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.
Robin Bird Watercolor on Paper Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
404 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2025 Style: Classic Art Title: Robin Size: 12 x 16 inch, (...
Paper, Watercolor
$108Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of Small Sheep Laying in the Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
South San Francisco
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "South San Francisco" 2003 Is a watercolor on paper by Filipino artist Ephraim Samson, b.1947. It is signed and dated at the lower right co...
Watercolor
Portrait of a Baby
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Violet Oakley (1896-1961). Portrait of a Baby, ca. 1930. Conte crayon and pencil on laid paper, sheet measuring 11 x 14 inches. Framed measurement: 13.5 x 16.5 inches. Signed low...
Conté, Laid Paper
Dark Timber, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this striking watercolor painting, artist Vic Roschkov explores the raw beauty of the winter woods. The jagged, dark silhouette of a fallen tree commands the...
Watercolor
Winter's Chill, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A narrow, half-frozen stream winds through a snow-covered field, reflecting the soft light of a pale winter sky. Bare trees frame the scene and lead the gaze in...
Watercolor
Kingfisher, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
188 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2023 Style: Classic Art Title: Kingfisher Size: 12 x 16 inc...
Paper, Watercolor
$4,990
dolomiti lightly and magic wood: Watercolor by Silvia De Bastiani, 2026
Located in Milan, IT
Watercolour on paper, stretched on canvas, inch 40 x 25,5 (rif. 2626) The painting was recently shown at the solo exhibition “Water and Peaks. An Olympic Journey Through the Alps” (...
Canvas, Paper, Watercolor
Bison Watercolor on Paper Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
371 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Bison Size: 12 x 16 inch, ...
Paper, Watercolor
$732Sale Price|35% Off
Lakeside. 1959, oil on cardboard, 36x49, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Lakeside. 1959, oil on cardboard, 36x49,5 cm Summer landscape by the lake Edgars Vinters (1919-2014) Edgars Vinters is working in oil, watercolor and monotype techniques. He paints ...
Oil, Cardboard
Robin, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
117 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Year: 2023 Style: Classic Art, Subject: Robin, Size: 12 x 16 ...
Paper, Watercolor
Sun reflex before Sunset
Located in Zofingen, AG
The last live sketch with industrial marker and tempera at the very end of a beautiful day, when the setting sun painted everything in the studio gold. Sheet from Monahov's studio a...
Paper, Tempera, Permanent Marker
Eagle, Bird, Watercolor on Paper, Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
337 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Eagle Size: 12 x 16 inch, (...
Paper, Watercolor
Great Tit, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
245 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Great Tit Size: 12 x 16 inch...
Paper, Watercolor
New York City Police Fortune Magazine Illustration
By Robert Riggs
Located in Miami, FL
This original illustration, titled "Cops at Ease in the Muster Room of a Station," is packed with character and detail and shows an unexpected and rare vision of the police in an off moment. Riggs unveils the real-life behind-the-scenes in this narrative work, which stylistically flaunts Riggs ' prodigious drawing skills. It accompanied the article Nineteen Thousand Cops published in the July 1939 issue of Fortune Magazine. This issue was dedicated to the city of New York and included a total of ten paintings by Riggs for this article on New York City's police department. Robert Riggs was a gay artist...
Charcoal, Archival Paper
Arthur Wardle - British c. 1900 botanical watercolour of Wild Flowers
Located in London, GB
ARTHUR WARDLE (1864-1949) Common Fleabane Signed Watercolour and bodycolour on linen 29 by 17.5 cm., 11 ½ by 7 in. (frame size 49 by 36.5 cm., 19 ¼ by 14 ¼ in.) Arthur Wardle was...
Watercolor
Kingfisher, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
253 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Kingfisher Size: 12 x 16 inc...
Paper, Watercolor
Buffalo, Animal, Watercolor Artwork Handmade Painting
Located in Granada Hills, CA
41 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Year: 2022 Style: Realism, Subject: Buffalo, Size: 12 x 16 inc...
Paper, Watercolor
Gateway, Jumping Horse Drawing, Charcoal on Panel, white frame
Located in Dallas, TX
"Gateway" is a beautiful and unique charcoal drawing on panel of a dynamic horse jumping in mid-air. The composition is contemporary, playing with the positive and negative space. ...
Charcoal, Graphite, Panel, Wood Panel
Calm Waters, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A gently flowing river reflects the soft glow of a warm summer morning, creating a sense of calm and stillness. A towering tree casts deep shadows over the wa...
Watercolor
Great Tit, Bird, Watercolor artwork Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
33 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Year: 2022 Style: Realism, Title: Great Tit...
Paper, Watercolor
Blue-tail, Bird, Watercolor on Paper, Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
301 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Blue-tail Size: 12 x 16 inch...
