Getting Closer, a documentary about megarealist painter Tjalf Sparnaay

Getting Closer, a documentary about painter Tjalf Sparnaay by Hester Hagemeijer, 2014
Full 40 minutes version in HD, English subtitled
The film tells the tale of Tjalf Sparnaay’s drive to paint and be something exceptional. Paradoxically, to do this he chooses everyday items, which have never been painted in such a megarealistic fashion.
In his studio we look over his shoulder to see how he works. In the Rijksmuseum he tells us how he has been inspired by 17th century Dutch art. We follow him at exhibits and openings in the Netherlands, but in New York as well, where he tells us about a can of Coca-Cola he found and his fascination with imperfection.
Jan Six, Ronald Plasterk and Ralph Keuning among others share their experiences.
Getting Closer brings us closer to Tjalf Sparnaay’s work, which can be found in collections over the world. He is considered one of the most influential hyperrealistic artists of the moment.
The music accompanying this documentary has been especially written and performed by Tjalf Sparnaay himself.

[@markiepadgett]

After three comments, I grow tired of people trying to steal the dialogue of an artist’s work because they have nothing better to contribute. Thank you Tjalf Sparnaay for all your hard work , talent and amazingly precise view of the world we live in.

[@austindarrenor]

What they're not getting is how much fun Realism is to watch something come to life in front of you. Whether it's an old Coke can or a glass of milk. And if he can do it full time instead of just on weekends then he's got a job that's fun.

[@ziraprod6090]

I agree - and the gallery owner sticking meaning into the paintings that the artist isn't intending. Shiny - Consumerism - Warhol - etc.

[@littlecazador]

What an honest documentary of a true artist.....It makes me really happy for him that his dream and desire became a reality. His hard work, diligence and staying true to himself is extremely inspiring.

[@sharonjohnson1632]

All of these people posting negative comments about this artists work should realise that the world does not revolve around their personal critique despite being allowed to form your own opinion, what may not work for some may work for others and to deny its validity based on biased opinion does not negate the fact that this man's work is exceptional. For someone who apparently has 'no imagination' he has certainly done well for himself and continues to fascinate a wide range of people on his subject matter and level of skill, he has taken his work internationally, exhibited it in galleries and is making a good living off of it and I call that successful and he loves what he is doing of which is also important. He has had the guts to pursue a life long dream and he is living proof that through hard work, belief in yourself and your gift and a never give up attitude which allows him to grow in His work and persona all things are possible to them that believe and I find that to be inspirational.

[@TaurusPresents]

What a beautiful and well-made documentary about this painter. When I first saw his work I was immediately impressed by the beauty of everyday things. The fried eggs, the richly filled sandwiches, the salad bowl. If you look closely at his work, you can see with which precision and built-up layers of color the subjects are constructed. The well-stocked salad bowl is so cleverly made. Painting the illusion of transparent glass and the reflection is truly a feast for the eyes. It is strange that some people don't appreciate this when they have never seen these exceptionally well-made still lifes in real life. Last year I also saw some photos of this painter. You also saw the enormous sense of composition and how he manages to capture the wear traces of time. We live in a strange time where we can see the most beautiful things through KZbin, such as this documentary, but where some viewers do not seem to appreciate this. And sometimes I am even more surprised how pulp videos are well viewed and appreciated. Fortunately, as a viewer I can also make the choice to watch and appreciate these kinds of beautifully made videos. And I can recommend everyone, if the opportunity arises, to see this work in real life. Thanks for sharing.

[@lluhu]

There are different degrees of difficulty when painting hyper-realisticly. Indeed, the smaller the scale of the painting compared to the real scale of the object, the harder it is to paint hyper-realisticly. Try painting a hamburger or fried egg at its real scale or even smaller hyper-realisticly and you will see that it is much harder than blowing at the scale and filling pixels with colors. Realistic (either classical impressionism, expressionism...) on the other hand require reading the relationships between form, shadows, lights gesture, etc... in its whole and therefore can be worked succesfully at different scales, keeping always its essence.

[@beatle1956]

What a likeable fellow. His work is fantastic. He's doing what he loves to do and making nice money. Good for him!

[@geejee1255]

i think its dumbing down the masses

[@bendover2684]

@@geejee1255 how exactly?

[@mikerickard9586]

Gee Jee shut up

[@Lovingtroll]

A brilliant documentary. Observing a life in pursuit of one's passion is ever-inspiring. Godspeed Tjalf.

[@bcstephe]

Absolutely stunning. "You think you know what's there, but of course you don't." Interesting just the impact this has vs. a real life object in front of you. These are all just shockingly beautiful in a way, thrilling really.

