Chuck Close (July 5, 1940)

Big Self-Portrait

1967-1968

One of the most famous Photorealists, Close is especially interesting to me, because, through him, we can see the evolution of a contemporary artist. The paintings here are listed in chronological order and the changes to Close's style are apparent. It is a change from Photorealism to what I can only describe as Pointillistic Photorealism and finally to Post-Impressionism. Strange how artists change, especially if you compare Close with the other renowned Photorealist, Estes, you'll see that the latter really didn't depart from his style, though both are still painting to this day. 

Lucas

1986-1987 

Lyle

2002

Selfportrait

2007

Richard Estes (May 14, 1932)

                                                                                    

Telephone Booths

1967 

When I was a few years old and first looking upon and thinking about paintings, I surmised that artists must be striving towards capturing, point-by-point, the exact image of their study. Yet, when I happened upon Photorealists, I was somehow disappointed: I was either upset that the heights of art were already realized or that they elicited such an unenthusiastic response from me. But, as I've grown older, Photorealism, while not reaching the promised heights of my childhood conception, seems to me a beautiful statement–or if you're so inclined, indictment–on the aesthetics of modern times. Richard Estes is one of the most renowned artists of the style. 

Circus Drive-In

1971

Broadway Bus on Liberty Street

1996

Victory Theater

1968