Photo-Realism

Overview

Studio Art

Goal

Students will develop foundational skills in realistic representation, understand the significance of observation and detail in art.

Students will create realistic artwork of still life, portraits, animals, landscapes, or architectural subjects.

Materials

Surface: Drawing, Pastel or Charcoal Paper
Materials: Colored Pencils, Drawing Pencils, Tortillons, Colorless Blenders, Tortillons, Erasers

Advanced Studio Art

Goal

Students will explore advanced techniques in realism, integrating personal narrative and conceptual depth; analyze and critique realism in contemporary art; and create a work of art that reflects personal themes and demonstrates rigorous artistic exploration.

Materials

Surface: Canvas Paper, Canvas Board, Watercolor Paper
Materials: Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor, Gouache (you may use other materials for details)

Step 1: Artist Research

Research 2 artists that create realistic artworks (historical and contemporary). Dive into their work and learn more about them.
In your sketchbook, answer the following questions:
1. Who is the artist, and how does their work represent realism? (Include their full name, time period, and artistic movement.)
2. What subjects did the artist focus on, and why were they important to their work?
3. What techniques did the artist use to achieve realism in their artwork? (Consider details like shading, perspective, and texture.)

Painting

Rachel Ruysch

Caravaggio

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

Drawing

Diego Fazio (aka DiegoKoi)

Step 2: Color Matching

Studio: Make 5 color combinations using colored pencils for someone to try to copy. Cut them out, write your name and label them on the back with a number. In your sketchbook, write down the recipe for each color. Be speicifc about which color is layered first. Do not give them the "recipe" unless they ask for a clue.

Advanced Studio: Find 5 colors out of magazines. Match the 5 colors using a combination of paint colors.

Step 3: Mini Realism Practice

Step 4: Brainstorming Subject Matter

Reflection Questions & Artist Statement

Reflections Questions

Copy and paste the questions into your portfolio and answer them thoroughly:

What specific details did you notice in your reference photo that were most challenging to capture in your painting?

Which techniques helped you achieve realistic textures, colors, and details?

What part of the painting process did you find most challenging, and how did you overcome it?

How does your final artwork compare to the reference photo in terms of realism?

Artist Statement Questions

Use the following questions to write a short paragraph about your artwork:

What did you make?
Why did you make it?
What does your artwork mean?
How did you make your artwork?

Your artist statement can include:

Your inspiration
Themes you explored
Personal connections to your work
Information about the creative process (techniques, materials, etc)

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