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Realist Figurative Paintings

REALIST STYLE

Realist art attempts to portray its subject matter without artifice. Similar to naturalism, authentic realist paintings and prints see an integration of true-to-life colors, meticulous detail and linear perspectives for accurate portrayals of the world. 

Work that involves illusionistic techniques of realism dates back to the classical world, such as the deceptive trompe l’oeil used since ancient Greece. Art like this became especially popular in the 17th century when Dutch artists like Evert Collier painted objects that appeared real enough to touch. Realism as an artistic movement, however, usually refers to 19th-century French realist artists such as Honoré Daumier exploring social and political issues in biting lithographic prints, while the likes of Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet painting people — particularly the working class — with all their imperfections, navigating everyday urban life. This was a response to the dominant academic art tradition that favored grand paintings of myth and history. 

By the turn of the 20th century, European artists, such as the Pre-Raphaelites, were experimenting with nearly photographic realism in their work, as seen in the attention to every botanical attribute of the flowers surrounding the drowned Ophelia painted by English artist John Everett Millais.

Although abstraction was the guiding style of 20th-century art, the realism trend in American modern art endured in Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and other artists’ depictions of the complexities of the human experience. In the late 1960s, Photorealism emerged with artists like Chuck Close and Richard Estes giving their paintings the precision of a frame of film.

Contemporary artists such as Jordan Casteel, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Aliza Nisenbaum are now using the unvarnished realist approach for honest representations of people and their worlds. Alongside traditional mediums, technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and immersive installations are helping artists create new sensations of realism in art.

​​Find authentic realist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Realist
"Carriage Ride by The River", 19th Century Oil on Canvas by Francisco Miralles
Located in Madrid, ES
FRANCISCO MIRALLES Y GALUP Spanish, 1848- 1901 CARRIAGE RIDE BY THE RIVER signed and dated "F. Miralles, 1881" (lower left) oil on canvas 12-3/4 X 1...
Category

1880s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hungarian Realist Art Deco painting of workers in the field
Located in New York, NY
Oil on canvas painting depicting workers in the field by Hungarian painter Béla Czene. Signed low left.
Category

Early 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"State Ave. Stretch" – Oil on Wood Panel, Urban Realism Scene
Located in Denver, CO
Brad Davis’s "State Ave. Stretch" is an oil painting executed on wood panel, measuring 30 x 30 inches unframed and 32 x 32 inches framed. It is framed and ready to hang. This visuall...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Candy’s" – Oil on Wood Panel, Contemporary Realist Street Scene
Located in Denver, CO
Brad Davis's "Candy’s" is an oil on wood panel painting measuring 20 x 20 inches, with an overall framed dimension of 22 x 22 inches. This contemporary realist piece captures an evoc...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Colorado Sunset" by Michael Magrin, Oil Painting, CO Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
Michael Magrin's ( US based) "Colorado Sunset" is an original, handmade oil painting of a moody sunset. This piece is framed in a natural float frame an...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil, Wood Panel

“Peignoir” Contemporary Fine Realist Still-Life Painting of a Peignoir, Pink
Located in Utrecht, NL
During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

French Realist Painting Black smith workshop Old trade Early 20th
Located in PARIS, FR
Albert Léon LEBARQUE Quatre-Champs (Ardennes), 1853 – Paris, 1939 The blacksmith's workshop Oil on panel24 x 18 cm (34.5 x 28 cm with frame) Signed and dated lower left “A. Lebarque ...
Category

1910s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Autumn s Glow Embraces the Heart" (2022) by Deb Komitor, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Autumn's Glow Embraces the Heart" by Deb Komitor (United States) is a handmade landscape oil painting that is ready to hang. Deb Komitor was born and raised in Ohio and now resides...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Study for Before Grace " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Raymond Bonilla's (US based) "Study for 'Before Grace'" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a quiet scene of baskets of produce with warm orange afternoon light. Abo...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Blind Woman
Located in Dallas, TX
"The Blind Woman" by artist Miles Cleveland Goodwin is oil on canvas, and measures 72 5/8 x 44 5/8 inches. Including the artist-made frame, the overall dim...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

She s Got a Ticket to Ride / oil on wood
Located in Burlingame, CA
'She's Got a Ticket to Ride' features a long haired young woman with hummingbirds, who is shrouded in mystery. Tattooed and decorated with ladybugs and sitting within a ring of stone...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

