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Photorealist Paintings

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
'Loquats & Chinese Bowl' Contemporary photorealist still life painting, yellow
'Loquats & Chinese Bowl' Contemporary photorealist still life painting, yellow

'Loquats & Chinese Bowl' Contemporary photorealist still life painting, yellow

By Barbara Vanhove

Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Contemporary Still Life Painting 'Loquats & Chinese Bowl' by Barbara Vanhove. Inspired by the Dutch Masters. Barbara was born in Watermael-Boisfort in Belgium in 1974. She showed an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Contemporary 'Still Life with Limes' Painting of glass, fruit and candle
Contemporary 'Still Life with Limes' Painting of glass, fruit and candle

Contemporary 'Still Life with Limes' Painting of glass, fruit and candle

By Paco Yuste

Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Depicted in hyperrealist style. A mottled marble block in warm terracotta tones with white lines running through it is featured in the centre of the painting. Upon this block, a clea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Sunset on Golden Marsh"  Large Landscape with Pink/Orange Sky and Setting Sun
"Sunset on Golden Marsh"  Large Landscape with Pink/Orange Sky and Setting Sun

"Sunset on Golden Marsh" Large Landscape with Pink/Orange Sky and Setting Sun

By Kimberly MacNeille

Located in Wellesley, MA

"Sunset on Golden Marsh," Oil on Canvas, 48 x 48 Inches is a majestic landscape painted with all the elegance and attention to detail of the best of the 19th century Hudson River artists. The warm glow of the top half of the canvas, pink and yellow light diffused through passing clouds, perfectly capturing the setting sun on a summer day is a dramatic foil to the lower half of the painting where meticulous rendering of the marsh's water and greenery is dreamy in the distance. This painting is beautifully framed in a simple light wood, high quality strip frame that accents the image perfectly without distraction. Additional photos of painting details and showing the painting installed on a wall can be provided. MacNeille is an unusually gifted painter of landscapes in general whose works are of the highest quality, always with careful attention to light and time of day. In addition to marsh scenes inspired by her local North Shore of Massachusetts area, she is a painter of beach scenes, water, and Niagara Falls. KIMBERLY MACNEILLE Education 1988 -1989 Massachusetts College of Art 1983 University of Pennsylvania, M.F.A. Solo Exhibitions 2013 Beth Urdang Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts 1999 O’Farrell Gallery, Brunswick, Maine 1997 Miller Block Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts 1990 The Harcus Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts Selected Group Exhibitions 2012 "Galvanized Truth", The Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, Massachusetts 2012 Copley Society, Boston, Massachusetts 2008 "Theories of Seeing," Boston, Massachusetts 2000 The Wenham Museum, Wenham, Massachusetts 1995 Concord Art Association, Concord, Massachusetts 1993 The Harcus Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts 1989 The Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, Massachusetts 1985 Fischbach Gallery...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Magnitude" Oil Painting

"Magnitude" Oil Painting

By Mia Bergeron

Located in Denver, CO

Mia Bergeron's (US based) "Magnitude" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a masculine face with shadows and white thinning hair. Mia Bergeron's interest in art was c...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Driving in the Rain II", Oil Painting

"Driving in the Rain II", Oil Painting

Located in Denver, CO

Dianne L. Massey Dunbar's (US based) "Driving in the Rain II" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a cascading pattern of rain drops on a car windshield which obscures...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sweet Satisfaction
Sweet Satisfaction

Mike DargasSweet Satisfaction, 2022

$43,200Sale Price|44% Off

Sweet Satisfaction

By Mike Dargas

Located in Dallas, TX

The works of Mike Dargas elude a clear temporal distinction. Even if the representations can stand as indications of a contemporary Western zeitgeist, the images lose their temporal ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Lucent ocean waters, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Lucent ocean waters, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Lucent ocean waters, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Ana Hefco

Located in Yardley, PA

Dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety, painting is a form of therapy for me. In this painting I create a peaceful and safe space for the child and adult in me both, a place to ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peaceful beach, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peaceful beach, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peaceful beach, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Ana Hefco

Located in Yardley, PA

Unique ocean and beach paintings with gold sand and frothy splashing waves, inspired by the Turks And Caicos Islands Ocean Seascape Painting with gold sand beach and frothy white sp...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Umber" Oil Painting 80" x 50" inch by Casey Baugh
"Umber" Oil Painting 80" x 50" inch by Casey Baugh

