Realism in painting is all about capturing the world as it is, with attention to detail and accuracy. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to enhance your skills, these three examples will guide you through creating your own realist paintings. Let’s dive in!
In this example, we’ll set up a still life featuring a bowl of fruit. This is a classic way to practice realism as it allows you to focus on details, light, and shadow.
To begin, gather a few pieces of fruit—perhaps an apple, a banana, and some grapes—and place them in a bowl on a table near a natural light source, like a window. The soft light will create interesting shadows and highlights, perfect for your painting.
Start by sketching the basic shapes of the fruit and the bowl using a light pencil. Pay close attention to the proportions and the placement of each item. Once you’re satisfied with your sketch, begin applying paint. Use thin layers to build up color gradually, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create depth. For example, use a bright yellow for the banana’s highlight and a deeper yellow-brown for its shadow.
As you paint, step back periodically to assess your work. This will help you see areas that need more detail or adjustments in color. Finish your painting by adding fine details, like the texture of the fruit’s skin and the reflections in the bowl.
Notes: Try using different lighting conditions to see how they affect the colors and shadows in your painting. You can also experiment with different fruit combinations!
Creating a portrait is a wonderful way to practice realism, as it challenges you to capture not only likeness but also emotion and personality.
Start by asking a friend to sit for you. Ensure you’re in a well-lit area to highlight their features. Take some time to observe their facial structure, the way light falls on their face, and the colors of their skin tone. Next, sketch the basic outlines of their face and features lightly on your canvas.
With the sketch in place, begin painting the skin tones. Mix different shades to reflect the nuances in your friend’s complexion, layering the paint to create depth. Pay close attention to shadows under the chin, around the nose, and above the eyes, as these will give your painting a three-dimensional quality.
Focus on the eyes, as they are often considered the soul of the portrait. Use small brushes to capture the details of the iris and the reflections that give the eyes life. Continue to build up layers, refining details, and adjusting colors until you feel your portrait captures your friend’s likeness.
Notes: If you’re new to portrait painting, consider using a reference photo as a guide. Also, remember that practice makes perfect; don’t be discouraged if your first few portraits don’t turn out as expected!
Landscapes are a fantastic way to practice realism, especially if you’re drawn to nature. In this example, we’ll focus on painting a serene scene featuring trees.
Find a location with trees that you find inspiring. Alternatively, you can use a photograph as a reference if you prefer painting indoors. Begin by sketching the horizon line and the outline of the trees. Think about the composition and how the trees fit into the overall scene.
Once your sketch is complete, start with the sky. Use a gradient of blues and whites to create a realistic sky, blending the colors to mimic the soft transitions of light. Next, move on to the trees, starting with the darker areas and layering lighter greens and browns to give them texture and dimension. Pay attention to how light hits the leaves and branches to create highlights.
For the ground, use earthy tones to reflect the soil and grass. You can add details like flowers or rocks to enhance the realism of the scene. Remember to step back and observe how the colors and shapes work together to create a cohesive landscape.
Notes: Experiment with different seasons to see how the colors change, or try painting from different perspectives to challenge yourself further.
By practicing these examples of how to create a realist painting, you’ll develop your skills and confidence in capturing the beauty of the world around you. Happy painting!