Masterful Art: Hyperrealism In Painting

what do you call a painting that looks real

Hyperrealism is a style of painting that aims to create an image that looks like a real-life photograph. Hyperrealism, also known as photorealism, emerged in the 1970s when European artists began amplifying the subjects of still life and photographed scenes. Artists like Audrey Flack, Chuck Close, and Juan Francisco Casas are known for their hyperrealistic works, which often involve reproducing photographs or creating natural pieces that make viewers feel as though they are looking at a photograph. Hyperrealism is considered a revolt against the conservative values of traditional realism, which has been the dominant style of painting since the Renaissance.

Characteristics Values
Name Hyperrealism or Photorealism
Definition A painting that looks just like a real image captured in photographs
History European artists in the 1970s amplified the subjects of still life and photographed scenes
Artists Audrey Flack, Chuck Close, Juan Francisco Casas, Carole Feuerman, Roberto Bernardi, Tjalf Sparnaay
Techniques Use of photographs as a reference, creating "natural" pieces, adding colours and shapes that form rhythm, using a ballpoint pen
Realism Realism has been the dominant style of painting since the Renaissance

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Hyperrealism

The hyperrealist style focuses on meticulous details and subjects, incorporating subtle pictorial elements to create a convincing illusion of reality that may not exist or be visible to the human eye. Unlike the older and more literal school of photorealism, hyperrealist works often include emotional, social, cultural, and political themes. Hyperrealist painters and sculptors use mechanical means to transfer images to their medium, including preliminary drawings and grisaille underpaintings.

The term "hyperrealism" was first used by American painter Denis Peterson to describe the new movement influenced by photorealism. The art dealer Isy Brachot later coined the term "hyperréalisme" for an exhibition in Brussels in 1973, featuring American photorealists like Ralph Goings and European artists like Gerhard Richter.

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Photorealism

Photorealists use photographs as references to gather information and create their paintings. The use of a camera and photographs is considered an acceptance of Modernism. Photorealists transfer the information from the photograph to the canvas using mechanical or semi-mechanical means, such as projecting the image onto the canvas or using traditional grid techniques. The resulting images are often direct and enlarged copies of the original photograph, requiring a high level of technical skill to simulate elements such as reflections and geometric details.

While Photorealism aims for heightened clarity and emotional neutrality, it is distinct from Trompe-l'œil, which aims to "fool the eye" into believing the viewer is seeing an actual object rather than a painted one. In Photorealism, the viewer is always aware that they are looking at a painting. The term "Photorealism" was coined by Louis K. Meisel in 1969, and the movement evolved as a counter to Abstract Expressionism and Minimalist art.

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Realism

The term "realism" in painting refers to a style in which the subject of the painting closely resembles its real-life counterpart. Realism in painting has been the dominant style since the Renaissance, with artists using perspective, composition, and lighting to create an illusion of depth and space, making the subject appear real. This style is often regarded as "true art" by many. However, it's important to note that even in realistic paintings, subtle nuances of colour, paint application, and surface texture can be observed upon close inspection, distinguishing original paintings from reproductions.

While realism aims for a realistic portrayal, other art movements diverge from this approach. Impressionism, for instance, emerged in the 1880s, with artists like Claude Monet seeking to capture light and a vibrant, subjective reality rather than precise detail. Similarly, abstract expressionism, including the work of Jackson Pollock, embraces the subjective and focuses on colours, textures, and materials rather than realistic representation.

In contrast to these movements, hyperrealism takes realism a step further. Hyperrealistic paintings resemble real-life photographs or images, amplifying the details of still life and captured scenes. Artists like Juan Francisco Casas, Chuck Close, and Audrey Flack are known for their hyperrealistic works, often using photographs as references. Hyperrealism can involve unique mediums, such as ballpoint pens or resin sculptures, further blurring the lines between art and reality.

While modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a shift away from traditional realism, realism continues to hold a prominent place in the art world, with artists constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved.

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Impressionism

The Impressionists developed new techniques specific to the style. They painted realistic scenes of everyday life in natural settings, often outdoors, attempting to capture a moment as experienced. They prioritised freely brushed colours that took precedence over lines and contours, following the example of painters such as Eugène Delacroix and J. M. W. Turner. They also used short "broken" brush strokes of mixed and pure unmixed colour, not blended or smoothed out.

The founding Impressionist artists included Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, Edgar Degas, and Berthe Morisot. Other significant Impressionists, including Gustave Caillebotte, Mary Cassatt, Paul Gauguin, and Georges Seurat, joined the group later. These artists had stylistic differences, but shared an interest in accurately and objectively recording contemporary life.

The Impressionists faced mixed critical responses. Some critics, such as Louis Leroy, scathingly dismissed their work as unfinished sketches. However, more progressive writers praised Impressionism for its depiction of modern life. Over time, the public came to believe that the Impressionists had captured a fresh and original vision, and the style gained wider acceptance.

Today, Impressionism is recognised for its modernity and rejection of established styles. It is considered a precursor to various painting styles, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.

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Abstract Expressionism

I could not find a specific term for a painting that looks real. However, I can provide you with information on the art style that focuses on creating such paintings. This style is known as "realism". In realism, the subject of the painting closely resembles the real thing, rather than being stylized or abstracted. Artists use perspective, composition, and lighting to create an illusion of depth and space, making the subject appear real.

Now, here is some information about Abstract Expressionism:

The movement's emphasis on individualism and expression led to the development of subsequent art movements like Pop Art and Minimalism. Abstract Expressionism's influence continued throughout the second half of the 20th century, impacting diverse movements in the US and Europe, including Tachisme and Neo-expressionism.

Frequently asked questions

A painting that looks real is called a realistic painting. This style of painting has been dominant since the Renaissance and uses perspective to create an illusion of space and depth.

Some examples of realistic paintings include "Water Lilies" by Claude Monet, "Sunflowers" by Vincent van Gogh, and "The Gross Clinic" by Thomas Eakins.

Hyperrealism is a form of art that involves creating paintings that look like real images captured in photographs. Hyperrealism is often associated with photorealism, which is said to have emerged from the mixture of pop art and minimalistic art.

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