Amazing Hyperrealistic Portraits Capture the Fine Details of Complex Emotions

Hyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp Weber

Artist Philipp Weber’s portraits will make you do a double take. His hyperrealistic works are so life-like that, at times, it’s impossible to tell whether they are a painting or a photograph. But Weber’s amazing portraiture is all done by hand using oil paint and tiny brushes. Every detail is accounted for, from glistening water beads to the fiber fuzz on a cape. Each element, while minuscule, adds to the cinematic look of the paintings; they often employ characters in costume in the midst of tender or contemplative moments.

Weber’s technique is immediately awe-inspiring, but his intention is for us to look beyond hyperrealism and consider the content of the paintings. “The large-format paintings make use of the aesthetics of glossy magazines, but their meaning lies in what is not staged,” he shares. “It is the view beneath the brilliant surface under which the range of human emotions and inner truths emerge: life and death, wishes and fears, loyalty and betrayal.” For Weber, the excess of detail is also an opportunity to “maximize feeling” in each piece.

Take a look at Weber’s hyperrealistic paintings below. Then, be sure to follow him on Instagram to see what he’s creating next.

Artist Philipp Weber’s portraits will make you do a double take.

Hyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp WeberHyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp Weber

His hyperrealistic works are so life-like that at times, it’s impossible to tell whether they are a painting or a photograph.

Hyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp WeberHyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp Weber

Every detail is accounted for, from glistening water beads to the fiber fuzz on a cape.

Hyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp WeberHyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp Weber

Each element, while minuscule, adds to the cinematic look of the paintings.

Hyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp WeberHyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp Weber

The paintings often feature characters in costume in the midst of tender or contemplative moments.

Hyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp WeberHyperrealistic Portrait by Philipp Weber

Watch Weber work in these process videos:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Philipp Weber (@philippweberartist)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Philipp Weber (@philippweberartist)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Philipp Weber (@philippweberartist)

Philipp Weber: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Philipp Weber.

Related Articles:

Hyperrealistic Artworks Are an Intriguing Portal to Their Subjects Inner Worlds

Artist Spends 200 Hours Bringing This Amazing Hyperrealistic Drawing to Life

Hyperrealistic Oil Paintings Submerge Ethereal Figures in Water

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content

[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]
[class^="wpforms-"]