[@markkoscar7869]

I can't imagine the concentration and patience it must take to paint these pictures. Impressive

[@TheFith]

He's a master. Wow, such a great documentary. I was captivated throughout the whole thing.

[@Beethovenfan12]

I was the same! I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@red2744]

no hes not🙄

[@coralierousseau2427]

What a fantastic artist, and so gentle and nice. Admirable. Thanks 🙏

[@conscience-commenter]

The textures and attention to the most minute detail are fabulous . Note how he uses an arm rest and mahl that keep his strokes true and prevent muscle fatigue . He is a modern master .

[@triconcert]

Wow! What an experience viewing this documentary. As an artist you're taught to strive for painterly works but when you see Tjalf's hyper realism something traditional and majestic wells up in you. Complexly exquisite and beautiful!

[@Mr05241948]

He is a master painter, and his realism is astonishingly beautiful

[@mycollegeshirt]

a hyper realist artist that doesnt just copy what he sees, now that is incredible

[@firebreathingfirebreather4042]

mycollegeshirt he literally traces over a projected image..

[@InsanityHere]

I'm so totally blown away by his paintings. The painting of the cheeseburger, the flattened coke can. Wow! I wish this guy continued success.

[@tylero8595]

some people are just amazing. He seems 100% genuine and happy. Very nice.

[@pdn-vd5om]

A wonderful documentary. Thanks

[@benhartart9487]

This art takes sooo much focus and time to complete, I can respect the effort, though I prefer a more impressionist loose style but still nice egg!

[@momredandjonny]

The documentary is well done and a quiet time spent talking about art. Some times in these films the art is grating, the artist a boor, and the talk facile but here the film is a pleasure to watch, the artist is open and engaging. As for the subject matter, well, this too can be a relief from the dark, moody angst that is so common. We all paint what we like. Enjoyed it.

[@christinajarmolinski727]

The fried egg baffled me. It is amazing or the bowl of salad! It's intricate and modern. It was a great experience for me watching this video and the success and acknowledgement Tjalf has received. He has earned it. Thank you.

[@karenholland6910]

As a would be artist who enjoys realism, I find taking realism to the extreme absolutely fascinating, no matter what the subject matter is. Some of the comments are pathetic and simply reek of jealousy. This wonderful artist is excited because there are still people, in this world of conceptual crap, that get it!!!!

[@lluhu]

Hi Karen, you can dislike hyper-realism and conceptual art. There is a HUGE UNIVERSE between these two extremes. I for example love figurative paintings from Goya, from Velazquez, from Picasso and also current artists like Lucian Freud or Jenny Saville, and many others. I find hyper-realism boring and conceptual art most of the times to "cheap".

[@lluhu]

An I forgot the great Egon Schiele! :)

[@MayimHastings]

Karen Holland Exactly! They should have let the art stand for what it is and stop the selling. Just the same, the comments here are nasty. All art is subjective, and just because one doesn’t like the style doesn’t mean they should disrespect the artist! Jealous snobs...

[@Sabartio]

@@lluhu Most people who are fans of hyper-realism here are triggered by opinions like yours based on phrasing. To call something "boring" almost comes off as dismissive of the work behind it and might even be read as contentious. Naturally, you have the right to express these opinions and should do so if you so wish, but you should also understand why some might be offended by it. One can express a dislike of something without devaluing its artistic integrity; I much prefer classic portraiture à la John Singer Sargent, but I realize that it's kind of rude to call other arts "boring" or "cheap".

[@lluhu]

@@Sabartio Anny, as most people here, I like to express my opinion and normally give arguments to support it. I talk generally about hyper-realism. I personally don't find it an intellectual approach to painting as there are NO ideas, but just pure representation. I like when the figurative artist is capable of thinking conceptually about lights, shadows, three-dimensional form, expression...and not just simply coloring one pixel after another. If fans like hyper-realism, good for them. They have the right to say how nice hyper-realism is. I don't and I have the right to say that I don't like it. It is called criticism.

[@gast4215]

Thanks for this documentary. Love the "flea market Vermeer". What could be more rewarding than being able to say, your dreams came true? Congratulations for reaching this stage!

[@Memeophobe]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful paintings with us.I'm deeply touched ,and moved by them. They truly, truly capture the moment ,without imprisoning it-and , after all, isn't that what so many great artists strive for? "Beauty is truth, truth beauty,-that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know." "He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul " Your music is full of beauty, too. Thank you.

[@SergioooFerretti]

Great movie. Really happy that he has made a dream come true. Its a tuff way, who chase their dreams know it very good. Paintings are great !

