Contemporary Figurative Paintings

 

 

The Louries by Damian Osborne, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm, 2023, contemporary figure painting, portrait painting, the artist's wife, Knysna Louries, contemporary figurative painting
The Louries by Damian Osborne, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm, 2023. A painting of my wife looking out at the rather inquisitive and large Knysna Louries or Turacos that we have in our garden.

Contemporary Figurative Paintings

 

These are figurative paintings painted mostly from life or from imagination.

Also termed ‘figurative realism’, contemporary figurative paintings emphasize the human form, usually in a more realistic or representational style. It also focuses more on present-day aesthetics.

That does not mean it should be art that’s banal, clichéd or common-place. Although, the real challenge is to give quotidian art a sense of mystery or interest.

Figurative painting is becoming increasingly popular these days, and a lot of it can be somewhat vacuous or derivative through merely aping classical or academic painting styles.

Personally, I now try go beyond mere representational technique and consider a more intimate and psychological approach.

Since I don’t merely copy photos, I have a more personal connection with my subject matter and imperfections are just a natural part of the process.

I have no interest in attaining accolades or recognition from the art world gatekeepers, nor achieving ‘hyper-realism’.

I will often work from sketches that I’ve done in life drawing, or just from my imagination. I often use myself as a model too.

 

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