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The Plaza - Richard Estes

Richard Estes

Richard Estes (b. 1932, Kewanee, Illinois) is the artist most commonly associated with Photorealism. He began painting cityscapes in this style in the late 1960s, using multiple source photographs to composite his paintings. Initially, he focused on the Upper West Side of New York City, but has since travelled the world and depicted numerous cities. More recently, his subject matter has expanded to include landscapes. Since 1966 Estes has produced approximately 400-500 paintings. His works are held in notable museum collections including Whitney Museum of American Art and The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Richard Estes in front of his painting of Empire Diner
Richard Estes in front of his painting of Empire Diner

Featured Works

Exhibitions
— Richard Estes

Currently On View

Rivaling Reality: 60 Years of Photorealism

at Museum Frieder Burda

28 February — 2 August, 2026

Previous Exhibitions

Photorealism in Focus

at the Rose Art Museum

11 February — 31 May, 2026

Paper Goods

16 November — 21 December, 2024

painting by Bertrand Meniel

Fall Selections

12 October — 4 November, 2023

M Train on Route to Manhattan Approaches the Williamsburg Bridge, Richard Estes

Panoramic Views

3 January — 23 February, 2019

The American Dream

American Realism 1945-2016

18 November — 26 May, 2018

Parrish Museum exterior CROPPED

From Lens to Eye to Hand

Photorealism 1969 to Today

6 August , 2017— 21 January, 2018

Recent Press
— Richard Estes

Rose Art Museum: Photorealism in Focus
A New Show Reframes Photorealism's History and Future
Artnet News, 11/02/2026

Parrish Art Museum
From Lens To Eye To Hand: Photorealism 1969 To Today
Hamptons Art Hub, 04/08/2017

Parrish Art Museum
These incredible works of art will make you look twice
CNN style, 14/08/2017

Photorealism
More Than Eye Candy
Art & Antiques

Alternate Realities
Photorealist painters transcend photographic images to create personal visions
Art & Antiques, 21/06/2003

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