[@stevenedwards4470]

Very cool. I think some of the negative comments here reflect a short sightedness or inability to transpose the artistic vision and techniques of centuries past thru a modern prism. This guy is serious and at the same time doesn't BS about the day to day motivations that drive all of us. I hadn't heard of this artist before but I'm glad I saw this. Thanks for providing it.

[@jalspach9215]

And sometimes we overthink comments which are nothing more than the random fleeting, fickle snark of post pubescent fuckery. That wonderful algorithm drew me here off Theo Jansen. Very pleased it did. Cheers.

[@red2744]

nonsense. theres more to painting than copying exactly whats in front of you.

[@grinwald633]

@@red2744 Totally agree, some lame comments about a frayed teabag string but Hyper-realism is a photographic representation. Doing it in oils shows amazing technique, but does it really elicit any feelings other than appreciation of the skill - where's the art?

[@alexcalde4422]

Here another specimen who believes that the Great Painters did not paint mega-realism,because they could not do it ,very funny friend really haha

[@Svitojus]

Those paintings are not even on par with "megarealists". They are amazing, do not get me wrong, but internet is full of INSANE realism.

[@FAKEtrailers2]

are you saying that the stuff he creates can be painted to be more real? i dont think even the best 'megarealist' painting the same egg would come up with a more real looking egg

[@bliss230]

Yeah, and it's all shit

[@roshandangol9080]

true

[@manoomunicnent1773]

Because the Internet is naff :) Also if you could 3d print an edible egg composing all the complex chemicals an egg is made up of could you claim that as megarealism?

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

Yeah the indians are killing it at the 'megarealism'!!! :)

[@soilgrasswaterair]

This reminded me of art teachers telling their students to remove the photo and draw the motive from their mind instead. Or like a child that can bike, but will still not allow the parent to remove the training wheels off of their bike. He is far too skilled to not fly off and make incredible heart tied to his heart!

[@maryreynolds5310]

Hyperrealistic art is definitely my favorite type of art. Thank you Tjalf!

[@funmonsterUK]

The art of re-creating and bringing vibrance to a scene that we as people have lost to familiarity... I love it

[@lluhu]

He has great skills, but after seeing three paintings I get tired of hyper-realism.

[@danielmanalili2062]

walktheworld i feel you there , it gets boring it’s like it has no story to tell the viewers

[@TaurusPresents]

Perhaps you should have looked more closely and deepened to understand what the art form is. And you don't have to appreciate it either, but have you also wondered if your opinion really matters. Fortunately, we can all choose whether we like something and whether we want to pay attention to it. ;-)

[@red2744]

Same tho Im always amazed by how crazy of siill you need to paint so accurate but then again its all just technical thinking and kind of mathematic its boring I prefer visible brushstrokes and expression in realism

[@lluhu]

@@TaurusPresents My opinion matters to me :)

[@bluebimmer33]

Do you feel the same way about photography?

[@Deanriley]

Love the detail, the depth of attention, the concentration required to create these still life paintings. Would love to own a work by this painter.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Absolutely impressive! Thanks for the video and all the footage regarding your passion. Congratulations and best wishes.

[@fournierveronique6466]

Taking a photo with the flash light is completly forbidden in a gallery !!

[@paulwoodford1984]

hush now

[@passion777able]

I like this art. It's not boring. It's inspiring. I wish I had his level of skill.

[@austindarrenor]

There's something really special about watching something come to life in front of you, whether it's an old Coke can or a glass of milk. I know, I do it in pencil.

[@passion777able]

@@austindarrenor Hi Gary! Good for you. Enjoying what you do is most important. If you enjoy what you are doing, others will enjoy it too. So don't give up. You'll get better every time you do it. Pencil is excellent. I knew a lady that was only 3 feet tall and she had mastered animal portraits with CRAYONS! She drew each hair with skill and a sharp crayon. She was incredible.

[@Gnaboaix]

@@passion777able Hi Silvia, can you share her website, instagram, or whatever platform she is using to show her work, please?

[@passion777able]

@@Gnaboaix Hello friend. MY short friend passed over 12 years ago. She was a dwarf. Unfortunately, she only did commission work to make a little bit of money on the side. She never had it published or belonged to any of the social mediums we have now. I met her in 1982. I might have a few photos of her work but they are in storage along with a lot of my stuff I packed away when I sold my house. Sorry I can't show you what she did but she was amazing. Thank you for asking.

[@Gnaboaix]

@@passion777able I'm sorry to hear that. I can imagine how amazing she must've been from the way you describing her.

[@laurav179]

Stunning painter and skills to perfection, I am sure he will continue to grow and transition into an artist, maybe even a great artist of his time. Time will tell...

[@marynordseth2788]

Thanks for your video, so ultra-real, even in camera reproduction. Thrilling to observe the artist, and the character of New York.

