Menu
During the Realism art period, artists not only depicted the world with unprecedented fidelity but also revolutionized the techniques and methods of artistic expression. Pioneering new approaches to painting, these artists pushed the boundaries of tradition and paved the way for future innovations
One of the most significant advancements in technique during the Realism period was the influence of photography. The invention and widespread adoption of photography provided Realist artists with new ways to capture the world with accuracy and detail. Artists such as Gustave Courbet and Édouard Manet were influenced by the framing and composition techniques of photography, incorporating elements such as cropped compositions and candid poses into their paintings.
Realist artists, particularly those associated with the Barbizon School, pioneered the practice of painting en plein air, or outdoors. By working directly from nature, artists like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and Jean-François Millet were able to capture the effects of light and atmosphere with greater authenticity. This approach to painting not only revolutionized landscape painting but also influenced the broader Realist movement by encouraging a more direct observation of the natural world.
Some Realist painters experimented with impasto, a technique involving the thick application of paint to create texture and dimension on the canvas. Artists like Courbet and Honore Daumier used impasto to convey a sense of immediacy and materiality in their works, enhancing the tactile quality of their paintings and adding depth to their subjects.
Towards the later stages of the Realism period, artists began to explore new techniques of color theory, influenced by scientific discoveries and advancements in optics. Divisionism, pioneered by artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, involved the application of small, distinct brushstrokes of pure color that optically blend together when viewed from a distance. This technique, also known as pointillism, revolutionized the way artists approached color and light, leading to new possibilities in representation and expression.
Some Realist artists experimented with mixed media and collage techniques to push the boundaries of traditional painting. Artists like Edgar Degas incorporated elements of pastel, charcoal, and even photography into their works, blurring the lines between painting and other artistic mediums. This innovative approach to composition and materiality allowed artists to explore new modes of expression and representation.
In summary, the legacy of Realism in the Realism art period saw the emergence of pioneering new techniques that revolutionized the way artists approached painting. From the influence of photography to innovations in plein air painting, impasto, divisionism, and mixed media, Realist artists pushed the boundaries of artistic expression and paved the way for future generations of artists to explore new possibilities in technique and representation.