Beginning decades ago, photorealism in art remains one of the most intriguing visual arts movements. With its striking accuracy and breathtaking detail, this art form captivates not just art enthusiasts but also the general public. In particular, photorealism in watercolor painting is extremely popular. But why do people find photorealism so fascinating? I’ll discuss the reasons behind the appeal of photorealistic art and why I don’t paint realistically.
What is Photorealism in Art?
Photorealism is an art movement that aims to create paintings, drawings, and other forms of art that are as realistic as possible. Originating in the late 1960s and early 1970s, photorealism emerged as a counter to abstract and minimalist art, where artists took painstaking care recreating scenes on canvas and paper with stunning detail.
The Beginning of Photorealism as a Genre
Most historical sources credit artist Audrey Flack as the pioneer of photorealism. She projected photographs on her canvas as an aid to creating fine detail in her paintings.
Photorealism in Watercolor Painting
Although photorealism is primarily linked to oil painting, artists explored the possibilities of watercolor in the late 20th century. Pioneers in this field include John Salminen and Joseph Zbukvic, who demonstrated the incredible potential of watercolor by creating hyper-realistic images that rival those created with more traditional mediums like oil painting.
Why Photorealism is So Popular
Connection to Reality: One of the primary reasons for the popularity of photorealism is its connection to reality. In a world saturated with digital images and filters, the authenticity of photorealistic art offers a refreshing perspective. Viewers favor artworks that reflect their lived experiences and surroundings.
Technical Mastery: Photorealism showcases incredible technical skill. The painstaking attention to detail and the ability to replicate real-life subjects with accuracy mesmerize audiences. Artists favoring this genre feel that creating photorealistic art is not just about copying an image but involves a deep understanding of light, texture, and form.
Emotional Depth: While photorealism is sometimes perceived as merely a technical exercise, many artists infuse emotional depth into their work. By capturing everyday moments or mundane objects, they evoke nostalgia and provoke contemplation about time and memory. This emotional resonance adds another layer of appeal.
My Take on Photorealism in Watercolor Painting and Why I Don’t Paint That Way
We Have Cameras
The current trend in watercolor painting is photorealism, and I don’t understand why. Looking at the winners of recent juried exhibitions, many if not all, are photorealistic paintings. After all, we have cameras, pretty good ones too, that capture fine detail like never before. So why spend time and effort painting photo realistically?
Oh, I Thought it Was an Oil Painting!
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, perhaps it’s because watercolor painters feel satisfaction in seeing a watercolor painting look like an oil painting. Many accolades from viewers express just that – ‘Oh, I thought it was an oil painting!’ If I wanted my painting to look like an oil painting, I would paint with oil.
Watercolor Has Unique Features That Other Media Don’t Have
Working with watercolor is challenging, but rewarding and enjoyable. Its fluidity, transparency, and layering characteristics allow for a wide range of emotional expression. These unique features of watercolor are inaccessible in other media, and give a watercolor painting its particular look and feel.
I Like to Leave Something To the Imagination
As an artist I like to leave something to the imagination, creating interaction between the painting and the viewer. When there’s something missing or imperfect in the artwork, this interaction takes place. The viewer’s eye fills in the empty spaces, becoming a partner with the artist.
More on the genre of watercolor painting – Watercolor Painting: An Underrated Medium in the Art World
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