[@tadghsmith1457]

Isn't it strange that they don't ever show him working from photographs? Yet he himself admits that he works very closely from photographs, at that is the only way photo-realism can be done. Perhaps they thought that showing him copying from a photo would have ruined the "mystique of the artist?

[@Uojomo]

+Tadgh Smith This is a very astute observation of yours. He clearly discusses his photographic reproduction technique, at least to the extent of the creation of his reference images. If one watches the video carefully, there are many indicators of even his painting techniques. He essentially is creating a high-dynamic-range painting using essentially a high-dynamic-range photograph--in other words, a composite image (as he states in the video). By the way, I am an artist, oil painter, and I respect this man's work.

[@Badtastemamma]

not much mystic going on here ! Excellent technician though

[@samuelazeredoo]

The Whalens do u even know what High dynamic range means? lol

[@Badtastemamma]

Samuel Azeredo please enlighten us Samuel !

[@samuelazeredoo]

Janet Storey the dynamic range is like the range of color and value that is in a photo, for example, u cant have a bright sky and bright ocean in a sunset photo, so the high dynamic range is when u compose two photos with diferent dynamic ranges to create a photo that looks super "real" and have a lot of details. I think that was what uojomo meant by high dynamic range on his comment. I might be wrong though :p

[@antoniskyriakou327]

AMAZING ARTIST!!ONE OF MY FAVOURITES

[@ceessmit9972]

Dear Tjalf, Met toenemend respect voor het ongelofelijke dat je weet te presteren op het doek krijg ik ook steeds meer waardering en ontzag voor je performances. Stillevens ga/ging ik gemiddeld genomen snel aan voorbij in musea of vernissages. Jij brengt een volstrekt ander ‘licht’ op deze tak van art. Hoe iemand dit voor elkaar weet te brengen grenst voor mij aan het onwaarschijnlijke. Wens je veel succes, inspiratie en plezier bij je komende performances. Hartelijke groet uit de Auvergne 😅

[@ravenbones9808]

Oh. .My...God ... Wow, I've never heard of him, thank you for the documentary , amazing :O

[@z1522]

When the gallery dealer waxes eloquent about the hidden Warhol or Rothko or Mondrian, it's more likely that normal scenes and objects all contain such treasures, and the Rothkos and Mondrians of the world abstracted them; this fellow might, but just as easily might not be consciously referencing them so you have to be cautious listening to critics with vested interests, as they are able to spin gold from choss. This fellow does show a wry hint of humor that helps separate his from clinically cold photorealism, but the techniques shown aren't particularly 'Old Masters' ones - no glazes, dramatic sidelighting, etc. Ironically, up close Rembrandts dissolve into pure Jackson Pollock abstraction, so the magic occurs where the paint recreates objects in the viewer's mind. These are more eye candy, vivid and appetizing but you quickly overdose and are ready to take a nap.

[@Badtastemamma]

Also I wonder where his work will be in 200 years time ?

[@donmiata8731]

time will tell

[@chevy0chase]

I think this is a fairly concise counter-argument, I could see this getting exhausted. Perhaps I won't try to swim out to the deep-end with this style.

[@johnmartle7263]

Val O'Brien More positive art not the dark shit.

[@slashpot]

The piece which really impressed me was the vase of flowers at the unveiling. Seen a million vases, some are incredible, some are dull, This was like the antithesis of a Fantin-Latour, but with nearly as great an effect. Very colourful paintings aren't always garish. Someone who is expert with colour (certainly this guy's greatest skill), can make it work beautifully, and the extreme detail is actually quite unusual with such a beautiful subject. Hyper-Photorealism tends to stick to the modern, mundane and clinical; a window frame, old vehicle grille... Sometimes a nude, but usually without grace or 'standard' beauty. Or they go for the banal; a burger, vegetables or packaging. In this respect they are fulfilling one of the obligations of the painter: to report is time for posterity. Something the masters certainly did, in work such as "Night Watch" and the altarpieces and such the renaissance greats made for the rich families. But that duty has dived into the back-seat since photography & video became the standard method for recording history, which is probably why fine art evolved into pure abstraction as the lens evolved into the complete 'reporter'. Thankfully that journey reached its conclusion with the pure black or white canvas. And now, slowly, figurative work is once more allowed to be called art, and unskilled 'paint chucking' is fading into little more than gimmick. The skilled master can return to his position, and maybe the 'ordinary folk' will start buying art for their walls instead of nothing or posters of whales and water. Won't that be fun! Damien Hirst run out of town on a rail and those artists who get others to paint their pictures en masse get tarred & feathered. Normal people might get to see a real Rembrandt or Vermeer and get it which just doesn't happen with an image on a doco, or a crap reproduction. The one amusing thought about such hyper-realism, is that it can probably be achieved without real drafting skill - the mark of the real artist - as there is no chance Tjalf is drawing this to canvas. The outline of his final master is probably put together in Photoshop & maybe even printed onto the canvas, obviating the entire drawing/sketching process. After all, when kids are blowing minds on youtube with a photorealistic pencil of their favourite celeb, and getting away with being called artists - when what they’ve done is traced another person's photo and simply done the shading - maybe all the skills & hard won knowledge of the Master artist is obsolete after 3000 years. Shame, it is the most Fun bit of art.

