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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
The boxer girl
Located in Zofingen, AG
"..yesterday I got into a fight with a man who started beating his eighth-grade son for a deuce in mathematics. A pair of bruises on my face, my hands were damaged, but I won, 5 year...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Vintage Catch" by Irene Georgopoulou, Pastel, Baseball Glove Still Life
Located in Denver, CO
Irene Georgopoulou's "Vintage Catch" (2024) is an original soft pastels on paper artwork, measuring 8.50 x 11.50 inches. Part of her solo exhibition "Nostalgic Treasures: A Journey Through Time," this intricate still life features a lovingly detailed vintage baseball glove...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel

Romantic Italian painter - 19th century figure painting - Falconer Oil on canvas
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (late 19th century) - The Falconer. 65.5 x 76.5 cm. Antique oil painting on canvas, without frame (not signed). Condition report: Original canvas. Good condition o...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Kootenai" (2024) By Brian Sostrom, Original Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Kootenai" (2024) by Brian Sostrom is an original handmade acrylic painting that depicts a landscape with large storm clouds above. Brian Sostrom grew up in small rural towns in th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel

"Mountain Sunlight" by Christopher Clark, Original Painting, Sunlit Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "Mountain Sunlight" is an original, hand made oil and acrylic painting that depicts a mountain path bathed in warm sunlight with atmospheric mountains in the dist...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel

New York City Street Scene Painting by Leading British Contemporary Artist
Located in Preston, GB
New York City Street Scene Painting by leading British Contemporary Artist, Angela Wakefield. Art measures 24 x 12 inches Frame measure 28...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paint, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Board

"Ringling Brothers Barns" Cordray Simmons, Wisconsin Circus Scene, Red Barn
Located in New York, NY
Cordray Simmons Ringling Brothers Barns, circa 1930 Signed lower right Oil on Masonite 24 x 30 inches Cordray Simmons was born July 10, 1888 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Christened ...
Category

1930s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

"Chanel"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The painting depicts several ballerinas sitting in various relaxed poses before the performance. The composition of the painting is multi-layered, and there are many ballerinas sitt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"Glory to Ukraine!"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The painting is written in honor and memory of the hero of Ukraine, Oleksandr Mitsievsky. He was shot by soldiers of the Russian army after they took him prisoner. His last words wer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Columbus Refuses a Plea to Turn Back
Located in Cliffside Park, NJ
Tom Lovell (1909–1997) called himself "a storyteller with a brush," a description appropriate for an artist who spent over five decades capturing the sweep o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Oil, Board, Illustration Board

Like That But Not Exactly
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Born in 1991 in the Western Ugandan town of Fort Portal, Switzin Twikirize...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Locket II" (2024) By Mary Carroll, Original Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting Mary Carroll's "Locket II" a 2024 original that showcases a masterful use of acrylic on a 10 x 8 x 1.5 inch panel that depicts a photo of a woman leaning against an old tr...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

"Sweet Sour, Bone Flesh" (2023) By Destiny Bowman, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Sweet & Sour, Bone & Flesh" (2023) by Destiny Bowman is an original, handmade oil painting on wood panel that depicts a still-life featuring animal skulls, plants, fruit, and a dise...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

I Want Ice Cream
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork captures the charm of life’s small joys and unexpected moments. Set in a sunlit desert, a sleek black car gleams in the foreground, contrasted by a nostalgic white vehic...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Ajala Travel 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ajala Travel" by Abdullateef Salaudeen is a captivating artwork that invites viewers into a world of wanderlust and exploration. The piece centers around a young man, adorned with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

At the sunny sea
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I captured the serene yet dynamic essence of nature juxtaposed with a figure embodying grace and freedom. I was inspired by the powerful tranquility of the sea ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

At the sunny sea
At the sunny sea
$1,984 Sale Price
25% Off
"Scarlet" (2023) by Suzy Smith, Original Oil Painting, Portrait
Located in Denver, CO
Suzy Smith's "Scarlet" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a portrait of a feminine figure, in a red gown with a red background. About the Artist: Suzy Smith is a Wy...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil, Panel

Distrust - Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Window, Blue, Human, Female, Male
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
Distrust, 2012 Oil on canvas (Signed on reverse) 70.86 H x 70.86 W in 180 H x 180 W cm Radu Rodideal is interested in the atmosphere of his work. Human ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"001 - Plein Air- Lair o the Bear, CO" (2022) By Judd Mercer, Gouache Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Judd Mercer's ( US based) "001 - Plein Air- Lair o the Bear, CO" is a gouache painting depicting a peaceful snowy naturescape. Artist bio/statement Judd Mercer is a contemporary la...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

