American artist, Richard Estes, has a way of making his oil paintings look like photographs. His amazingly realistic paintings have, for years, captured the essence of Americana. New York City was Estes’ muse… the chaotic city, with all it’s many scenes was what made these paintings so remarkable- the millions and millions of stories within each building painted.
With the use of digital film, Estes photographs his scenes before recreating them on paper. The historical aspect comes in play, for example, in the painting of the Brooklyn Bridge with the World Trade Center in the background. Sometimes, he also alters the scenery to create a more interesting portrait.
Now through February 8th, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is pleased to present, “Richard Estes’ Realism”. Come pay homage to one of American’s earliest, and best, photorealists!
Image courtesy of: Smithsonian Magazine