[@leftpastsaturn67]

Scrolled down to find the expected negativity... and there it is. Not everyone can be an artist, but anyone can be a critic. Which one has more value I wonder. Art is subjective, and telling everyone you don't rate something on a YT comment section is utterly pointless... why not create your own art, get recognised, become sought-after, have someone make a documentary about you, post it here, and watch as dozens of talentless keyboard critics pass their ill-informed opinions in a caustic manner. You'll love it.

[@Seanz421]

This comment is spot on. Beautifully stated😉.

[@diegoyepes6454]

im sorry man, but if the theme of your work is your technique, then its not an artistic work, its just mechanic. why compete with a camera? there is a camera doing that job already. why not reduce reality to an esential design where you can express who you are instead? thats art..but hey if you are too thick to get that its ok. have a nice day.

[@duantorruellas716]

Being an artist I never say anything negative about an artist's work , however I'm hypocritical because when it comes to films I will say sometimes, that movie was terrible. I know it's wrong but I consider it less of a personal attack on someones creativity because it's a group project and few films stick to the vision like music because it changes dramatically from its initial idea . Production , rewrites , censors , etc. But with this painter and those ultra realist like him there is a market and those who like it . It's not my cup of tea but those who may say he's a camera , I can only say what makes him novel is that he has the skill to be equal to a camera, this is what makes people say wow. To be able to get that kind of detail stems back to the Flemish and Dutch painters that had an uncanny enamel like quality to they're paintings. Vermeer painted like a camera back then lensed light box or not , he was brilliant. And the subject matter was the same, it was household stuff , things you see in the house , food , flowers , chairs , milkmaids. So this painter has skill , concept of a historical lineage and those like me who get it.

[@duantorruellas716]

Hahahahahah

[@diegoyepes6454]

@Janet C. Hunter im not saying anyones work is worthless. Im saying that making it look like a photo isnt the goal. Just make a photo then why bother?

[@kathleen7849]

I admire realism but was never really a fan of it but I quite like his work. I the simplicity and the brightness of it. The egg is wonderful. The texture, the sheen. I'm fascinated with light. I connect it with God.

[@kevincasha8241]

This video made me understand what megarealism really is...well done and a fantastically skilled artist

[@Lynchppi]

Whenever I venture into the comments section it reminds me why I rarely venture into the comments section.

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Well, at least you went to the trouble of imparting that piece of wisdom on us. That counts for something.

[@BenedictHarris]

Nothing like photo-realistic painting to raise the hackles of non-painters

[@kalayne6713]

I never tire of seeing the incredible talent of an artist like this. I consider myself to be creative but to recreate such reality is next level. Godlike.

[@hughjazz64]

Realism has nothing to do with talent; it's a hard-earned skill. That's why hyperrealism is not considered art but craftsmanship. A craftsman copies reality, while an artist creates their own. It's great, however, that such painters as Tjalf Sparnaay still exist. I would love to have one of his works in my art collection.

[@crusty21]

The effort and talent is what counts here. Finding beauty in fleeting objects you are about to devour only adds to the mystique of our temporary yet intricate existence...He preserves it on canvas.

[@zniborz]

Heerlijke docu. Bedankt voor het uploaden.

[@Nullllus]

A knife against a non-stick pan is a crime.

[@nahuelv2]

Yeaaaahh.... i feel totally outrage!!... Thougth I was the only one

[@arlingtonhynes]

Nahuel axb You weren’t.

[@dinoleo3804]

It's Madness

[@BDTPBO]

Makes me hate his art.

[@Simon05784]

😂 Yeah, me too. I said noooo.! I guess for the sake of art...?

[@panchamkauns]

”I have trained myself to paint at an incredible level.” ”That’s great! What did you paint?” ”I painted an egg” Gotta love it

[@BenedictHarris]

He fried his own egg to paint. I kind of CAN'T EVEN

[@oldrikky]

so what are you doing..??

[@MichaelOZimmermannJCDECS]

When I look at his art, I get hungry! And hat is a compliment... Love his way of looking at mundane things in our lives...

[@marcomaihofer]

I don't like a perfect egg, I like a tasty one , this is just perfect and I can't smell it.