"The Moment of Eclipse"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Title: The Moment of Eclipse Size: 70 x 90 cm Medium: Oil on canvas Year: 2025 Description: Moment of Eclipse portrays the poetic stillness of a rare lunar eclipse — that fleeting m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tinker Bell
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "2023 WM Stout" in lower right UNFRAMED: 15.75" x 11" FRAMED: 23.375" x 18.5" x 1.125" Artist Statement “‘Tinker Bell’ is ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Panel

Woolworths, Sutton, London - British figurative shop interior art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This fantastic British 1940's figurative interior oil painting is by noted artist Leonard Fuller. Painted circa 1940, the colourful composition is looking into a busy Woolworths stor...
Category

1940s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

My Sister, The Moon
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"My Sister, The Moon" by Adeniyi Joshua Adetayo is a captivating artwork that delicately captures a young lady standing at the back of a house, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Pen

"Forest Edge" (2023) By Judith Peck, Original Oil Painting of Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
"Forest Edge" (2023) by Judith Peck is an original, handmade oil painting on cradled board that depicts a forest with tall grass in the bright sunlight, th...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Passing Through" - Oil on Canvas Landscape Painting with Mountains and River
Located in Denver, CO
Mark Harrison’s "Passing Through" is a panoramic oil painting that captures the majesty and solitude of the natural world. Completed in 2024, this original, handmade work transports ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fisherman Returning to Port Pastel on paper
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Fisherman Returning to Port Artist: Domingo Álvarez Gómez Technique: Pastel on paper Dimensions: 13 x 16 in (unframed) Year: c. 2000 Condition: Good conservation Description: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Pastel

Budda
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This evocative artwork portrays the serene face of a Buddha, seamlessly integrated with elements of nature. The dominant golden hues radiate a sense of peace and spirituality, as bra...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Otoño
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork features a breathtaking depiction of a sunlit birch forest. The slender birch trees rise with striking vertical elegance, their white bark contrasting beautifully with t...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Árbol en la roca
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork features a striking landscape where a solitary tree with a sinuous trunk and dense foliage is perched atop a jagged, blue-hued rock formation. The rock is intricately te...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Ojos azules
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork presents a striking, enigmatic female visage emerging through a textured, fragmented surface. The piercing blue eyes draw immediate attention, exuding mystery and depth ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Recuerdos
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork masterfully combines portraiture and texture to create a captivating visual narrative. A serene female face emerges from a textured, distressed background, her eyes gent...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

La mujer con la flor de loto
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork is a stunning depiction of an ancient Egyptian woman, characterized by its bold use of color and intricate detailing. Her profile is elegantly portrayed, adorned with ri...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

El fragmento del antiguo egitpo
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork showcases a mesmerizing blend of ancient Egyptian motifs and contemporary collage techniques. Dominating the piece is a striking depiction of an Egyptian pharaoh's face,...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Meditación en la luna llena
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This compelling artwork captures the silhouette of a woman sitting serenely against the backdrop of a luminous full moon. Her poised posture exudes tranquility, highlighted by the in...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

La mujer africana con flores
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork portrays a striking portrait of a woman exuding grace and strength. Her skin, a rich, deep hue, is meticulously rendered, highlighting her natural beauty. A vibrant flor...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

La mujer con turbante plateado
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork vividly portrays a woman adorned in luxurious, intricately detailed attire, harmonizing elegance and cultural richness. Her serene expression conveys a deep sense of con...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Mujer negra floreada en azul
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
This artwork is a striking portrait that captures the essence of regal elegance and cultural richness. The focal point is a woman adorned in a vibrant, patterned headwrap with floral...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Heiress
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karen Mcintyre is an established contemporary visual artist. Karen Mcintyre was born in 1953. Artists like Quynh Huong, Gerhard Doehler, Knopp Ferro, Carlo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Out Of The Blue" - Oil Seascape Nocturne With Crashing Waves, 2024
Located in Denver, CO
Mark Harrison’s “Out Of The Blue” (2024) is a luminous original oil on canvas capturing the powerful serenity of an ocean at night. Bathed in moonlight, this nocturne seascape presen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Polar Family"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The painting was painted under the impression of the beauty of the northern latitudes. A big mother bear plays with her cubs. This plot gives a feeling of warmth, home comfort and love.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Presque Isle (Day 113), June 7, 2024" by Primary Hughes, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Presque Isle (Day 113), June 7, 2024" by Primary Hughes (United States) is a handmade landscape painting that is created on location or en plein air. The piece is framed, and ready ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Palazzo Dario, Venice
Located in New York, NY
A classic and elegant Venetian view with a period Barbizon, gold leaf frame! Sheppard did a series of these and two other American painter is more noted for their Venetian views than...
Category

