Realism | Art by Veny

In the visual arts, realism refers to the attempt to depict what the eye sees in an actual manner. In the sense of illusionism, these works of art create the appearance that the work is sharing the same space with the viewer. It is in an attempt to present the physical realm with precision. This is also referred to as mimesis. In the 19th century Realism was predominantly used in painting to depict the every day happenings of people and places.

Original Acrylic on Canvas Paintings | Art by Veny

In the illusionistic sense, realism has been discovered in works dating back to 2400 BC. This form of art has been discovered in modern day India and was seen in Ancient Egyptian art. The Egyptian form would have some subjects as abstract and minor figures and even animals would be highly defined and closer to realism.

The Realists were a group of multi cultural, international artists that were based in Paris. They were dedicated to developing new methods of presenting reality in pictures. They were highly scientifically focused with concepts of optical effects and vision. They expressed a rejection for conventional artistic traditions that they felt were outdated. They tore down the old ways and rebuilt them in their own portrayal of realistic life in paintings.

Original Acrylic Art for Sale | Art by Veny

The first phase of Pre-Raphaelitism depicted realistic landscapes and subjects that were accurately detailed using realistic colors. The paintings were painted outdoors to capture the natural lighting and reality of their subjects. They felt that the centralized purpose of art was to imitate nature. They felt that artists should seek to accurately represent nature in their works.

American Realism from the late 19th and 20th centuries was formed on the massive cultural, economic and industrial changes happening in the United States. Immigration of Europeans was on the rise and this brought immense growth that was very prosperous for America. American Realism was the attempt to depict the lives of the ordinary American in their homes and towns. Artists used the textures and colors of this time to accurately show how life in this time was.

Custom Acrylic Paintings | Art by Veny

It was a Canadian-American named Ernest Lawson that spent his time painting landscapes that found a balance between Impressionism and Realism. He painted urban scenes in a realistic style that was heavily influenced by the Impressionistic form and specifically, the styles of Twachtman, Sisley and Weir. Lawson's work falls directly between Realism and Impressionism and that can be seen in his painting Excavation - Penn Station, 1906.

Veny also uses her ability to mix styles and forms in her works. Many of her paintings in her landscapes and marine art have elements of realism and impressionism. This makes these original acrylic art for sale very enticing for appreciators of these styles.