Painting is an art that encompasses different styles, each with its own characteristics, techniques, and history: expressionism, impressionism, realism…
Today, we wanted to talk about realistic painting, the pictorial style that marked the second half of the 19th century and gave rise to other subsequent artistic movements.
What is realistic painting?
Realistic painting is that which reflects reality as it is, objectively, truthfully, and faithfully. Unlike other pictorial styles in which concepts are idealized, realistic painting does not accept idealization or preconceived ideas.
The realistic painter, therefore, must draw inspiration solely from what they see, without distorting reality or presenting a subjective image of it. Realistic painting often depicts common places, such as a room, a gathering of people, or even landscapes.
The Origin of Realistic Painting
Realistic painting originated in France in the second half of the 19th century, a period marked by artistic rebellion against the fantasy, exoticism, and idealism of Romanticism, the artistic movement that preceded Realism.
Not only in painting but also in other artistic forms, creators sought to reflect reality no matter how harsh it might be. For example, renowned authors such as Honoré de Balzac and Gustave Flaubert are considered the initiators of literary Realism, with works inspired by everyday life, far from romantic fantasies.
In the realm of canvas and brushes, Gustave Courbet is considered the father of realistic painting and its foremost representative. The work that gave rise to this new movement, both in name and essence, is "The Painter's Studio," created in 1855 and currently exhibited at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
Characteristics of Realistic Painting
Although we've touched on some of its characteristics above, we can say that the realism painting of that era is characterized by:
- Objective and faithful reflection of the reality surrounding the artist, no matter how bleak, raw, or miserable it may be.
- Rejection of subjectivity, idealization, and exoticism inherent in Romanticism.
- Focus on the present, the time and place in which the realist painters lived.
- Above all, veracity: realistic painting did not mask or aim to please the viewer but rather aimed to show everyday life as it is
- Interest in scientific advancements and discoveries of the time, a theme prevalent in realistic painting.
- Intention of social critique by portraying social classes, injustices, etc., through painting. Realistic painting and artistic Realism in general were closely aligned with the socialist ideas of the time (1850-1900).
Famous Realistic Painters
In addition to its founder, Gustave Courbet, there are other famous French realist painters, such as Honoré Daumier, Jean-François Millet, and Édouard Manet.
Outside of France, notable realist painters include the English artists William Holman Hunt and Ford Madox Brown, as well as the Germans Franz von Lenbach and Max Liebermann.
Famous Realistic Painters
In addition to its founder, Gustave Courbet, there are other famous French realist painters, such as Honoré Daumier, Jean-François Millet, and Édouard Manet.
Outside of France, notable realist painters include the English artists William Holman Hunt and Ford Madox Brown, as well as the Germans Franz von Lenbach and Max Liebermann.
How to Paint a Realistic Painting?
In realistic painting, the play of light and shadow, as well as shapes and volumes, are of particular importance as they aim to achieve a painting that is as close to reality as possible.
However, if you want to paint a realistic painting like an authentic artist of the movement, you should know that there is a very easy system to do so…
Painting a Realistic Painting with Canvas by Numbers
With the paint by numbers system from Canvas by Numbers, you can practice realistic painting even if you have no experience with brushes.
You will receive everything you need to paint a realistic painting, and by applying the indicated color to the corresponding area on the canvas, you will achieve a realistic painting worthy of Courbet himself.
And that, too, is pure reality.
Realistic Paintings You Can Paint by Numbers
London in Snow Amend
New York Shoppers
Along the River
