In today’s art world, terms like “Realism” and “Hyperrealism” are everywhere. Both styles captivate with astonishingly detailed depictions of people, objects, or landscapes. But what exactly sets them apart—and why do these art forms fascinate us so much?
What Is Realism?
Realism is not just a painting style—it’s an art movement that emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against Romanticism. While Romantic works often presented idealized visions of the world, Realist artists sought to portray life in all its raw, unfiltered truth—everyday scenes, social issues, even hardship.
In painting, Realism means accurate proportions, natural lighting, and honest representation. The tone is clear, unemotional, and objective. Famous representatives include Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, and Adolph Menzel.
Gustave Courbet, Le Desespere, 1843
What Is Hyperrealism?
Hyperrealism evolved from Photorealism in the late 1960s. More than just copying reality, it enhances it. Every detail, every pore, every reflection is depicted with painstaking precision—often making a painting appear more lifelike than a photograph.
Hyperrealist artists often start with photographic references, study them intensively, and recreate them using paint or pencil over many hours. Notable figures include Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, and Gottfried Helnwein.
Audrey Flack, Bhudda, 1975
Realism vs. Hyperrealism – Key Differences
Aspect |
Realism |
Hyperrealism |
| Goal | Depict reality as it is | Amplify realism to near photographic detail |
| Technique | Observation, plein air, natural forms | Photo reference, extreme detail |
| Impact | Credible, truthful, calming | Striking, intense, often astonishing |
| Subjects | Everyday life, society, nature | Portraits, objects, textures, surfaces |
Why We Are Drawn to Realistic Styles
In a world full of filtered images and screens, Realism offers something rare: it slows down the viewer. Instead of swiping through, you are invited to watch closely, to see the craftsmanship—and to appreciate the quiet skill. That technical mastery is impressive, but so is the serenity real art can bring. Realism acts as a counterbalance to the fleetingness of modern media.
Realistic Training at the Academy of Fine Art Germany
Here at the Academy, we’re among a few in Europe that systematically teach the traditional techniques of realistic drawing and painting. We draw on the methods of the 19th-century European academies and combine them with modern relevance.
Instructor Michael Weiss is a standout example: his hyperrealist approach and exacting attention to detail set his work apart. He works across subjects, showing deep mastery in how light, texture, and form interact.
Michael Weiss, Spinario, 2017
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photorealism
https://www.audreyflack.com/photorealism
If you want to know more about art eras and their influence on today’s art trends, check out more articles such as Romanticism – The Age of Feelings or Renaissance – The Dawn of a New Era.
Ida Lene Greiner