Visual arts, like music and literature, have been one of the most dominant forms of expression. From cave paintings to the Renaissance, humans have found new, meaningful ways to communicate their sentiments. Like other branches of art, visual storytelling has also evolved with new inventions. An example of this is photography, one of the youngest art forms and perhaps the most democratic. Coined by Sir John Herschel, photography means light drawing (‘photo’ stands for ‘light’ and ‘graph’ means ‘to draw’). Naturally, some of the famous principles of the medium, even today, borrow their essence from their older sibling, painting. Today, The Phoblographer is here to talk about the artworks of renowned painters who can propel you to improve your photography
Michelangelo Caravaggio and Rembrandt van Rijn
Not too long ago, our Editor, Chris Gampat, wrote a critical article on the lack of improvement in photography. One of his crucial observations was that “photography has been mimicking other visual art for far too long.” And I couldn’t agree more. But his advice, which rings even more true today, is how one should “not (be) taking inspiration from lens-based media.” So, if you are a portrait photographer who needs new ideas, I implore you to turn to the works of renowned painters Michelangelo Caravaggio and Rembrandt van Rijn.
Born in 1571, Caravaggio became prominent in art thanks to his intense paintings, which portray human complexity with dramatic lighting and composition. His works are powerful but also demonstrate human brutality and hate. His models were often individuals from lower backgrounds, scenes that many other artists in his time would refuse to paint. Caravaggio is a great source of inspiration for photography, especially those in photojournalism and documentaries. The use of colors, theatrical expressions, and raw, unfiltered emotions are some elements you can learn from. His tight frames do not allow the viewer’s gaze to run anywhere. In fact, it seems to be done so to keep you hooked on the story unfolding in front of you. Photographer Robert Claus, who shoots still life, told us in an interview how he took inspiration from the artist: “As a big Caravaggio fan-boy, I love deep shadows, stark contrasts, and rich, yet slightly muted colors.”
Rembrandt, a famous Dutch painter born in 1606, used a specific kind of lighting to give his portraits a three-dimensional look and to capture realism in a time when two dimensions were the norm. The tonal range and regard for details of the face and the body are some elements Rembrandt would use. His keen gaze and how he would create flattering portraits of subjects led photographers to adopt his method. Even our previous article once explains how Rembrandt’s light can “make anyone look great.” We have even given our readers tips on how to angle the light using a flash and a softbox. If you are still confused, then we urge you to look at National Geographic photographer Bob Holmes and portrait photographer Dorota Gorecka‘s works to gain more perspective. Both photographers employ the technique to create distinct photographs as they are alluring.
René Magritte
It was painter René Magritte, who once evocatively said: “Everything we see hides another thing; we always want to see what is hidden by what we see.” Magritte, a great surrealist of the 20th century, juxtaposes mundane, everyday objects into dreamscape paintings. For instance, in one of the Belgian artist’s paintings, we see a couple kissing, but with what appears to be cloth bags around their faces. As humane as the act of kissing, the veil throws you off entirely. If you are into advertising or generally dabble with concept artwork, then Magritte is one of the renowned painters you could turn to. Magritte’s artworks could help create meaningful conversations in a chaotic world, allowing people to halt and ponder about the picture’s message. For instance, photographer Ezo Renier created haunting, surreal images with muted tones that make you question your reality. Xavier Buendia, on the other hand, chose to take inspiration from The Son of Man for a project that spreads awareness of suicide and depression through photography.
Norman Rockwell
Born between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Rockwell’s artworks are quintessentially American in every way. His photography oscillates between reality and fiction. For instance, a recurring element in his paintings is children and their mystical land where dream comes true. Considering that he grew up during the World War, his paintings, like the works of C.S. Lewis, were to help the coming generation that was scarred by the war. Some of his other works also portrayed the quaint American life in small towns, civil rights, the fight against poverty, and the Vietnam War. In fact, Cindy Sherman’s and Nick Mansfield‘s photographs seem to carry the same persona and intrigue.
Frida Kahlo
The Mexican painter was not only her own muse but also of photographers like Imogen Cunningham and Edward Weston. The themes at the crux of Kahlo’s work are love and pain. The latter was a sentiment she was too familiar with, as she underwent 30 surgeries in her entire life. While the artist made 200 artworks in her life, 55 remain to be self-portraits, which she is most famously recognized for. “I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone because I am the person I know best,” Kahlo had once said. But what sets her work apart are the technicolor, owning her Mexican heritage, and feminism. Even in photography, it is often possible to ebb and flow with the crowd, forgetting one’s roots. Kahlo, in this regard, will be a beacon to guide you. Not only does one learn elements of surrealism from her, but her self-portraits are great for anyone who wants to look within.
Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh died in abject poverty, but his legacy continues to be a great source of inspiration to many artists and photographers. The use of vibrant colors, his ability to see the unseen, and his general love for nature are some things that many painters and photographers turn to. For instance, photographers Iri Greco and Jim Fryer‘s painterly food photographs are a great example of this. Their still life of food utilizes warm and cool colors, while the bright, soft light makes the scene endearing. Ester van Overbeek is another photographer who has given a twist to van Gogh’s work. In an interview with us, she notes how she used both van Gogh and Claude Monet as a source of inspiration for her dreamy pictures of blossom trees.
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to taking inspiration. You can create something new inspired by all six painters on the list or stick to one. What you must do, though, is immerse yourself in the works you see. You need to feel something to churn your creative wheels and help you produce something good. A process like this takes time, so don’t give up. Learning new things is uncomfortable, but trust us, it is the best way to do it.