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
Sant'Alessandro
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the Sant'Alessandro church - Milan (Italy).
Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan. He lives and works b...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment
The Vanity Ballroom- photo by Ted Fines
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Detroit's Art Deco Vanity Ballroom was once a popular venue for music beginning in the 1920's with Ellington, Goodman, the Dorsey Bros, and Cab Calloway. Later in the 70's, it beca...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper
SPIDER WEB, Vija Celmins (screen print of spiderweb)
By Vija Celmins
Located in New York, NY
This screen print depicts one of Celmins' signature subjects, the spider web, which she has represented in various media, including charcoal, oil paint, and multiple printmaking tech...
Category
Early 2000s Photorealist Art
Materials
Screen
Muddy Waters in NY
Located in Kraków, Województwo małopolskie
"Muddy Waters in NY" is a limited-edition black & white photograph by contemporary artist Tadeusz Zych from the series entitled Black and white States. The photo was taken during a t...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Digital Pigment
Eric Clapton "Shangri La"
By Ed Caraeff
Located in Austin, US
Guitar legend, Eric Clapton, taking a break from recording his album ‘No Reason To Cry’ at Shangri La recording studio in Malibu, CA, US, November 21, 1975. Limited edition number 2/...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
Bubble Dance- underwater photograph - print on paper 26” x 35”
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a dancer in short red dress dancing in air bubbles.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on archival pap...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
Empire, by Robert Cottingham (photorealistic image of neon sign )
Located in New York, NY
Robert Cottingham is known for imagery that celebrates the history of communications in America, specifically neon signage on urban storefronts and signs on railroad cars.
In 2008, ...
Category
Early 2000s Photorealist Art
Materials
Screen
Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 25" x 35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater nude photograph of a young woman caught in fishing net.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with met...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
Mermaid Angel - underwater photograph - print on paper 26" x 35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a beautiful young woman in transparent dress on dark background.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
Fluid Cadi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The painting “Fluid Cadi” draws inspiration from a fusion of the artist’s travel recollections and dreamscapes. Captured during a trip to California, the artist encountered this Cadi...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Sketch - underwater b&w photograph - archival pigment print 35x23"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of perfect female legs in the pool.
Original gallery quality archival pigment print on paper with metallic finish signed by the artist. .
L...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
Traditional English Farm with Horses, Figures, Trees & Lake by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
English Farmhouse with Horses, Figures, Fields, Trees & Lake entitled 'Winters Morn' by 20th Century British Artist.
Art measures 36 x 24 inches
Frame measures 41 x 30 inches
Ch...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
12 Photos (Magenta and Yellow) - Large Scale Textural Photographs
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
12 Photos (Magenta and Yellow) - Large Scale Textural Photographs
Series of detailed macro photos by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). This set of photos shows several textured a...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Nebulous
Located in Buffalo, NY
Through drawings rendered in charcoal and ink, my recent work examines issues related to memory by exploring its limitations and aestheticizing the instability inherent in portraitur...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Paper, Charcoal
12 Photos (Graffiti and Stripes) - Large Scale Textural Photographs
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
12 Photos (Graffiti and Stripes) - Large Scale Textural Photographs
Series of detailed macro photos by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). This set of photos shows several textured...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sommer’s Glow -original realism modern seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
"Sommer's Glow" captures the essence of a tranquil seaside moment, rendered in the vibrant strokes of impressionism by the talented Lia Madsen. This diptych masterpiece consists of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Azure Tempest -original modern realism seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
In "Azure Tempest," Lia Madsen presents a breathtaking vista of the ocean in all its tumultuous beauty, expertly rendered in realistic detail. This original seascape painting invites...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Sant'Eufemia
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the Santa Eufemia church - Milan (Italy).
Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan. He lives and works bet...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment
Shining horizon., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Shining horizon. Blue water, clear skies, waves, serene views, sun glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. The blue and white palette, made in the style of...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Green Glow of the Sea-original realism seascape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
In "Green Glow of the Sea," Lia Madsen transports viewers to the mesmerizing realm where land meets water, capturing the essence of the ocean's verdant embrace in stunning realism. T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Sounds of morning waves, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The sounds of the morning waves. The shining ocean, small waves, glare on the water, the beach, clear sky create an atmosphere of relaxation, romance. Made in the style of realism, L...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Glare on the waves, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Glare on the waves. Blue water, ocean shine, glare on the water, small waves create an atmosphere of relaxation, romance. Made in the style of realism. Part of a permanent series of ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Dancing glare on the water., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Dancing glare on the water. Blue water, blue ocean, clear sky, reflections on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation, serenity, romance. Made in the style of realism, deep blue...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
A magical sunrise at the sea, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A magical sunrise at the sea, the sound of coastal waves, sea foam, the reflection of the sun in the water, the sky, inspired me to create this picture. The atmosphere of relaxation,...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Landscape with a boat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting. Landscape with a boat. A saturated palette of greenery, water, boats on the shore, forest, pine trees, cause a feeling of love and gratitude to nature. The picture has a go...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Oil
Gold sparks on the water., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Gold sparks on the water. Warm water, waves, serene views, ocean shine, evening sun glare on the water create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, a...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Black Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of white painted concrete with a sp...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
"For the Shear Fun of it" Charcoal Painting 29" x 21" inch by Casey Baugh
By Casey Baugh
Located in Culver City, CA
"For the Shear Fun of it" Charcoal Painting 29" x 21" inch by Casey Baugh
Medium: Charcoal on paper
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Baugh's work can be described as narrative impressionistic re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Charcoal, Paper
Warm sunset over the ocean., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Warm sunset over the ocean. Blue water, sea, ocean, waves, sun glare on the water, clear warm sky, warm sand, beach create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Light flickers on ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Painted Concrete - Large Scale Textural Photograph
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
Painted Concrete - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of concrete that has been painted a few ...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Raindancer - archival pigment print - 35х24"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A young beautiful woman is dancing under the rain. Her dress is all wet. Some strange fishes are reflected in the window behind her.
Original gallery quality print signed by the art...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Worship of this Love 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 dark background.
Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Silver of the ocean 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Silver of the ocean 2. Power of nature. The ocean ... deep, mysterious. He beckons you to unravel his secrets. ... Silver water, ocean, sun glare on the water, clear sky create an...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Music of the ocean 2., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Music of the ocean 2. Blue water, ocean, shimmering sun glare on the water, clear sky, small waves, create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, ligh...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Bridgehampton, Photorealist Screenprint by Arne Besser
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bridgehampton
Arne Besser, American (1935–2012)
Portfolio: Cityscapes
Date: 1981
Screenprint, Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition of 250, 30 AP
Size: 30 in. x 22 in. (76.2 cm x 55....
Category
1980s Photorealist Art
Materials
Screen
'A Moment rest' Photorealist painting of a Kingfisher in the wild, blue, orange
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'A Moments Rest' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting of a Kingfisher perched on a branch. With such incredible detail you can almost feel feathers and exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Oil, Panel
Scratched Paint - Large Scale Textural Photograph
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of heavily painted concrete that ha...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sea 22., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Sea 22. Light blue water, sea, ocean, small waves, glare on the water, clear sky create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, light blue, white p...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
(Male Nude) Untitled, 1973, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993)
Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1973
Year: 1973
Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board
Size: 38.5 x 26.75 inches
Condition: Good
Inscription: Signed & dat...
Category
1970s Photorealist Art
Materials
Graphite
(Male Nude) Untitled, 1977, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993)
Title: (Male Nude) Untitled
Year: 1977
Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board
Size: 48.5 x 38.75 inches
Condition: Excellent
Inscription: Signed & date...
