expressive realism
"My work blends the precision of photorealism with the expressive depth of hyperrealism, resulting in pieces that are strikingly detailed yet unmistakably artistic. While my drawings and paintings capture the fine textures, lighting, and depth of a photograph, they retain a subtle stylisation that enhances emotion and presence. This balance allows each piece to feel both real and intentionally crafted, drawing viewers into a world that is familiar yet heightened." What I call expressive realism.
traditional realism
Traditional Realism is rooted in classical artistic techniques, focusing on an accurate and balanced representation of the world as it appears to the human eye. Artists in this style emphasize proper proportions, natural lighting, and refined brushwork to create lifelike portraits, landscapes, and still-life compositions. Unlike hyperrealism or photorealism, Traditional Realism does not obsess over extreme detail but instead aims for a harmonious and natural depiction of its subject. It has been widely used by academic painters throughout history and remains a foundation for many representational artists today.
photorealism
Photorealism takes realism to an extreme level of precision, with artists replicating photographs almost exactly through painting or drawing. This style emerged in the late 20th century as a response to abstract movements, emphasising mechanical precision and flawless detail. Artists often use grids, projectors, or magnified references to achieve a level of accuracy that can make their work indistinguishable from a photograph. Every shadow, texture, and reflection is meticulously rendered, creating a polished and highly controlled visual experience.
hyperrealism
Hyperrealism is an evolution of photorealism but goes beyond mere replication by enhancing textures, lighting, and emotional depth. Instead of simply mimicking a photo, hyperrealist artists emphasize details that might be overlooked in real life, making their subjects feel even more tangible than reality itself. This style often highlights imperfections—such as pores, wrinkles, or water droplets—giving an almost surreal clarity to the artwork. Hyperrealist pieces frequently evoke strong emotions, as they can make the viewer feel uncomfortably close to the subject’s presence.
impressionistic realism
Impressionistic Realism blends realism with impressionistic techniques, capturing the essence of a scene rather than every microscopic detail. Artists in this style use loose brushstrokes, softened edges, and a focus on light and movement to create vibrant, atmospheric works. While the subject remains recognizable, the approach is more painterly, with visible marks and blended colors adding energy and expression. This style is often used in portraiture and landscapes, where the feeling of the moment is more important than perfect accuracy.
contemporary realism
Contemporary Realism is a modern adaptation of traditional realism, incorporating both classical techniques and present-day themes. Unlike photorealism, which strictly imitates photographs, contemporary realism allows for artistic interpretation, visible brushwork, and a more natural rendering of the subject. Artists working in this style may explore modern social issues, urban landscapes, or deeply personal themes while maintaining a commitment to realistic representation. It strikes a balance between technical skill and creative expression, making it one of the most versatile forms of realism today.
trompe-l'œil
Trompe-l'œil, meaning “deceive the eye,” is a technique that creates optical illusions so convincing that painted objects appear three-dimensional. Artists working in this style pay extreme attention to perspective, shadows, and fine details, making the viewer question whether they are looking at a painting or reality itself. This style has been used for centuries in murals, still-life paintings, and architectural elements to create the illusion of depth and interaction within a space. It is often playful and designed to challenge perception.
emotional realism
Emotional Realism focuses on capturing not just the physical likeness of a subject but also its inner emotions and psychological depth. This style is especially common in portraiture, where subtle expressions, body language, and dramatic lighting are used to convey mood and storytelling. Unlike photorealism, which prioritizes surface detail, emotional realism draws the viewer into the subject’s world, making them feel a deeper connection to the artwork.
narrative realism
Narrative Realism is a form of realism that tells a story through its depiction of people, events, or social themes. Artists in this style often create highly detailed works that capture a frozen moment in time, allowing viewers to engage with the story behind the scene. This can include historical paintings, everyday life depictions, or deeply personal reflections. The goal is not just to represent reality but to communicate something meaningful and thought-provoking through the image.
surreal realism
Surreal Realism, sometimes linked to Magic Realism, combines highly detailed realistic elements with subtle surreal or fantastical imagery. While the technique is rooted in realism, the subject matter often challenges logic, creating dreamlike or symbolic compositions. This style plays with perception, making the viewer question what is real and what is imagined. Unlike pure surrealism, which fully embraces the impossible, surreal realism keeps one foot in reality while introducing elements of the extraordinary.