[@stevenknight6393]

WonderfuLL documentary,very truly inspiring,as an artist myself for m0re than 4o years,I stand humbled on the ability of this artist,again this a masterpiece within itself,thank you for posting such a magnificent video,1st time viewer but not the last.♡this stuff.

[@Color-Theory]

"He's using this Dutch, old master technique in a contemporary way which makes puts him on a genius level..." Not sure that Frank Bernarducci understands his profession as well as he should...the only thing traditionally Dutch about that process is the painter using it, lol...Still GORGEOUS paintings!

[@carlcat]

Color Theory: To me it looks less of Dutch master techniques and more like New York photo realism in the 60's such as Richard Estes. Fun paintings tho and well done.

[@andreacarboni9501]

I mean, you have great talent, no money issues, you ve got an audience ready to worship you and you paint a mc Donald advertisement

[@vishnu2407]

So?

[@dixynormous5901]

And yet every 2 bit "art" enthusiast wants to suck Warhol's dick because he copied a soup can? This guy composes his own subject matter, he seeks it out by way of exploring & chance encounter, or he makes a damn sandwich and reproduces it stunningly and on a grand scale. I know which artist I prefer.

[@ElmwoodParkHulk]

Yigal Ozeri said to me "don't be afraid of beauty ". You put in your time and deserve the reward. Traditionalists aren't going to like photo realism but every art form,music has its criticism. Davinci criticized Micheal Angelo lol. It's hard work what you do ,not just the art but the marketing and promotion. I worked with Ozeri who arguably is the greatest photo realism artist of our time and I got to see the business side of it at Manna in Jersey City where the studio is. Nice to see you making it .

[@TheDaddyO44]

The words 'exciting' and 'beautiful' should definitely be used to describe certain types of art - I'm right with you Mr Meisel - good man! :)

[@notgirly1923]

"But you can also detect a deeper layer in it. You could almost call it a layer of social criticism."

[@sumitkumawat8996]

ha ha !!!! it wasnt der bt nw it is !!!!!

[@rstash1]

His brain and mind see the world differently from the rest of us. He can recreate what he sees almost perfectly. The fools who complain that all he paints is eggs don't get it.

[@trahapace150]

Yes because someone who has a different tastes than you is automatically a fool

[@compulsor5853]

Beautifully done film on one of the most incredible artists; also brutally challenging to those of us who KNOW we're doing less with our gifts than we "should"- an artful kick in the pants as it were, at least for this viewer.

[@sanjayart]

I love your work sir ! Documentary was so good !!👍

[@calvancandy8384]

I'm glad his dream came true I'm working on mine.

[@krisvojna7269]

Aren't we all my friend!!

[@paulmcgreevy3011]

Fabulous work but a lot of artists you see on KZbin paint this hyper real way now and the problem is if they were all brought together to paint a fried egg in a pan the corner of the room they will all produce exactly the same image.

[@Lovingtroll]

I disagree

[@charlesprice925]

It's the art of seeing the magnificent in the mundane and the assumed. Look past the subject. The intricate workings of contrast, the play of light, is a shift back to the classic, and it comes from sharp observation and exacting skill. He's got it. Focus tight enough on any given place, in any of his paintings, and you find the abstract. The pendulum has crested and we get to see what comes next in art. The reason to create is to capture a thing in it's time an place. Time is frozen, along with the unseen that came with it, from time capsule to past influences. It's the human act of doing. It is only when, all possibilities, are focused through a human do we get something. Good job, Sparnaay.

[@sj4632]

Amazing. Love that Coca Cola painting. He brought a dirty and forgotten soda back to life.

[@clacclackerson3678]

Paintings done with great skill and little art.

[@milosblagojevic5899]

His composition of the still life and shadow and light is what really makes him a good artist, though i agree that hyperrealism is not a preferable form of art, but his teqnique combined with his composition of old masters really makes it unique, and if it was done in traditional style, it wouldnt be as interesting.

[@johnsmith-wx5fb]

Look at all those with little art and great skill at B.S ing everybody

[@moncorp1]

Disagree with OP entirely.

[@craigcotter7476]

@@moncorp1 that's because you're a philistine who has no understanding of art at all.

[@dfghdfghuytiu8207]

Those paintings would make great jigsaw puzzles.

[@oldrikky]

wonderful documentary. I live in Holland ,and will definately try to see some of your work...as soon as this crisis is over..

[@HerveM66]

Very interesting, thanks ! What a great and wonderful artist !

[@samuelazeredoo]

omg people, just let the guy paint the way he wants, can't u see he is happy that way?

[@craigcotter7476]

no

[@somerandomname3124]

When ever I see arguments like this I think "Just let that rapist deflower that four year old, it makes him happy so let him be."

