The Realism Challenge: Drawing and Painting Secrets from a Modern Master of Hyperrealism
By: Mark Crilley
Rating: 5 of 5
What a wonderful tool this book is for anyone who wants to learn to draw in a realistic way. “The Realism Challenge: Drawing and Painting Secrets from a Modern Master of Hyperrealism” is the first book I have by Mark Crilley.
I have recently read a book about the advent of Modernist movement of the early twentieth century – when artists were moving away from realistic art because of, in part, the invention of affordable photography. At that time, artists were less concerned about realistically capturing an image in their art. It is really interesting that about one hundred years later, this attitude has made a 180 degree change. Perhaps this is due in part to digital art being able to manipulate items into total abstract. It seems time for artists to once again capture the world around us in a realistic (or hyperrealistic) manner.
The book includes an Introduction which explains the need for and the objectives of the challenge lessons set forth in this book. It also gives a comprehensive list of art materials to obtain with a good emphasis on getting the quality needed more so than the most expensive available. This is invaluable for artists on a budget.
The chapters (and courses) are: Simulating Shadows, Adding Color, Advanced Surfaces, Transparent Objects, Metallic Surfaces, and Manufactured Objects. From capturing the shadows of a torn piece of paper to a collage of manufactured items of various materials, the book gives its lesson in a methodical and understandable step by step method. Each chapter has multiple lessons which build one on top of the other. At the end of each lesson, the artist shows his final work along side that of the object that was his inspiration. At this point, he generally also provides a few final tips on what one might do next.
I really appreciate that the artist has suggested materials for inspiration that are easily and inexpensively found but which make for very challenging work. An arrangement of strawberries can be had for very little money but can take a real effort to realistically represent.
I have started the challenge lessons and will continue with them over the next weeks. I don’t wish to rush to the experience and that is my suggestion to anyone who wishes to draw realistically. I highly recommend this book to anyone – artist, would-be artist, or simply someone who wants to see if they can draw.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Watson-Guptill, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review but will be purchasing a hardcopy for my own use.
What a wonderful tool this book is for anyone who wants to learn to draw in a realistic way. “The Realism Challenge: Drawing and Painting Secrets from a Modern Master of Hyperrealism” is the first book I have by Mark Crilley.