"I Will Take You to Dinner in Sofia"(2021) by Brian Keith Stephens, Original Oil
Located in Denver, CO
"I Will Take You to Dinner in Sofia" is an original oil painting by Brian Keith Stephens. It depicts two playful dogs beneath a palm tree. How to capture the past, present and fut...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wax, Oil, Birch

"Lünersee" (2022) Limited Edition Poster Print, Portrait of Woman
Located in Denver, CO
"Lünersee" is a limited edition poster print by the acclaimed UK artist Ed Fairburn. This captivating piece, released in 2022, is reproduced onto 100% 290gsm cotton rag premium Moab ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Archival Pigment, Paper

Whispers of the Soul 3
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Behind the Scenes
Located in East Hampton, NY
Realism. Portrait Black and white figurative painting Women that are edgy and sexy. One of a kind Oil on Canvas Paintings. About The Artist: Cindy Press is a visual artist living a...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"A Fragile Beauty, " Southwestern Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"A Fragile Beauty" by Lorenzo Chavez (US based) is a handmadeoil painting that depicts a country road leading to an adobe house bathed in warm afternoon light. “A Fragile Beauty”. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Follow Me" (2020) By Beth Sistrunk, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Beth Sistrunk's "Follow Me" 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 pho...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Center Stage
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Premiering for the first time in three decades, the original paintings of American artist Maurice Green. Born in 1908 in Latvia, Maurice Green studied with prominent artists of t...
Category

1960s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

The evening light.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"The plot speaks for itself. It's already evening. The dog is lying on the couch. The floor lamp is on. Comfort and warmth. The atmosphere of the house speaks volumes. Very nice and ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Archaic and Prayer" (2022) By Kazuya Ushioda, Oil and Impasto Portrait Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Kazuya Ushioda's (Japan Based) "Archaic Prayer" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a young woman dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, looking stoically at the vi...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Boy Reading
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Boy Reading" c.1975 is an oil painting on canvas by Italian artist, Franco Rispoli, 1921-1989. It is signed at the lower right corner by the ...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Selfie with Banksy Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Once, people lived in this house. Then a russian missile landed there. After that, Banksy arrived and painted a gymnast on the ruins. Now, there is probably no trace of that building...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Dian Fossey Magazine Illustration Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Gerry Gersten (1927-2017). Dian Fossey, ca. 1980. Gouache, watercolor and pencil on vellum paper, image measures 9 x 11 inches. Studio stamp on verso. Vellum sheet glued down to b...
Category

1980s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Duet with cellist. 2016. Oil on canvas, 64 x 70 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Duet with cellist. 2016. Oil on canvas, 64 x 70 cm from series Playing Angels
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Milk Maids in the Field
Located in Sheffield, MA
Joseph Julien Jos French, 1862-1924 Milk Maids in the Field Oil on canvas 19 ¾ by 25 ½ in, w/ frame 25 ½ by 31 ¼ in Signed lower right This Belgian 19th century artist specialized ...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Lady in Red, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Suzy Smith's "Lady in Red" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a feminine figure, in a formal red gown holding a cigarette. About the Artis...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel, Linen

"Together" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Raymond Bonilla's "Together" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a car trunk full of groceries. About the Artist: Raymond Bonilla is a nati...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Field of Memories" by Christopher Clark, Original Painting, Sunlit Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "Field of Memories" is an original, hand made oil painting that depicts a landscape of two trees backlit by a brilliant sun shining on a poppy field. Christophe...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Morning Light" by Christopher Clark, Original Painting, Sunlit Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "Icy Morning Light" is an original, hand made oil painting that depicts a landscape of snow covered trees with a warm sun rising in the background. 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

Canvas, Oil

Wouldn t You Like To Know
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Madame X" Oil Painting by Claudia Griesbach-Martucci, Whimsical Fox
Located in Denver, CO
Claudia Griesbach- Martucci's "Madame X" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a fox in a blue gown in a fairy tale setting with pumpkins, bats and moths along a lakesid...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Moment
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The journey is never-ending. There is always going to be growth, improvement, and adversity; you just have to take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, and continue to live in the moment. This painting "Moment" depicts the feelings and actions of the mind. There is a moment in life in which we tend to put all differences and difficulties aside. Putting a pause to the challenges of life. At this point in time the mind and heart of free from worries. This act helps to put a person in a deep state of self-awareness coupled with the clues and directions to be taken. This element in the painting symbolizes the process of the mind. The compass is for guidelines and directions. The clock signifies the state of actualization putting in place the solution to the worries of the mind. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Taiwo Samuel Olutimileyin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Emotions? Nah, that s for wimps
Located in Zofingen, AG
Two mysterious figures in black stand motionless before a large window. Are they contemplating life’s meaning or just waiting for a pizza delivery? The endless blue sky with a few la...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

