Hyperrealism Art: How Artists Make Paintings Look Like Photos
Ever stood close to a painting and needed to touch it to be sure it isn’t a photo? That’s hyperrealism art. It pushes detail, light, and texture until the image reads as more than real—often more honest than a snapshot. If you want to make, spot, or buy hyperrealist work, here’s a practical guide.
What hyperrealism is (and how it differs from photorealism)
Hyperrealism uses photographic references, but it’s not just copy-and-paste. Photorealism aims to reproduce a photo faithfully. Hyperrealism goes further: artists enhance depth, emphasize textures, and refine light to create an emotional or cinematic effect. Think of photorealism as precise reporting and hyperrealism as a high-definition story about the subject.
Look for tiny details that wouldn’t always appear in a photo—skin pores, stray hairs, fog on glass, or the exact way light scatters on water. Those are the telltale signs that an artist is working from deep observation, not just from a digital file.
Practical techniques artists use
Materials matter. Most hyperrealist painters use smooth supports—gessoed panels or fine-weave canvas—so brushes and airbrushes can create seamless layers. Common mediums: oil for slow blending, acrylic for cleaner edges, charcoal for graphite-style realism. Many painters pair brushes with airbrushing for soft transitions.
Key methods: start with a precise underdrawing, build thin translucent layers (glazing) to control color and depth, and use tiny brushes or mechanical pencils for micro-detail. Match values first—get light and shadow right before color. Use magnifiers for tiny work and step back frequently to check the overall read.
Reflections and wet surfaces are a hallmark. Practice capturing specular highlights: a tiny white spot can sell an entire pane of glass. For skin, layer warm and cool tones so pores and veins sit under believable color, not on top of it.
Don’t over-rely on the photo. Correct lens distortion and edit the reference to match how the eye sees depth. Artists often combine multiple photos taken in different light to build a more convincing final image.
Where to see and what to look for. Contemporary galleries, art fairs, and online artist portfolios showcase hyperrealism best. Names to check: Diego Fazio (charcoal portraits), Jason de Graaf (acrylic reflections), Tjalf Sparnaay (large-scale objects), and Roberto Bernardi (glass and shine). Chuck Close is a good starting point for photorealism history that led toward hyperrealist practices.
Buying and care tips. Inspect the surface under good light—brushwork or layering should be visible on close look. Ask about medium, varnish, and framing. Use UV-filter glazing for protection and avoid direct sunlight. For framed hyperrealist works on paper, ensure acid-free mounts and plexiglass with UV protection.
Want to practice? Pick a simple reflective object, set strong side light, take multiple photos, and work from a cropped section. Focus on value and texture first. Small wins here build the patience you need for larger pieces.
Hyperrealism is about craft and observation. If you love detail and control, it’s a style that rewards slow, careful work—and gives viewers that delightful double-take moment every time.
