Realism

Form, texture, and light relations appear concrete and observed.

Visual traits

• Concrete form
• Material texture
• Ordinary scene

Expected changes

• Object form and surface are more likely to be legible
• Excessive ornament is more likely to be reduced

Definition

It shows familiar people, things, and places through concrete form, texture, and light relations. It does not mean a photograph, a particular society or historical event, or a particular artist or work.

In more detail

It clarifies observable features of a subject while reducing excessive idealization or ornament. Subject matter, place, period, and narrative remain separately selectable.

Includes

• Observable form, texture, and ordinary scenes

Excludes

• A claim that an image is a photograph
• A particular social issue or historical event
• Imitation of a particular artist or work

What this does not imply

• A photograph, a particular person or place, a particular social claim

Variability

The degree of observed detail can be selected for the subject and viewing distance.

Usage

• Keep observable form and texture
• Specify subject and period separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Use photorealistic rendering when only photograph-like rendering is intended

Typical uses

• Depict ordinary people or things with concrete texture

Possible failure modes

• Form is decoratively exaggerated
• Subject specificity is lost