TCS #2 - 5 More Tips on Creating Hyperrealistic Art

Hi all, thank you so much for the positive feedback on the previous Creative Scoop newsletter! I’ve decided to continue in part 2 with 5 MORE tips on drawing hyperrealism. If you missed the first part, you can read it here! ✨

Again, these are all simple principles and techniques, but fundamental in my own art practice!

5 MORE TIPS ON CREATING HYPERREALISTIC ART

TIP #6 - Get your colours right.

If you are working in colour, this is an important step in the drawing process. I personally find it helpful to pick out my colours ahead of time before I start to draw. I test out colour swatches on a piece of paper to get as close of a match to the colours in the reference photo.

Also, it is important to remember to keep your colour tones consistent throughout the drawing. For example, if your image uses warm tones, use all warm toned colours (light warm grey, medium warm grey, dark warm grey). And vice versa for cool toned colours. Unless the reference photo has a mix of different colour tones (like with different lighting), using the same tone within a drawing creates harmony and smoother colour transitions.

TIP #7 - Don’t underestimate the white pencil.

Another tip for achieving smooth blending is using the white coloured pencil. Many people overlook the white pencil as it is “colourless”, but it is probably my most used pencil.

For areas that are lighter in colour or have a bit of white in them, I like going over the already laid down colours with a layer of white on top to get a more seamless blend. Just remember that adding the white on top will lighten the colour previously applied, so choose your colours accordingly.

TIP #8 - Break it down.

When working on hyperrealistic pieces, it can sometimes feel overwhelming with how many fine details there are or perhaps due to the size of the drawing. In this case, I find that it helps to break the drawing down into smaller parts. Work on one small area at a time and move on to the next when you’ve completed the first. Drawing this way makes it feel more manageable and less daunting.

I personally like to work from the top left corner outwards to the bottom right corner (because I’m right-handed). Once I’ve completed all the areas, I like to go over the entire piece again to clean up any details.

TIP #9 - Don’t be afraid to go dark.

Don’t be afraid to go dark and bold with your colours. Sometimes, I’ll see hyperrealistic drawings in which the colours are quite faint and you can still clearly see the white of the paper. This takes away from the realism of the piece.

In real life, people and objects are solid colours. Therefore, when we draw these subjects we need to match the solidness and vibrancy of those colours. Don’t stop at layer one or two. Keep layering your colours even if it takes six or ten layers, until you can’t really see the white of the paper anymore.

TIP #10 - Understand that hyperrealism is a slow art.

Lastly, approach hyperrealism with patience. Hyperrealism combined with coloured pencils is probably one of the slowest art genres to draw (based on my personal experience in working with various mediums and genres). In order to create drawings that look realistic, it requires accuracy, attention to detail, and layers upon layers of colouring - all which cannot be rushed. Many of my pieces have taken over 100 hours to complete.

Therefore, take it slow and enjoy the process! Although it’s slow, I can tell you the final results are worth it.

GIVEAWAY WINNER 🎉

And the giveaway winner of the “Wonderfully Made concept sketch is… David Michael C! Congratulations!! 🙌 I will be sending you an email with more details! Stay tuned for future newsletter giveaways~