A fundamental idea of Classical Realism is the belief that the Modern Art movements of the 20th century opposed the tenets and production of traditional art and caused a general loss of the skills and methods needed to produce it. Modernism was opposed to art as it was conceived by the Greeks, resurrected in the Renaissance, and carried on by the academies of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Classical Realism artists attempts to revive the idea of art production as it was traditionally understood: mastery of a craft in order to make objects that delight and ennoble those who see them. This craftsmanship is then applied to drawing, painting or sculpting contemporary subjects which the artist observes in the modern world.
Classical Realism is characterized by a love for the visible world and the great traditions of Western art, including Classicism, Realism and Impressionism. The movement's aesthetic is Classical in that it exhibits a preference for order, beauty, harmony and completeness; it is Realist because its primary subject matter comes from the representation of nature based on the artist's observation. Artists in this genre strive to draw and paint from the direct observation of nature, and eschew the use of photography or other mechanical aids. In this regard, Classical Realism differs from the art movements of Photorealism and Hyperrealism. Stylistically, classical realists employ methods used by both Impressionist and Academic artists.
With this goal of craftsmanship in mind Classical Realist painters have attempted to restore curricula of training that develop a sensitive, artistic eye and methods of representing nature that pre-date Modern Art. They seek to create paintings that are personal, expressive, beautiful, and skilful. Their subject matter includes all of the traditional categories within Western Art: figurative, landscape, portraiture, animal portraits, indoor and outdoor genre and still life paintings.
The return of traditional drawing and painting skills is long overdue. Classical Realism is thriving now as modern art becomes so extreme. Classical realism has specific standards for training, beauty, form, and perspective. Art Academics are bringing the classical training in drawing and painting back to the forefront of art education that traditional universities do not offer.
Cornelia Rijkaart van Cappellen studied at several of these academies/ateliers in Florence (Italy) and a strong foundational education in art, while being trained in these old masters techniques. The resulting work reveals a personal and contemporary expression of beauty while paying homage to the Classical tradition of craftsmanship.
The starting Dutch artist Cornelia works from Italy but accepts portrait commissions from all over Europe. She takes great care to express the beauty of souvenirs and/or inherited objects for her still life commissions. Explore her work in the different galleries on http://www.rijkaartvancappellen.com.
Cornelia Rijkaart van Cappellen studied at several art academies in Florence (Italy). The resulting work reveals a personal and contemporary expression of beauty while paying homage to the Classical tradition of craftsmanship.
The starting Dutch artist Cornelia works from Italy but accepts portrait commissions from all over Europe. She takes great care to express the beauty of souvenirs and/or inherited objects for her still life commissions. Explore her work in the different galleries on http://www.rijkaartvancappellen.com/.
