frame size: 20 3/4 x 17 Berman brothers (painters) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Eugene Berman in Italy in the 1960s Eugène Berman (Russian: Евгений Густавович Берман; 4 November 1899, Saint Petersburg, Russia – 14 December 1972, Rome) and his brother Leonid Berman...
Category

1930s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Flowers and Fruit - Original Vibrant Still Life Flowers and Fruit Bowl Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Lemon Flowers - Original Floral Whimsical Still Life Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Howdy! (Roses) - Original Blue Floral Arrangement in Boot Still Life Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Sunrise, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A vintage mechanical desk light with a bright green shade symbolizes the sun in this modern landscape watercolor. Its light illuminates a solitary tree restin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Original Dora Maar, (Picasso's muse) fine ink drawing of flowers, 1998
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
This is a beautiful and fine avant-garde finished drawing of flowers by the French female artist, Dora Maar. Dora Maar was a distinctive artist in her own right marked by striking p...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

"Divination" (2024) By Ashly Lovett, Original Chalk Pastel Portrait Illustration
Located in Denver, CO
"Divination" By Ashly Lovett is a beautiful chalk pastel illustration done on archival paper, which depicts a young witch in a moment of pause, surrounded by magical fire. Artist Bi...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Pastel, Archival Paper

Beach Houses - Original Watercolor Abstracted Colorful Red Cityscape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

All We Need Is Flowers - Still Life Flowers in Vase Colorful Contemporary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Anemones - Colorful Green Still Life Flowers in Vase Bright Original Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Surrealist landscape with skull and red daisy
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Surrealist landscape with skull and red daisy Watercolor on paper, 1960-1970 Unsigned Stamped with the artist's estate stamp verso (see photo) Provenance: Estate of the artist Refere...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Tattooed Bouquet combination still life and figurative genres soft green tomes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
ABOUT Stephen Basso Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, yet thought provoking fantasies. His whimsical works are alive with boundless imaginat...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Archival Paper

Cookie Ride, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This vibrant still-life watercolor captures the essence of indulgence and a healthy lifestyle. Painted in the realist tradition, the piece showcases chocolate...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Original Dora Maar, (Picasso's muse) fine ink drawing of herbs, 1998
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
This is a beautiful and fine avant-garde finished drawing of herbs by the French female artist, Dora Maar. Dora Maar was a distinctive artist in her own right marked by striking pho...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Green Pine Nest, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Dwight Smith paints a modern realist composition of the ends of pencils. He paints them in different colors to lead your eye through the painting. Dwig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Sunshine Bouquet - Original Collage Floral Whimsical Still Life Boot Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

Still life with fish bones, pencil and pencil sharpener / - The irony of art -
Located in Berlin, DE
Manfred K. Schwitteck (*1948), Still life with fish bones, pencil and pencil sharpener, 1992. watercolor over pencil on handmade paper, 31.5 x 45 cm (visible size), 47 x 61 cm (frame...
Category

1990s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Etching, Watercolor

Big Fruit Nude, colorful, imaginative nude with fruit on pastel on toned paper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
*ABOUT Stephen Basso Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, yet thought provoking fantasies. His whimsical works are alive with boundless imagina...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Archival Paper

Diggity Dog, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Painted in a realist tradition, a hotdog in a bun takes center stage in this modern still life. Artist Dwight Smith enjoys exaggerating the scale of objects t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

"Three Medusas, " Eugene Berman, Surrealism, Greek Still Life
Located in New York, NY
Eugene Gustavovitch Berman (1899 - 1972) Three Medusas, 1968 Watercolor on paper 12 x 9 1/2 inches Initialed and dated lower right Provenance: Larcada Gallery, New York Frank Oehlsc...
Category

1960s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

"Ziggurat" Large Scale Contemporary Surrealist Still Life (books and ladders)
Located in New York, NY
52"x 106" large scale watercolor on paper by award-winning New York artist Thomas Broadbent, signed on reverse. A Contemporary Surrealist Still-life painting of books and papers, wi...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

"Beyond Reach" Surrealist Still Life Painting of books with ladders
Located in New York, NY
Hardbound books in black, orange and yellow are stacked with magazines and soft cover books. In a surreal shift of scale bright orange construction ladders are leaned against the b...
Category

2010s Surrealist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

Surrealist still-life drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist still-life drawings and watercolors 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. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Maria C. Bernhardsson, Dora Maar, Dwight Smith, and Eugene Berman. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and 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 Surrealist still-life drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 7 inches across are also available. Prices for still-life drawings and watercolors 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 $200 and tops out at $14,400, while the average work sells for $635.

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