Paper, Watercolor
Two studies of Woman Profile - Original Charcoals Drawing - Circa 1920
Located in Paris, IDF
Gustave Poetzsch (1870-1950) Two studies of Woman Profile Original sanguine charcoal drawing Stamp of the Estate auction sale on the back on linen paper 25 x 40 cm (c. 10 x 16 in) ...
Charcoal
Chickadee, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
206 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2023 Style: Classic Art Title: Chickadee Size: 12 x 16 inch...
Paper, Watercolor
Chickadee, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
246 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Chickadee Size: 12 x 16 inc...
Paper, Watercolor
$1,855
Do butterflies live in winter? (sketch for the painting of the same name)
Located in Zofingen, AG
A quick spontaneous live sketch started on the windowsill of a house on Patriarch's Ponds turned into a sketch for a future large painting of the same name. An additional strip of pa...
Paper, Tempera, Permanent Marker
$751Sale Price|20% Off
Nude. Contemporary Realistic Figurative Mixed Media Drawing Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary realistic figurative mixed media drawing on cardboard by Polish artist Andrzej Szypluk. Monochromatic drawing of a female in nude. PROVE...
Chalk, Pastel, Cardboard, Pencil
Snowy evening Watercolor painting Winter landscape
Located in Zofingen, AG
Watercolor painting depicting a sunny winter sunset sky and a snow-covered forest. A light painting filled with light and air, made in delicate winter tones.The painting of a winter ...
Paper, Watercolor
View Over Baggensfjärden, Stockholm, 1922
Located in Stockholm, SE
OSKAR BERGMAN (1879–1963) Sweden BAGGENSFJÄRDEN, STOCKHOLM, 1922 signed and dated lower right pencil on paper unframed 18 × 26.5 cm (7.1 × 10.4 in) framed 23.5 × 32 cm (9.3 × 12.6 ...
Laid Paper, Pencil
Chickadee, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
192 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2023 Style: Classic Art Title: Chickadee Size: 12 x 16 inch...
Paper, Watercolor
Autumn Sentinel, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bare trees rise through autumn’s golden hush, their pale limbs etched against the sky. Shadows and vibrant light weave together, creating a soft and fleeting ...
Watercolor
Siegfried and the Bear
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "WM Stout" on lower left. UNFRAMED: 10" x 7" FRAMED: 18.75" x 14.75" x 1.5" Exhibitions William Stout: South Pa...
Ink, Watercolor
Great Tit, Bird, Watercolor Art Handmade Painting One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
18 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Year: 2022 Style: Realism, Subject: Great Tit...
Paper, Watercolor
Woman with Cityscape
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Woman with Cityscape" c.2010, is a watercolor on paper by noted Israeli artist Patricia Govezensky, b.1961. It is signed at the lower...
Watercolor
Naked Tree, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A stark, leafless tree stretches its branches toward a soft, clouded sky. Its weathered trunk stands as a testament to passing time. Beside it, a vibrant, full-...
Watercolor
$89Sale Price|20% Off
Landscape. Paper, watercolor, 42x30 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Landscape. Paper, watercolor, 42x30 cm Dzidra Ezergaile (1926-2013) Born in Riga. School years alternate with summer work in the countryside. In 1947...
Paper, Watercolor
Distant Echoes, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bathed in quiet light, a weathered farmhouse radiates a sense of history and solitude. The faded clapboard siding, rusted tin roof, and simple lines stand resil...
Watercolor
Majesty Palm Pattern, Blue Still Life, Tropical Botanical Cyanotype, Handmade
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype of beautiful palm tree leaves. Details: + Title: Majesty Palm Pattern + Year: 2024 + Edition ...
Emulsion, Watercolor, Archival Paper, Photogram
1920's Historical Fashion Illustration of Lady in 17th Century Dress
Located in Soquel, CA
Finely detailed historical figurative fashion illustration painted in watercolor in 1921, of a lady in 17th century dress; complete with a full blac...
Paper, Watercolor
$1,600
"Waiting" (2023) By Bunyod Suvonov, Original Charcoal and Graphite Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
"Waiting" (2023) by Bunyod Suvonov is original handmade drawing made with charcoal and graphite on toned paper. This piece depicts a portrait of a woman with long flowing hair laying...
Paper, Charcoal, Graphite
Nearing Dusk, Original Painting
By Vic Roschkov
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Dark silhouettes of bare trees create a quiet, moody landscape at dusk in the countryside. The glowing sunset illuminates the horizon. Deep tones fill a marsh b...
Watercolor
Early Morning Witness, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A bluebird rests on an elaborate balcony railing of a villa. Two white windows frame the little creature's tiny body, giving emphasis to its delicate form. Dirt...
