To Be Realism
Realism is the accurate depiction of shapes of color as seen in nature.
The accurate representation of shapes,
their sizes, and relationships,
is the skill of drawing.
A drawing by Ingres
Black and White of a painting by Rubens
The accurate representation of value within those shapes creates form.
And the well ordered arrangement of shapes and values creates composition.
And the skilled balancing
of nature's hues (color)
brings life to form.
A painting by Bouguereau
It is therefore the object of the student of nature to master shape, value, and hue. The artist who can do this can then bring life to any image s/he can see in nature or envision in the mind's eye.
Painting by Bouguereau