"Umber" Oil Painting 80" x 50" inch by Casey Baugh

By Casey Baugh

Located in Culver City, CA

"Umber" Oil Painting 80" x 50" inch by Casey Baugh Medium: oil on canvas The artwork signed and dated by the artist. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Baugh's work can be described as narrative i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The beach, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
The beach, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

The beach, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Ana Hefco

Located in Yardley, PA

Different shades of blue, turquoise, teal, aqua, beige and white This painting does not need to be framed, the painted image continues over the sides, it is wired, signed, ready to ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Glowing ocean waves., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Glowing ocean waves., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Glowing ocean waves., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Iryna Kastsova

Located in Yardley, PA

Glowing ocean waves. Blue water, clear skies, waves, serene views, sun glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, turquoise, blu...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

SPUNTINO, Painting, Oil on Canvas
SPUNTINO, Painting, Oil on Canvas

SPUNTINO, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Lucia Bergamini

Located in Yardley, PA

I have been inspired to this work because it is the sun for me, this light and the energy that emanates is bursting.. A really tonic for your eyes. As always I used oil on canvas and only use primary colours, which I mix to obtain all of the shades that I need. It creates deeper and more brilliant colours. I use Rembrandt oil...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Pink and Black, colorful, super realism

Pink and Black, colorful, super realism

By Douglas Newton

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Oil on canvas, color superrealism Doug Newton’s hyper-real oil paintings observe reality, explore translucency, reflections and luminosity, and dazzle the viewer with all the ways li...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Sea", Oleg Turchin, Oil on Canvas, 30x47, Photorealism Original Oil Seascape
"Sea", Oleg Turchin, Oil on Canvas, 30x47, Photorealism Original Oil Seascape

"Sea", Oleg Turchin, Oil on Canvas, 30x47, Photorealism Original Oil Seascape

By Oleg Turchin

Located in Dallas, TX

Oleg Turchin's "Sea" is an oil on canvas that measures 30" x 47". The painting is a beautiful photorealistic seascape of the blue and white ocean waves crashing in on a brown sandy beach on a stormy day. The artist's attention to detail, perspective, and refinement of the scene brings together a painting true to the scenery. The painting is not stretched at the moment but can be stretched and shipped within 3 days. Blending photorealism and surrealism, Oleg achieves a signature style of his own. The beauty of nature bursts off the canvas with vibrant life. Oleg Turchin is a Moldovan artist, born in 1964. He studied at the Sciusev children’s art...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Berries and Cream"  Photo-Realist Still Life 3 Fruits in Glass Compote on Blue
"Berries and Cream"  Photo-Realist Still Life 3 Fruits in Glass Compote on Blue

"Berries and Cream" Photo-Realist Still Life 3 Fruits in Glass Compote on Blue

By Mary Ellen Johnson

Located in Wellesley, MA

Mary Ellen Johnson is internationally recognized as one of the top Photo Realist painters working today whose extraordinary area of expertise is large-scale, unimaginably realistic, stunningly beautiful and delightful images of food. Currently available is this gorgeous bowl of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries with whipped cream, a mouth-watering slice of cherry pie with vanilla ice cream, an equally amazing strawberry parfait sundae, and a delicious slice of cherry cheesecake: Mary Ellen Johnson "Berries and Cream" Oil on Wood Panel 24 x 20 Inches Note: This painting is framed in white wood. The artist has also completed many commissioned food paintings including the Canadian Government's request for images of 5 of Canada's favorite foods which subsequently became stamp images - and The Cheesecake Factory's two commissions for their corporate headquarters and the owners' Malibu beach house. A quote from the artist: “I make the panels large to give a monumental feeling to the painting when viewed. These large images not only confront the viewer with their size but with their tremendous sense of extravagance. My work explores the deep connection that food has with humanity.” Mary Ellen Johnson Johnson further describes herself as a ‘Precision Realist’ whose primary subject is food. Sold works include paintings of PB & J sandwiches, pancakes with blueberries and syrup, banana splits, ice cream, hot dogs, cupcakes, waffles, muscles and sushi, among others. Unequaled for their brilliance and dramatic depictions of mundane subjects with their connotations of nostalgia, comfort and tradition, it is also her scale, cropping and over the top technical skill that renders these works so overwhelmingly appealing! MARY ELLEN JOHNSON Born: 1967, West Long Branch, NJ. Education: 1989, Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota ONE PERSON EXHIBITIONS: Beth Urdang...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

