TCS #1: 5 Tips on Creating Hyperrealistic Art 🎨

Hi all! Today’s newsletter is a little different - I’ve decided to start a fun series called “The Creative Scoop (TCS)”! From time to time, I’ll be diving deeper into specific art topics aside from the usual updates on artwork and print drops. Whether it’s on art tips, my creative process, or best drawing snacks, the sky is the limit! 💫 

Over the months, I’ve received numerous requests for tips on drawing hyperrealism/smooth blending/art tutorials etc. I am by no means an expert and am still learning new skills everyday. However, I thought I’d share the general techniques and principles I use when creating realistic pieces. These are all simple principles but fundamental in my art practice.

Note: Some of the tips below are specific to my experience with coloured pencils as a medium.

5 TIPS ON CREATING HYPERREALISTIC ART

TIP #1 - Use a good reference photo.

I’m gonna be real with you guys. I am not someone who is able to draw realistic subjects purely based off of my memory or imagination. I’m going to safely assume that this applies to most people. Therefore, it is important to use a good reference photo(s).

I personally take my own reference photos, but depending on your purposes, you may be able to source reference photos elsewhere (e.g. online). The ideal reference photo is high-res with great lighting, so that when you zoom in all the details are still crisp.

But of course, the great thing about art is that you can make it your own. You don’t need to follow the reference photo exactly, and sometimes I combine small aspects of different reference photos to create a single piece.

TIP #2 - Invest in your outline.

If you want your piece to look realistic, it is crucial to get the outline correct. The outline is the backbone of your drawing and I cannot stress enough how important this step is. Particularly when drawing subjects such as people and animals, it is glaringly obvious when a feature is out of place or proportions are off. E.g. if you are drawing a portrait and the eyes are placed too close together, I guarantee that is going to be one of the first things people notice and it will take away from the realism of the piece.

Don’t rush through this step. I like to take my time with the outline and make sure that it is as close as possible to the reference. It is tempting to rush through the outline to get to the colouring or painting part, but trust me - invest in your outline. You will thank yourself later.

TIP #3 - Use layers. Lots of layers.

One of the most common questions I get is how to achieve smooth blending. Part of the answer lies in using numerous layers. When you lay down a colour, use a light hand and build up the solidness of the colour with layers until you can’t see the white of the paper anymore. This helps you create gradual transitions between different colours, instead of distinct edges on individual colours.

A bonus tip: When laying down your colours, use circular or shorter strokes. I find that smaller strokes help with getting a smoother blend vs. long strokes.

TIP #4 - Colour from light to dark.

This principle ties in very closely with layering. When colouring, I normally abide by the rule of light to dark. This means that when you are layering, start with the lightest colour (e.g. light grey). As you slowly work in more layers, start transitioning to darker colours (e.g. medium grey) and end with your darkest colours (e.g. black).

This principle applies to many art mediums like coloured pencil, because it is difficult to work in reverse (dark to light). There is only so much dark pigment you can cover with lighter coloured pencils.

Paints are more forgiving in this matter, as paints like acrylic and oil paint are opaque and can easily cover previous layers.

TIP #5 - Take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

I don’t know about you, but when I draw I sometimes become “tunnel visioned”. Depending on the size of the piece, I could be working on one small area for hours at a time and kind of lose sight of the rest of the drawing. Remember to take breaks, take a step back from your table/easel, and look at the bigger picture as a whole.

Even if the small area you are working on is “perfect”, if it isn’t cohesive with the rest of your piece, it will take away from it. Make sure the colours, darkness/lightness, and tones match throughout the whole piece to achieve balance and harmony.

I also find that sleeping on it (not literally) and looking at my piece the next day gives me a fresh set of eyes. Often times, I’m able to spot things that I wasn’t able to see before.

If you found these tips helpful and want more of this type of content, let me know! I might just do a part 2! What other topics would you like me to cover?

-Wendy