LARGE OIL PAINTING by SALVATORE COLACICCO (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY PIECE
Located in Ferndown, GB
OIL PAINTING LARGE SALVATORE COLACICCO (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY Very good condition for age , (see pictures) FINE RARE MARTINE PAINTING ORIG...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Johnny the Pioneer
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"San Juan Mountains" (2023) Limited Edition Poster Print, Portrait of Woman
Located in Denver, CO
"San Juan Mountains" is a limited edition poster print by the acclaimed UK artist Ed Fairburn. This captivating piece, released in 2023, is reproduced onto 100% 290gsm cotton rag pre...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Archival Pigment

"Seeing Shadows" Oil Painting by Karen Offutt, Female Portrait
Located in Denver, CO
Karen Offutt's (US based) "Seeing Shadows" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female portrait with her face in profile wearing a fur coat with a blue background. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Beauty of Blackness (Olanma)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the evocative artwork titled "Beauty of Blackness (Olanma)," the gifted artist Emeka Ndibam pays homage to the captivating allure of a young lady whose...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Acrylic

Girl With Flower - Contemporary Oil Painting, Realistic Woman Portrait
Located in Salzburg, AT
KAMIL LISEK (born in 1980) Studied under the guidance of prof. Maciej Świeszewski at the faculty of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk. He graduated with distinction obta...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Scottish Highlands with Children Playing in the Mountains by Contemporary Artist
Located in Preston, GB
The Scottish Highlands - A colourful and dramatic original acrylic on canvas depicting children walking in the Mountains of Scotland. Entitled "The Road to Glencoe" by British Contem...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor

"Delirium" - Original Acrylic Painting of Woman with White Dogs
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting Mary Carroll's "Delirium," a 2024 original that showcases a masterful use of acrylic on a 30 x 24-inch panel. This artwork captures a deeply personal moment—a woman adorni...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

"Monkeys and Stones" (2023) By Destiny Bowman, Original Oil Still-Life Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Monkeys and Stones" (2023) by Destiny Bowman is an original, handmade oil painting on wood panel that depicts a still-life featuring a monkey skull, an orange, and various stones al...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Twilight, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Beth Sistrunk's "Twilight" is an oil on panel featuring a model at twilight. About the artist: Beth's interests in painting the figure, women’s fashion, flowers, landscape photogra...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"A Night to Remember" (2024) - Original Oil of Woman by Kirsten Savage
Located in Denver, CO
Kirsten Savage’s “A Night to Remember” (2023) is an evocative oil on panel painting that captures a serene moment of a woman leaning against a dancing bar. The artwork measures 19 x ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Playa Amarillo Women In A Dreamy Setting
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Women In A Dreamy Setting (Playa Amarillo) Artist signed and title, floater frame with gold and beige wood. Ethereal oil on canvas figural painting, titled ...
Category

1980s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

"The mistery of summer"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
One of Warsaw’s numerous drainage canals.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Wife portrait.Oil on cardboard, 110, 5x72, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Wife portrait. Oil on cardboard, 110,5x72,5 cm Alfejs Bromults (1913.3.IV - 1991.11.I) His first professional education was at National University at studies to R.Suta, J. Bine and...
Category

1970s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Vinyl - Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, Realistic Girl Portrait
Located in Salzburg, AT
KAMIL LISEK (born in 1980) Studied under the guidance of prof. Maciej Świeszewski at the faculty of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk. He graduated with distinction obta...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Ambassador" (2020) By Daud Akhriev, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Daud Akhriev's (EUR and US based) "Ambassador" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a teapot sitting on a floral blanket. Artist Biograp...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board, Canvas

1857 Swedish Romantic Oil Seascape Sailing Fishing Boats Signed by Marcus Larson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This seascape oil painting was created in Paris in 1857 by the renowned Swedish master Simeon Marcus Larson (1825-1864). It dates from the artist's most accomplished period and offer...
Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

I m Waiting for You
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork blends minimalism with intrigue, featuring a solitary figure in black standing before a simple motel with bold red lettering. The crisp contrast between the figure and b...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Dreamtime
Located in Paris, FR
Ray Richardson is a contemporary British artist known for his cinematic paintings. The artist employs icons of working-class London, including bull terriers, soccer pitches, and grit...
Category

Early 2000s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Pencil

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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