One wave is enough, Painting, Acrylic on MDF Panel
One wave is enough, Painting, Acrylic on MDF Panel

One wave is enough, Painting, Acrylic on MDF Panel

By Ana Hefco

Located in Yardley, PA

Original unique turquoise and gold ocean painting inspired by the Bahamas ocean colors Different shades of blue, green, turquoise, teal, aqua, gold and white This painting does n...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Hummingbird in Salvia Garden
Hummingbird in Salvia Garden

Hummingbird in Salvia Garden

By Diane Andrews Hall

Located in New York, NY

Hall is a highly respected contemporary artist. It is framed in a contemporary lacquered off white float frame. The surface of the board is slick and almost photographic in feel. The...

Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Photo Realistic Diptych Hand Paintings
Photo Realistic Diptych Hand Paintings

Photo Realistic Diptych Hand Paintings

By Manon Cleary

Located in Washington, DC

Exceptional pair of paintings by Manon Cleary (1942-1911). Paintings are oil on canvas. Dated 1980 and signed in the front lower right corner and on reverse. Manon Cleary's work is ...

Category

1980s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Greedy, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Greedy, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Greedy, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Agnès Lefèvre

Located in Yardley, PA

Hand holding three macaroons on a white backgroune :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang:...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Tulips II, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Tulips II, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Carlos Bruscianelli

Located in Yardley, PA

My work "Tulips II" is part of a new series of paintings inspired by different types of flowers, it is an opportunity to deeply study their textures and colors. During my career a...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Guardian
Guardian

Guardian

By Glenn Ness

Located in Fairfield, CT

Glenn Ness is recognized for his photorealistic oil paintings of vacant backyards, landscapes, urban streets, and interiors. Ness’s compositions are flooded with his signature warm l...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Selfie (triptych), Painting, Oil on Canvas
Selfie (triptych), Painting, Oil on Canvas

Selfie (triptych), Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Janos Kujbus

Located in Yardley, PA

Original work - 3 big paintings (triptych) in contemporary pop art style from hungarian artist Janos Kujbus. Story about artwork: "Sometimes I feel we live a strange life. We d...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Bon Appetit!, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Bon Appetit!, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel

Bon Appetit!, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel

By Valeria Radzievska

Located in Yardley, PA

Bright red cherries oil painting. Food, taste, berries. Oil on a gallery hardboard. Certificate of Authenticity included. I use all professional packing materials to make su...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Gourds in a White Bowl: Original Contemporary realism Still Life 40x40cm

Gourds in a White Bowl: Original Contemporary realism Still Life 40x40cm

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 Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Lullaby Original Realism Oil on Canvas Seascape, Contemporary Realism, Signed
Lullaby Original Realism Oil on Canvas Seascape, Contemporary Realism, Signed

Lullaby Original Realism Oil on Canvas Seascape, Contemporary Realism, Signed

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 Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

ME TE MAGNO, Painting, Oil on Canvas
ME TE MAGNO, Painting, Oil on Canvas

ME TE MAGNO, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Lucia Bergamini

Located in Yardley, PA

Oil on canvas This painting inspired me for its cheerfulness and its laughter, it is for me a really antidepressant! :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Amaryllis, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Amaryllis, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Amaryllis, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Agnès Lefèvre

Located in Yardley, PA

Flowers on a white background Several layers of paint Hanging hardware is provided :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity sign...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

DaNico

DaNico

By Glenn Ness

Located in Fairfield, CT

Glenn Ness is recognized for his photorealistic oil paintings of vacant backyards, landscapes, urban streets, and interiors. Ness’s compositions are flooded with his signature warm l...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

NOTE DI BORDEAUX, Painting, Oil on Canvas
NOTE DI BORDEAUX, Painting, Oil on Canvas

NOTE DI BORDEAUX, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Lucia Bergamini

Located in Yardley, PA

DETAILS: Oil on canvas, size 20x40x1.5 inches - 50x100x4 cm - Sides are painted to match the painting SUPPORT: gallery canvas, wrapped around the sides and stapled to the back SIGN...

Category

2010s Photorealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Photorealist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist 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, green, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Gregory Block, James Zamora, Ian Hornak, and Kathleen Keifer. 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 3.5 inches across are also available. Prices for paintings 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 $125 and tops out at $585,000, while the average work sells for $3,772.