3 rules for creating (photo) realistic artwork

1. Pay attention to details: Observe the subject matter closely and try to capture all the intricate details in your artwork, such as texture, shading, and colour.
2. Practice, practice, practice: Creating realistic artwork takes time and practice. Continuously work on improving your skills by experimenting with different techniques and mediums.
3. Use reference images: Reference images can be extremely helpful in creating realistic artwork. Use them as a guide to ensure that your proportions, perspective, and overall composition are accurate.

What do I do?

I'm not a photorealistic painter, I don't have the patience, and there are too may styles I love more - but what I have learned is that if you want to produce something that is as detailed as a photo, you have to be prepared to spend literally hundreds of hours on the piece. 

You can create very realistic pieces just by using the correct values and colour, which is why values are so important.

Check out one of my favourite painters, Flora Yukhnovich, who does this beautifully. I mean, you know this is 'The Swing' without seeing any of the details (compared side by side).

My Still Life collection has a realistic feel, check out Dramatic Breakfast, one of my first Still Life paintings. 

Click the image to see more...