Take a look at the image on the left. Nice photo...huh? But you would be amazed to know this is actually an ultra-realistic illustration created by Canadian artist Jason de Graaf. Born and raised in Montreal, Jason graduated in illustration and design from the Dawson College in Montreal. Before he started painting in 2005, he worked as an illustrator for many years.Today, he is one of the well known names in the hyper-realism genre. His paintings are so real, that even I thought of them as being photographs at first glance. According to Jason his paintings expresses his unique vision. Apart from creating hyper-realistic drawings, he adds a sense of depth that photographs lack.
Jason majorly uses acrylic on canvas and one of his specialities is reflections, which is stunning. His work is not just about creating realistic images but he tries to infuse his own sense of alternate reality with his unique vision. Thus creating a sense of 'verisimilitude' on the painted surface. Read on to know more about Jason, in our interview with him:
1. Hello Jason, could you please tell us something about yourself?
I am a painter who grew up in Montreal, Canada. I currently live near Vankleek Hill, Ontario. At one point my biggest aspiration was to either be a comic book artist or animator. After graduating with a degree in illustration & design, and failing to get enough commissions, I slowly started painting more and more for myself. I saw that other artists, with comparable styles to my own, were apparently selling their works through galleries, so I decided to pursue that avenue.
2. How did you get into the role of a hyper-realistic painter? Are the techniques that you use to create the paintings something that you formulated after a lot of experimentation? Could you briefly discuss the techniques that you use?
In college where I was exposed to books on Japanese hyperrealist illustrators, whose work blew me away. As well, an illustrator by the name of Sharif Tarabay gave a short demonstration of his acrylic technique. That combined with reading about other artists' method and philosophies formed the basis for my procedure and style which has developed in the 16 years since.
3. Why specifically acrylic on canvas? Have you experimented with other mediums?
I've just really become accustomed to acrylic by now. I like it's ease of use. I've experimented with gouache, watercolour, pen and ink, but never oil paint. I like the familiarity of acrylic.
4. The subjects of your illustrations are so varied? How do you decide on what to draw?
Usually ideas develop from paintings I've already done. Or they've been percolating in my mind for enough time that I feel confident in turning them into a painting. I try to make paintings that are new, but personal, with something for the viewer to chew on while avoiding cliches. Ideas can come from anywhere.
5. On an average how long does it take you to complete each painting?
About five to seven weeks.
6. What other artists do you draw inspiration from? If you could work on a joint project with one of them, who would it be?
Lots of artists, too many to list.
7. Lets have a rapid fire round:
Are you a tea or coffee person?
Coffee
Your favorite genre of music?
Metal and progressive rock
Your idea of the perfect way to relax?
Watch a movie or tv show
The biggest compliment that you have received for your work?
That it inspires someone
Which of your creations is your absolute favourite?(This could be a hard one to answer)
I don't have one in particular. That is a tough one to answer because it changes all the time.
8. What are your future plans as an artist? Any dream project that you would absolutely love to work on?
If I could just keep painting and making enough money from that to keep going, that's enough. Of course I'd love to be in a museum or something. And I think every artists wants to contribute to the culture and history in some way. I hope my paintings develop into something better, as always.
9. What advice would you like to give to wannabe artists to help them succeed?
It was really a marathon for me to start getting any traction at all. For some artists it can be a sprint. It's a real gamble though. Just make sure you do what makes you happy. Looking back for me I would say perseverance, tenacity and trying to remain open minded was the biggest factor.
Thank you Jason for working with us and taking the time for this interview. We wish you the very best for the future.
Jason, your paintings are outstanding! I'm a Member of the Five pencil Method and there are 7000 of us. We endeavor to draw hyper realistically with Darrel Tank's drawing technique. Some of us would aspire to get even close to your work.Thank you for sharing.