Category
1970s Photorealist Art
Materials
Graphite
The Game of Life, Jacque
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In her painting entitled “The Game of life, Jaque”, Eva Carzul captures life’s complexities, portraying it as a chess game, all the while adorned in a top that ironically expresses g...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Unstable Affection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In Eva Carzul’s painting, “Unstable Affection,” a comedic portrayal unfolds, vividly illustrating the visual representation of emotional fragility and instability. Perched atop a box...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
(Male Nude) Untitled, 1977, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993)
Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1977
Year: 1977
Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board
Size: 52.5 x 40 inches
Condition: Excellent
Inscription: Signed & d...
Category
1970s Photorealist Art
Materials
Graphite
(Male Nude) Untitled, 1974, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993)
Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1974
Year: 1974
Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board
Size: 38 x 23.5 inches
Condition: Excellent
Inscription: Signed & d...
Category
1970s Photorealist Art
Materials
Graphite
(Male Nude) Untitled, 1980, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993)
Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1980
Year: 1980
Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board
Size: 54.75 x 39.75 inches
Condition: Excellent
Inscription: Signed...
Category
1980s Photorealist Art
Materials
Graphite
(Male Nude) Untitled, 1973, Original Drawing—Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993)
Title: (Male Nude) Untitled, 1973
Year: 1973
Medium: Graphite on Artist's Board
Size: 40 x 30.25 inches
Condition: Excellent
Inscription: Signed & ...
Category
1970s Photorealist Art
Materials
Graphite
"Polk Street" Large Scale Textural Photograph San Francisco Abstract
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
"Polk" Large Scale Textural Photograph
Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of heavily painted concrete. The paint is bold yello...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Abstract Textural Photograph
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
White Paint Splatters - Large Scale Textural Photograph
Detailed macro photo by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Clark has taken a photograph of heavily painted concrete, with w...
Category
1990s Photorealist Art
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Softer Notes for Love 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 dark background.
Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Sweet Bliss (AP)
By Mike Dargas
Located in Dallas, TX
Archival ink on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag
29x40" (print size)
Individually numbered and Hand signed
Limited Edition of 25
Artist Proof Edition
Inspired by artists such as Dali, Caravaggi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Ink, Rag Paper
First of the Day from Calais, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Tony Munns
Located in Yardley, PA
A medium sized unframed original acrylic painting that is a personal tribute to the incredible Mountbatten Class SRN4 hovercraft and to Hoverlloyd, who operated four of this type bet...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
New York City - Photorealistic Oil and Enamel Painting on Canvas
By Ross Tamlin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ross Tamlin's unique photorealistic compositions merge traditional painting methods with modern industrial techniques to create captivating works of art. Using layers of oil and enam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art
Materials
Enamel
Ann Richards and Dolly Parton in Austin Texas by Scott Newton
Located in Austin, US
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
The Glory of Real Estate
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Eva Carzul’s artwork, “The Glory of Real Estate,” ingeniously infuses humor as the artist shares her personal experiences with the viewer. With one hand clutching keys to an undisclo...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Acrylic
Bob Dylan portrait by Guido Harari
By Guido Harari
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition print of Bob Dylan by Guido Harari, taken in Sirmione, Italy, 1984.
Available in the following sizes:
A. 11” x 16” - Edition 50
B. 16” x 20” - Edition 50
C. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Art
Materials
Archival Pigment
San Satiro Bramante
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the Santa Maria church - San Satiro.
Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan...
Category
2010s Photorealist Art
Materials
Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment
HMS Nairana. Royal Navy Seaplane Carrier. Float Plane.Tasmania & Melbourne Ferry
By Vincenzo D'Esposito
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Vincenzo D’Esposito.
Italian ( b.1886 - d.1946 ).
HMS Nairana, Royal Navy Seaplane Carrier.
Gouache on Paper. Signed.
Image size 7.7 inches x 12.2 inches ( 19.5cm x 31cm ).
Frame si...
Category
Early 20th Century Photorealist Art
Materials
Paper, Gouache
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm
This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category
1950s 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.