[@AnAtomintheUniverse]

So you're comparing a man painting on a canvas to a pedophile? What a bizarre individual you are.

[@mikerickard9586]

Michael Lozano Oh, shut the fuck up!

[@mpking-ey7ys]

16:30 16:47 It's crazy to mention Rothko and abstraction when you talk about Sparnaay. This is proof that some art experts are just over interpreting what they see and bullshit them to who they think are less cultured people like me.

[@rev1595]

Good grief are you right about that.

[@Gnaboaix]

Yes when something is magnified to a certain degree, of course it's going to be unrecognizable thus "abstract", ahah.

[@mikecathy3875]

The kind of art that takes your breath away.

[@artistintheclassroomjoypes7542]

Brilliant! Love your work and fine detail!

[@arsendicarloss7199]

Guys plz give credit where its due... the guy he's incredible in what he does...as a painter myself iwud say... d negative coments we c bellow r frm jealous ppl who cnt acknowledge this amazing talent... #my/point/of/view.

[@bluegirlonsunday]

I don't want to sound mean, but I couldn't understand the second half of the comment.

[@Bailatumbas]

Huge skills, without anything to tell

[@Beethovenfan12]

Wow, you really missed the point, I think. The rusted Cola can said it all, for me. Andy Warhol was celebrated for painting an exact likeness of Campbell's Soup cans. Tjalf takes that same idea, and shows us that same realism, but with the inevitable degradation and decay of things. I think that's quite a message.

[@sherion80]

@@Beethovenfan12 Warhol wasn't celebrated for the likeness of the depicted cans, but for the fact, that he dared to paint such a mundane thing like a can and name it art.

[@timedriverable]

Thanx for sharing...one of my most favorite mediums.

[@carolatchley229]

Responding to someone else's comment I say, everybody's opinion matters. We may disagree, but it doesn't mean one of us is wrong. I loved learning about Mr. Sparnaay's work. It is incredible to me. His bouquet of flowers was stunning. In addition, I'm always pleased to see someone make a big life goal and attain it. It's not easy at all.

[@MrMjp58]

I was loving this till I read the comments. Everyone's a critic [yes, including me!]

[@PHeMoX]

Wow so much questionable negative comments on here. Why? The hyperrealism in his painting is extraordinary, both in craftsmanship (flawless colour mixing and extremely realistic depiction of subject with amazing eye for detail) and artistic execution (composition, concept, impact etc.). It's fairly crazy to see people question this type of art. Surely it's not everyone's cup of tea and I get that. But having tried to paint hyperrealism myself I know this is *not* easy. Heck, it's not easy to literally copy from a photograph and end up with something interesting. I also don't think any false claims were made about his style reflecting an obviously more modern take on what originated from the 17th century dutch masters. I think people are misunderstanding the comments on lighting and style in the video if they expect to see a Rembrandt style fog of darkness, encompassing subjects like a thick coat to create a focus of interest. Sparnaay's work to me looks like an evolution of that style of lighting and attention for realism, without being a copy. It's less painterly than say John Singer Sargent's work is, but the influence is undeniably there. I would also say Sparnaay is probably not quite a complete specialist when it comes to trompe-'loeil, but it's definitely present in most of his paintings.

[@Milosmetal]

It's just the braggadocios way of selling the work that's creating the negative. That gets old and clearly repeals the viewer. It's also dangerous to compare to old masters. The art is brilliant.

[@jennyh5641]

It's questionable because it isn't original in any way. There's no way to distinguish this artist's work visually from any other hyperrealistic artist. just search hyperrealism on youtube or instagram and you'll find hundreds of artists who are all doing the same thing - meticulously copying something onto a canvas with no variation because they have absolutely no original ideas. So your painting looks like a photo. Big whoop.

[@oopalonga]

its absolutely not easy and the craftmanship is insane--but why the FUCK would you paint this shit? I don't get it. it lacks any sort of imagination. I mean what is the point? how is it different than just blowing up an HD picture of something?

[@oopalonga]

yup, exactly my thoughts.

[@clutterpossum6557]

oopalonga, because it's there.

[@fooman65]

Spotted my old Spitfire car in that Dutch cityscape, great work.

[@mustangdave63]

Excellent documentary and a very proud Tjalf, the critics are fine with there guided views but then that's why they are not artists and if they are they are giving there own though's on his work, for myself looking in i have a lot of respect for anyone to commit there time and effort sweat, and at times toiling with there work and busy life's to produce perfection of a high caliber such as Tjalf.

