Photorealism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by paintings that are so meticulously detailed they resemble photographs. Artists in this movement use a variety of techniques to replicate the appearance of photographic images, often focusing on mundane or everyday subjects with a level of precision and realism that challenges the viewer’s perception of art and reality.

Photorealism emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States as a counter to Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism, evolving from Pop Art and influenced by the proliferation of photographic media. This movement, gaining momentum amid criticism for its reliance on photography, saw artists like Richard Estes using photographs to create paintings with remarkable detail and lifelike accuracy, challenging the art world’s focus on abstraction and reasserting the value of realism in art [1] [2].

[3] Gum Ball No. 10: “Sugar Daddy” by Charles Bell shows a very realistic but still somewhat cartoony depiction of a gumball machine. Notice the reflections on the glass from the outside as well as the bending of light due to the glass acting as a lens. You can even see the artist painted 2 reflections for the inside and outside of the glass.

Artists begin their painting process by capturing their subject in a photograph, which serves as a detailed reference for the artwork. They then use a mechanical device, such as a pantograph, to accurately transfer the photograph’s details onto canvas. This step ensures the precision of the composition and the faithful replication of the subject. In the final stage, artists infuse the piece with their unique style, adding personal touches through color, texture, and interpretation. This blend of technical accuracy and artistic expression transforms the initial photographic reference into a distinctive painting that reflects the artist’s vision, marrying realism with individual creativity to complete the artwork. [2].

[3] The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum by Richard Estes

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum by Richard Estes is another great example of photorealism. In this piece, you can see incredible detail such as the pattern of the bricks on the road, the moss on the building, the detailed windows, and the shadows the reflections on the buildings and cars.

[3] ’71  Buick by Robert Bechtle

This picture showcases a car with notable details being the wood grain pattern on the vehicle, reflections of power lines on the windows, and soft shadows caused by ambient occlusion on the buildings.

[3] Tattoo by Robert Cottingham

[3]  Medalion by Richard McLean

[1] John’s Diner with John’s Chevelle, 2007 John Baeder, oil on canvas, 30×48 inches

In summary, the journey from photograph to painting is a sophisticated fusion of detail and imagination. Starting with a photograph ensures that artists capture every nuance of their subject. Employing tools like the pantograph, they precisely replicate these details on canvas. The transformation culminates with the artist’s personal flair—through color, texture, and interpretation—elevating the work beyond mere replication. This process highlights the artist’s ability to blend technical precision with creative expression, transforming a static photo into a dynamic piece of art that reflects both realism and personal vision.

[1] Wikipedia “Photorealism” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photorealism#:~:text=Photorealism%20is%20a%20genre%20of,as%20possible%20in%20another%20medium.

[2] The Art Story “Summary of Photorealism”
https://www.theartstory.org/movement/photorealism/

[3] Guggenheim “Photorealism”
https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/movement/photorealism

Some of the writing was created using ChatGPT.