Photorealism vs Photographic Art Exhibit

I have written once before about how photographic art and photorealism can confuse the viewer with regards to the method of creation of the artwork. I am excited to revisit this topic and let you know I will be taking part in an upcoming exhibit that will give viewers the ability to see some work in both styles side by side. The exhibit will be at the Creativity and Wellness Center in the Riverside area of Fort Worth during the month of June, 2016.

To recap, my photographic art starts out when I snap a digital image. I then digitally alter the images I take so that they often resemble paintings or sketches in a variety of artistic styles. I will have several pieces of my ready to hang photographic art that most closely resemble nature paintings or pastels in the exhibit. Images of two of my pieces are included in this post. I am also anticipating a couple of photographic art pieces by David and Carol Kelly that I have collected to be part of the exhibit.

Photorealism will be represented by John McCauley. I have seen some electronic images of his artwork and I can't wait to see them in person. (Update: I got to see John's work when I went to hang my artwork for the exhibit and his paintings are even nicer in person.)

The Creativity and Wellness Center's hours vary some. Check out their calendar of classes and open studio times. These times are likely to be best for visiting and viewing the exhibit. It is recommended that you call to verify before venturing out to make sure the Center will be open when you want to visit.

Photo or Painting?

I have heard that question about my prints a number of times. My artwork starts out as a photograph that I have taken and then is digitally altered to resemble a number of artistic methods and styles such as sketches and paintings from classic to pop art to abstract. The end result is photographic art that can confuse the mind and leave you wondering if it is a photo or a painting or even, how could that have started out as a photo in the first place?

Other styles of art that can confuse the mind are hyperrealism and photorealism. I am always amazed at painters that produce a work of art that looks like a photo. I recently came across one such painter, Jason de Graff. Some people refer to his works as hyperrealism and some as photorealism; I say they are totally amazing. Some of his work would make you swear that you were looking at a photo whereas some have just a bit of another quality to leave you scratching your head and trying to decide, without really being able to pin down exactly what makes you question whether it is a photo or a painting.

I have included an image of one of my photographic art pieces as well as an image of one of Jason’s paintings. Can you guess which is which? When you think you know, click on an image and you will be taken to the artist’s gallery.

How did you do? I’d like to encourage you to browse both galleries to see other examples of hyperrealism/photorealism and photographic art.