Watercolor
Finally Heading Home, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A stack of vintage suitcases sits packed and ready for travel. At the top, a nest cradling a blue egg symbolizes home,...
Watercolor
Purple Iris #4, Original Painting
By Jay Jensen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Jay Jense depicts an iris patch in his backyard. It portrays a moment of a humid spring evening, capturing a vivid memory of seeing the blooms in the lig...
Watercolor
Filipino Women and Children in a Pastoral Scene Drawing
Located in Houston, TX
Pastoral pencil on paper sketch by a celebrated Filipino artist, Jose V. Blanco. The drawing depicts Filipino women and children sorting out mangoes...
Paper, Pencil
For the Prodigal, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Barns stand as a sanctuary for many farms across America. In this painting, a lit lantern in a high window of the structure acts as a guiding light under the ...
Watercolor
Thistledown - Finely Detailed 19th Century English Woodland Landscape Painting
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘Thistledown’ by Benjamin Haughton (1865-1924). Signed by the artist and dated 1897, the painting is newly professionally conserved and presented i...
Watercolor
Danse Espagnole, Teresa Viera Romero
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Danse Espagnole" referring to the famous Flamenco dancers, Teresa Viera Romero, is a watercolor, on paper by noted French artist Jean Target, 1910-1997 It is sig...
Watercolor
Infanta Flower Head with Mountain Body
Located in Burlingame, CA
Chikako Okada’s autobiographical works of art bridge traditional realism with magical realism and surrealism. The artist uniquely addresses questions of the human condition through h...
Paper, Pencil, Graphite
$375Sale Price|20% Off
BMW 502 (1954)- XXI Century, Contemporary Acrylic Painting, Vehicle, Car
Located in Warsaw, PL
Mariusz Szalajdewicz (b. 1974) Studied at the Faculty of Architecture at Warsaw University of Technology, where he mastered the drawing skill. Architect and urbanist, illustrator.
Canvas, Acrylic
Edmund Dulac - The Sleeping Princess - Ballet Costume Design
By Edmund Dulac
Located in London, GB
EDMUND DULAC (1882-1953) The Sleeping Princess – A Costume Design for the Ballet “The Sleeping Princess” Watercolour over traces of pencil Framed 26 by 18.5 cm., 10 ¼ by 7 ¼ in. (...
Paper, Watercolor
$876Sale Price|20% Off
Kimono of Teal Lace and Orange Ribbons
Located in Soquel, CA
Highly detailed drawing by Patricia Pearce (American, b. 1948). Many of the ribbons in this piece are slightly metallic in finish. Signed ("Patricia Pearce") in the bottom right corn...
Paper, Pen, Pencil, Color Pencil
Goldfinch Bird Watercolor on Paper Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2025 Style: Classic Art Title: Goldfinch Size: 12 x 16 inch, (...
Paper, Watercolor
$9,055
'A Sunday Morning in September' drawing by Frans van Leemputten
By Frans van Leemputten
Located in London, GB
Frans Van Leemputten (1850-1914) 'A Sunday Morning in September' Pencil and chalk on paper 78 x 64 cm, 98 x 84 cm framed Signed lower right Frans Van Leemputten sought to capture...
Paper, Pencil
Sun Ripened, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Complementary colors take center stage in this still life. Purple plums rest in a yellow bowl, creating an immediate impact of bright hues. Above, a brightly ...
Watercolor
Brown teapot surrounded by red onions on Yellow background
By Glenora Richards
Located in New Orleans, LA
Glenny created beautiful miniature watercolors, mostly still life. This image of a bronze teapot with red onions is a unique work of art. Glenora Rich...
Watercolor
$616Sale Price|25% Off
After the storm. 2020. Watercolor, paper, 70 x 96 cm
Located in Riga, LV
After the storm. Watercolor, paper, 70 x 96 cm Sea after the storm Zigmunds Šņore was born in 1942 in Latvia. His works has been exhibited since 1969 and are held in private collec...
Paper, Watercolor
(After) "The Gleaners" Ink Drawing Painting Study
Located in Houston, TX
The original "The Gleaners" is an oil painting by Jean-François Millet completed in 1857. It depicts three peasant women gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat after the harvest. ...
Ink
$3,512Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of a Young Woman - 1930's Art Deco portrait drawing British artist
Located in Hagley, England
A fine large charcoal and pencil drawing by British listed artist James Stroudley. Executed in 1931, it is a stunning example of a 1930s Art Deco portrait. Very strong and bold, it d...
Carbon Pencil
Les Danseurs Espagnols Teresa and Luisillo
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Les Danseurs Espagnols Teresa an Luisillo" referring to the famous Flamenco dancers, Teresa Viera Romero and Luis Perez Davila A.KA Luisillo, is a watercolor, on...
Watercolor