How to Create Realistic Effects: The Mystery of Realism in Painting

Unveiling realism on how to use less detail that creates a greater impact

The Mystery of Realism

Realism is a skill that artists continually strive to master. It’s not simply about replicating every detail of a subject but rather creating a convincing sense of reality through the balance of color, value, and selective detail. In this blog post, I will share how to create realistic effects with the mystery of realism in painting. And then the insights from my latest project—illustrating a book cover for Acts Chapter Five—and reveal the key to unlocking the mystery of realism. Understanding how to create depth and three-dimensionality without overwhelming your painting with unnecessary details is what distinguishes a great portrait artist.

The Importance of Realism in Painting

Realism in painting hinges on two main aspects: color and value. Colors must be placed accurately to reflect light and shadow, creating the illusion of three-dimensionality. However, the trick is not to obsess over minute details but to allow the viewer’s eye to fill in the gaps. This concept becomes especially useful when rendering complex textures like hair or beards.

For example, in my painting of the beggar from Acts Chapter Five, I added hints of white to his beard, not with pure white paint but by using light blue. This subtle touch of color suggests white hair while simultaneously reflecting the environment around the subject, adding a layer of realism. The beard reflects the blue of the sky above, creating an immersive environment in the portrait.

Tip 1: Create Realism Through Implied Detail

One of the most important aspects of achieving realism is knowing when to stop. You don’t need to paint every individual hair or wrinkle. In fact, implying detail can often be more effective than adding it.

In my portrait, I used small dabs of blue rather than painting each individual hair. This approach implies texture and depth without bogging the painting down in unnecessary detail. This principle is what I call the “mystery of realism.” It’s about leaving certain areas unfinished or loosely rendered to let the viewer’s imagination complete the picture.

Tip 2: Mastering Color and Light Reflection

When aiming for realism, color and light reflection play a critical role. Natural light doesn’t just illuminate an object; it reflects onto surfaces around it, affecting the colors and tones. For example, the sky can influence the shades you use, even in parts of the painting where the sky is not visible. In the case of my beggar’s beard, the blue sky above was reflected onto his beard, influencing its color and creating a more cohesive, realistic scene.

By being mindful of how light interacts with surfaces, you can make your paintings appear far more lifelike. This concept is particularly important when working on large, multi-figure compositions or outdoor scenes.

Tip 3: Focus on Abstract Shapes for Realism

When painting realistically, especially in portraiture, it’s easy to get caught up in details like eyes, noses, and mouths. However, it’s often more helpful to break down these complex features into abstract shapes. For example, think of the cheek as a triangle, or a shadow under the nose as an oval. By doing this, you focus on the broader composition of values rather than obsessing over specific details.

In the beggar’s face, I simplified the cheek into a triangular shape, focusing on where the light hits and the shadow falls. This method ensures that your painting maintains its structural integrity while also creating a realistic appearance.

Tip 4: Don’t Overload with Detail—Less Is More

Too much detail can actually detract from realism. When every part of a painting is equally detailed, the composition becomes flat and overwhelming. Instead, it’s crucial to highlight certain focal points and let other areas remain more loosely defined. This selective focus allows the eye to rest on key areas of the painting, adding to the sense of realism.

In my portrait, I focused more on the beggar’s eyes and the highlights of his beard while leaving the surrounding areas, like his clothing, more abstract. This approach draws attention to the most expressive parts of the portrait without cluttering the overall composition.

Technique Breakdown: Shading with Purpose

In realism, shading plays a major role in achieving depth and dimension. However, it’s not about randomly applying shadows. You need to think about where the light source is and how it interacts with your subject. When shading the beggar’s beard, for instance, I kept in mind that parts of the beard are in shadow, meaning they reflect less direct light and pick up more ambient colors, like the blue of the sky.

By deliberately placing darker values in certain areas and lighter values in others, I was able to create the illusion of volume and thickness in the beard without painting every hair individually.

Embrace the Mystery of Realism

The key to realism in painting isn’t in capturing every detail but rather in knowing what to leave out. This selective use of detail allows for a more immersive and convincing piece. By focusing on color, light reflection, and abstract shapes, you can create realistic effects that captivate the viewer’s eye without overwhelming them.

As I continue working on my Acts Chapter Five book cover, I find that the “mystery of realism” comes down to one thing: implying more than you state outright. This balance between precision and suggestion allows your work to come to life in a truly three-dimensional way.

Tips:

Imply, Don’t State – Leave out unnecessary details and allow the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps.
Focus on Light Reflection – Be mindful of how light interacts with your subject and reflects colors in unexpected places.
Simplify Shapes – Break down complex features into simple geometric shapes to maintain composition and structure.
Less Is More – Avoid over-detailing to prevent your painting from looking flat and cluttered.

With these tips in mind, you can unlock the mystery of realism in your painting and achieve a more profound sense of depth and believability.

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check out my free courses here. . Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

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Yours for Better Portraits,

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