1860s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Graffiti Break
Located in Atlanta, GA
This item is in excellent condition, only shown in a gallery. Griselda Ferrandez was born in the city of Barcelona, a cosmopolitan and open city. From her balcony she could contempla...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Graffiti Break
Graffiti Break
$1,250 Sale Price
78% Off
"Dollar Tree" – Oil on Wood Panel, Contemporary Realism Retail Scene
Located in Denver, CO
Brad Davis’s "Dollar Tree" is an oil on wood panel painting measuring 20 x 27 inches, framed to 22 x 29 inches, and presented ready to hang. This contemporary realist artwork vividly...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Camp Washington Caddy" – Oil Painting, Urban Realism
Located in Denver, CO
Brad Davis's "Camp Washington Caddy" is an oil painting on wood panel, measuring 11 x 22 inches, with a framed size of 14 x 25 inches. Expertly framed and ready to hang, this artwork...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Serenity (2020) By Beth Sistrunk, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Beth Sistrunk's "Serenity" is an oil on panel featuring a model with pink petals. About the artist: Beth's interests in painting the figure, women’s fashion, flowers, landscape phot...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Milan Street" by Christopher Clark, Original Oil Painting, Italian Cityscape
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "Milan Street" is an original, hand made oil and acrylic painting that depicts a night scene of a bustling cityscape in Italy. Christopher has been an artist since early childhood, when he would watch Bob Ross on PBS and mimic the famed oil painter’s art with crayons. He considers himself a self-educated artist, with his studies ranging from personal training with contemporary masters, to classical academic art technique, with much inspiration from 19th Century art and the Impressionist Movement. Christopher lived in Italy for a time, immersing himself in Italian culture and art, which continues to influence his painting. His fan base has grown considerably since his return to the US, gaining the attention of Lucasfilm and Marvel Fine Art, which both signed him as an officially licensed artist in 2016. Other clients include George Lucas, Major League Baseball, Louisville Slugger, and Fender Guitars. Christopher’s painting skills are not his only talent in the arts. He has won several national swing dance championship competitions, and also studies tango and blues dancing. He has played guitar since the age of 12, and during his time as lead guitarist for a rock band, he opened for Blue Oyster Cult and Eddie Money...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel

"Wrapped" (2020) By Daud Akhriev, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Daud Akhriev's (EUR and US based) "Wrapped" (2020) is an original, handmade oil painting. Artist Biography: The Soviet educational system singled out 8-year-old Daud Akhriev for spe...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

White River
Located in Zofingen, AG
This distinguished portrait masterfully blends understated minimalism with profound narrative depth, making it an exceptional addition to refined interiors and curated collections. ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

"Presque Isle (Day 123), June 27, 2024" by Primary Hughes, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Presque Isle (Day 123), June 27, 2024" by Primary Hughes (United States) is a handmade landscape painting that is created on location or en plein air. The piece is framed, and ready...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

British 20th Century acrylic painting Walkies 2000 by Mike Francis, realist
By Mike Francis
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Mike Francis (British, b. 1938) Walkies 2000 Acrylic on canvas Signed ‘Francis’ (lower right) further inscribed with title and signed (on the reverse) 17.3/4 x 47.3/4 in. (45 x 121.5...
Category

20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Poetry -original impressionism figurative female oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Poetry" by Kelly-Anne Cairns is a mesmerizing exploration of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Nude woman at washbasin oil painting on canvas by Frank H.Mason American artist
Located in Gavere, BE
Nude woman at washbasin oil painting on canvas by Frank H.Mason American artist Frank Herbert Mason was born on February 20, 1921 in Cleveland, Oh...
Category

1950s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Cherries” Contemporary Fine Realist Still-Life Painting of Red Cherries, Fruit
Located in Utrecht, NL
During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Journey Through Hell, 9/11 Art, Signed painting, exhibited at Brattleboro Museum
Located in New York, NY
Thelma Appel Journey Through Hell, 2001 Oil on Canvas Hand signed and dated by artist on the back of the canvas Frame Included: hand made metal museum frame This powerful, haunting ...
Category