[@robertcook2680]

This work is technically impeccable, but hardly unique or unparalleled. There are many artists who can do this. It is primarily a technical achievement, and amounts to reproducing photographs in paint. To do such work seems redundant by now. However, the work is accomplished and many find it pleasing. This is what any artist wants: an appreciative audience.

[@Daginxz]

The sandwich looks just like a “broodje bert” sandwich!

[@chrisg7891]

All of the commentary and interviews were so revealing and insightfull. Thank you for the excellent video. For artists stuck at home during the shut-down, we are able to travel and experience something new and wonderful. I'm a fan of Sparnaay for life!!

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Wonderful works of art ✌ Ik ben van de perfectie afgestapt, geen realisme meer. Nu spiritueel, dromen, emoties en feelings met een boodschap.

[@nichegoseberazdvatri]

you're a realist but yet the egg disbursed on the pan the way it intended, and yet you cut out the part you don't think fits within the desired image you have in mind. what makes that part of the egg undesirable?

[@mugushi54]

So many terms. Hyper-realism, photo-realism, now Mega-realism. Not sure what is next, computer printer realism? Oh wait, that exists.

[@rev1595]

Why not just take a picture? I don't understand why artists are still trying to recreate what a camera can already do.

[@rev1595]

@@simoneliasbjorkman but it's just so Dutch... because food still life

[@sarads7877]

Seth T Cause taking a picture of a rusted can is not really that impressive, i wouldn’t pay to see it. Painting it with every detail being spot on, that’s impressive Plus, half the time they paint something that doesn’t actually exist: they create a composition and then they use references to make it look real, but they don’t actually have the object in front of them. For example, i saw a hyperrealistic painting of a naval port that was entirely made up by the painter, so there’s no way of getting a pic of that. Also, things like that perfectly transparent bowl... you can’t achieve that by just taking a picture, unless you use photoshop, which defeats the entire of purpose of “just take a picture”

[@rev1595]

@@sarads7877 the end result is pretty much the same for me, whether using a camera with photoshop or paint. Even if the scene is made up, it still has a "here's the thing" effect. A painting of a rusted can isn't any more or less impressive to me than a photograph of one.

[@staxter6]

Like sports car, super car, hyper car..too many superlatives.

[@rosered103]

Very impressive. That is what is called perseverance with a passion.

[@zogzog1063]

I'm in love. From New Zealand he is a breath of fresh air. A Dubov in the world of chess or a Chekov in Russian poetry.

[@apedreus]

Dude is much more impressed with himself than anyone else is.

[@snaefellsen]

Stunning but the Motives dont inspired me.

[@esteladrasdo]

I love his paintings..... maybe one day I will be able to afford a small one.... I can dream!

[@HULLGRAFFITI]

The devils in the detail..., The translucence on those chips is just incredible..

[@jakeybad]

When i watch these documentaries they never show the drawing process. How does he get it onto the scale he does? Grid, free hand or project?

[@krisvojna7269]

He uses a project cause i can see it in one the the documentary

[@mr.bloodvessel260]

No doubt his technique is superb, but how about his subject matter?

[@bilalhussein9730]

Subject matter doesn't matter.

[@Gersberms]

Prachtig. Dat vorkje sprak me direct aan toen ik dat zag! Als kind was ik al gefascineerd met die afgeknipte rondjes achterop.

[@vexguine]

A happy artist. Loved the doc. :)

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Big fan of how painter dude used a camera, and then a projector to trace the images onto the support (I know those trace marks anywhere) and then has the balls to say in the style of the dutch masters. Their paintings informed us of the human condition, then they were beautiful. This dude paints Macdonalds and pepsi. Just like Warhol indeed fake.

[@Badtastemamma]

+Martin Jasiak Totally agree see my comment above

[@MrJimmygolden]

The old masters did project and trace , do some research before you try to make someone look like less a person or artist

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Don't get angry, the verdict on whether they did or not is vague, to say the least. I have done my research, for like 20 years bud. Learn to paint, and then get some insight into what this guy is actually doing.

[@pasqualetartaglia9639]

agree

[@justdonnaplease]

sorry to reply to a year old comment, but how did they project/trace back then? I'm curious

[@gordonenquist36]

I enjoyed this documentary, Tjalf's workmanship and workplace. Did notice though that Coke cans do not rust, as they are aluminum. Cheers Eh!

[@Hellica08]

They were made of steel at one point.

[@StermaPerma]

Thud Butt Stainless steel

[@pazovackiputnikglobetrotte1712]

Hey Tjalf I have just seen this video. It is amazing. Hope to meet you one day! Z

[@gattbe5611]

absolutely brilliant in its circum tangential juxta balancing...The magnificent spectral luminosity of the negative forces pressuring the validated terminated values.. ( artspeak ) TRUTH::: art is anything you can get away with !!!