Photorealism Art
Photorealism is a painting style that aims to create a highly realistic depiction of a scene or object. Artists who work in this style use a variety of techniques to create an illusion of photographic accuracy in their paintings. One of the most popular mediums for creating photorealistic works is acrylic paint - which is what I use!
I LOVE acrylic paint - it’s such a versatile medium that can be used to create a wide range of effects, from thin washes of colour to thick impasto textures. Its fast-drying properties makes it dreamy to work with, especially when it comes to building up layers of colour quickly, and its ability to be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, and wood (which I use a lot), makes it a versatile medium for photorealistic painting.
To create a photorealistic painting using acrylics I begin by carefully studying the subject matter. This involves quite a few things, such as taking photographs or making sketches of the scene or object that I want to depict.
Once I have a clear idea of what I want to paint, I’ll begin by creating an underpainting to establish the overall composition and values of the painting and then I’ll begin by blocking in the basic colours of the scene.
As the painting progresses, I typically work in layers, building up the colours and details of the painting gradually. I use a variety of techniques, such as blending, glazing, and scumbling, to create a smooth, lifelike surface, I also use a variety of brushes, from small, fine-tipped brushes for details to larger, bristle brushes for broader areas of colour.
One of the keys to creating a photorealistic painting is to pay close attention to the details of the subject. It may also involve paying close attention to the way shadows and highlights interact, as well as the way reflections and refractions create depth and dimensionality which is why I try and get out on my paddleboard as often as possible to live and breathe the scene that I’m trying to create.
Another important aspect of photorealistic painting is the use of colour. While some photorealistic painters may use a limited palette of colours, I like to use a wide range of colours to create a sense of depth and richness in my paintings!
