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While we are used to artists of the world being creative and finding new and unique ways to portray reality, it may come as a surprise when you see oil paintings looking like photographs. It takes a great set of skills and attention to detail, yet artist Johannes Wessmark seems to have no problem with that.

The self-taught photorealist works with acrylics and oils to create his pieces. The on-demand knowledge of Wessmark's painting has made his workshops and lectures in Sweden and the United States a valuable experience for collectors and admirers, and he has published two books showing his specialized technique and style in photorealism.

More info: johanneswessmark.se | artstation.com | twitter.com | Instagram | behance.net

Wessmark works with acrylics and oils on his photorealistic pieces. Here are some "work in progress" shots, in case you don't believe these are actually paintings

In the images below, check out the finished pieces by this talented artist

“Ideas for paintings can come up very differently. It can be a photo I see online, a scene in a movie, something I see when I walk through town. Suddenly there is something that catches my attention and I create my own version in my head,” the artist told Bored Panda.

You might wonder how long it takes to finish such a realistic painting - Johannes says: “It varies quite a lot. My bigger and more complex paintings often take between 3-6 weeks but if I make a small one without too many details it’s usually finished in a couple of days.”

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

Johannes Wessmark Report

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Gerard Neaux
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow that beautiful transparent blue! It makes me want to decorate my home with bottles.

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Talking about his creative process, the artist shared: “My workflow for a painting is often like this: I decide what to paint. Then I take a photo of it. Or actually, I usually take lots of photos and choose the best one. When I have decided what size I want to make the painting, I print my reference photo in that same size. I make the sketch with help of a light table to get it as close to the photo as possible. Then I am ready to start painting. Mostly I start with the background and paint the main motif in the end. I work best when I play some music. One favorite genre is movie soundscores. Dramatic, exciting, and sometimes emotional music, without lyrics, works best for me. And it should be loud.”

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Johannes says he has some unusual techniques he has developed through the years: “I have learned how to combine different materials and I use workflows most artists don't. My goal has always been to sharpen my hyperrealistic skills to a level as high as possible. Most of these techniques and workflows will remain secrets until I release my book on that subject, late 2022.”

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“When I started with hyperrealistic painting my biggest inspiration was the pioneers who once started this genre in the '60s. Ralph Goings, Richard Estes, John Baeder, Tom Blackwell are some of them. Great artists that I still 'visit' online,” says the painter.

With so many great creators out there, we wondered whether it’s sometimes hard to stand out, to which Johannes replied “I believe that younger artists can feel it is difficult to develop a unique style. I have been developing my style since the mid-'90s so in my case I am quite comfortable and think I have found 'home.' Of course, I can change the motif and subject matter once in a while but I think most people can still see it is a ‘Wessmark.’”

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

Johannes Wessmark Report

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Layla Corman
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to be swimming in that water, under that sunshine, RIGHT NOW! (From cold and snowy Syracuse NY)

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As for his future aspirations, the artist says: “In the long run, my goal is to continue making a living from my art as long as I can hold on to a brush. My closest goal is to continue developing the cooperation with my marketing assistant in Texas, who is promoting and selling my works throughout the Gulf Coast. Another goal is to create some really cool, new paintings for my upcoming solo exhibition here in my hometown Karlstad 2023.”

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Just A Banana.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I love it!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

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CorgiChameleon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person is drawing with more detail than my eyes can see

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

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GSMountainWolf
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You must own every kind of art utensil in the world to do this oml

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

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Meet The Photorealist Paintings Of Johannes Wessmark

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Mikki Leo
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the incredible details. The teeny hairs framing her face!! Howwww???

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Wendy Watkins
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm curious, of all the people commenting at the end of the article how many can actually draw? My guess is none, just a bunch of talentless normals talking about what the purpose of art is. Give me a break the purpose of art is whatever the ARTIST wants it to be. Not what boring, talentless drones want to Collins dictionary define it as. CHALLENGE and thereby SKILL is the driving force behind true creative expression unless of course you're hiding your lack of technical skill by doing moody abstract art.

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Note: this post originally had 32 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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