Early 2000s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

It Was a Land of Plenty, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"It Was a Land of Plenty" by Shawn Krueger (United States) is a handmade landscape oil painting that is framed and ready to hang.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Native American Portrait "Wisdom" - Emin Abbasov (b. 1950, Azerbaijan)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Native American Portrait "Wisdom" Emin Abbasov (b. 1950, Azerbaijan) Oil on cardboard, signed 4 7/8 x 3 1/2 (15 7/8 x 14 5/8 frame) inches Emin Abbasov ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Madonna Mediterana
Located in Zofingen, AG
Madonna Mediterana In this painting, I sought to capture the timeless beauty and serenity of a woman in harmony with nature. Her deep gaze and the subtle strength she exudes represe...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Nude Woman Portrait
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful female nude painting by unknown artist. Watercolor and pencil on paper, image measures 5 x 10 inches; measuring 11 x 15.5 inches framed. Signed and dated 1966 in pencil low...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil

Beloved II
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karen Mcintyre is an established contemporary visual artist. Karen Mcintyre was born in 1953. Artists like Quynh Huong, Gerhard Doehler, Knopp Ferro, Carlo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sunflowers in a Mediterranean Landscape
Located in Preston, GB
Sunflowers in a Mediterranean Landscape Art measures 24 x 20 inches Frame measures 26 x 22 inches Sunlit Reverie Among the Sunflowers Original oil painting by Vinny (inspired by ...
Category

20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Young girl in a pink dress and red headband (verso nude study) signed and dated
Located in Genève, GE
Work on cardboard signed E. Chambon and dated 1950 Dimension with frame :60 x 49 x 6 cm This captivating work, dated 1950, presents a striking portrait of a young girl captured in a ...
Category

1950s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antonio Lopez Garcia - red, blue, male, figurative, portrait, oil on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Canadian realist painter Dan Hughes pays homage to fellow painter and member of the "New Spanish Realists," Antonio Lopez Garcia. The glowing hyper-realis...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"October Memories" (2025) Acrylic Portrait Painting on ACM Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Alexander Chistov's "October Memories" is an original, handmade, acrylic on ACM panel painting depicting a young boy pulling a wagon containing a pumpkin through a corn maze. Artist...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

Little One
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Little One" is a touching and evocative artwork crafted by the talented Eyitayo Alagbe. This poignant piece captures the innocence, wonder, and vulnerability of childhood through th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Ink, Acrylic

Little One
Little One
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
The Fog
Located in Zofingen, AG
Some time ago Evgeniy bet with his good friend that he could paint a painting where about half of it would be pure white primer but painting will look finished anyway. So this story ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Tempera, Wood Panel

"Snow on HLC, Study #2 (mile-marker 20)" by Tracy Wall, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Snow on HLC, Study #2 (mile-marker 20)" by Tracy Wall (United States) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a landscape and is framed and ready to hang. As an artist, Tracy Wall sheds new light on everyday life, inviting the viewer to see the familiar as if for the very first time. Working with a variety of subjects, Tracy paints interesting viewpoints with compelling value, color, and shapes. Appealing compositions are everywhere, and they make strong impressions from afar even before the subject matter is recognized. She loves to balance representational impressions with more abstracted compositions. Tracy has studied at the Art Students League of Denver under such influential artists as Michelle Torrez, Ken Velastro, Kevin Weckbach, John Lencicki, and Rob Gratiot while also participated in additional workshops from Sally Strand, Carol Marine and David Shevlino. After starting at the University of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Witness to the Unknown" (2023) by Austin Howlett, Oil Painting, Nocturne
Located in Denver, CO
Austin Howlett's "Witness to the Unknown" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an icy landscape with trees and spectacular lights in the background. Artist Autobiography: My name is Austin Howlett and I am a Maui raised artist now living and working in Los Alamos New Mexico and I specialize oil painting. I primarily derive my inspiration from the people and environments that surround me so that I can create paintings that explore emotional vulnerability and self discovery. I am very much inspired by the inherent flaws found in humanity as a whole and in us as individuals and the small steps...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Realist figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Realist figurative 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 figurative 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, red, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Su Yu, Janusz Szpyt, JC Spock, and Matt Talbert. 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 Realist figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available.

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