As summer gradually fades in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere is in full anticipation, we take a moment to reflect on the warmer days with Jean-Pierre Kunkel’s stunning Pool Series. Here is a sneak peek behind the scenes.
Imagine standing at the edge of a shimmering pool on a sun-drenched summer day, the water glistening as sunlight dances across its surface. This is the world captured by Jean-Pierre Kunkel in his mesmerizing Pool Series. These large-sized, photorealistic oil paintings are more than just images; they are windows into a serene, almost dreamlike world where reality and art blend seamlessly. Join us as we dive into the fascinating process behind Kunkel’s Pool Series, from the conception to the final brushstroke on the canvas. Do you want to catch a glimpse of his masterpieces in person: contact us for info on the galleries that carry his work, or go and visit the Red Dot Art Fair in Miami, from 4 to 8 December.
Conception and Design: Scribbles, Moods, and Vision
Every masterpiece begins with a spark of inspiration. For Jean-Pierre Kunkel, the Pool Series starts with a series of scribbles and mood boards. He begins by sketching out rough ideas, capturing the essence of the scenes he envisions. These initial sketches are fluid and dynamic, allowing Kunkel to explore various compositions and motifs.
Mood boards play a crucial role in this stage, as they help set the tone and atmosphere for the series. Kunkel collects images, color swatches, and other visual elements that resonate with the tranquil and reflective nature of his pool scenes. These mood boards guide his creative process, ensuring that each painting captures the serene beauty he envisions.
Finding and Equipping the Model
With a clear vision in mind, Kunkel’s next step is to find the perfect model. This model must embody the grace and elegance that characterize his pool paintings. Once selected, the model is carefully briefed about the concept and the desired poses.
Equipping the model involves choosing the right swimwear and accessories that complement the overall aesthetic of the series. Kunkel ensures that the colors and styles chosen harmonize with the pool’s environment and the mood he aims to convey.
Underwater Shooting: Capturing Magic in Motion
The magic truly begins underwater. On a sunny summer day, Kunkel and his model dive into a large pool, armed with a digital, waterproof camera. This underwater shooting session is where the initial concept starts to come to life. The model, briefed and ready, strikes various poses as Kunkel captures the fluidity and movement of the water around her.
The interplay of light and shadow, the reflections on the water’s surface, and the natural grace of the model are all meticulously documented. Each photograph taken during this session holds the potential to become a part of Kunkel’s next masterpiece.
From Camera to Computer
After the underwater shooting session, Kunkel uploads the picture files to his computer. Each image is scrutinized for its composition, lighting, and overall feel. From the hundreds of photos taken, Kunkel carefully selects the best sequences. He looks for images that capture the essence of his vision—those that highlight the fluidity of the water, the play of light and shadow, and the elegance of the model. These selected images will serve as the foundation for the final painting.
Composing the Optimum Original Photo
Now comes one of the most intricate parts of Kunkel’s process. He takes picture elements from individual photos—a hand here, a foot posture there, the curve of a neck, the line of an upper body—and composes them into an optimum original photo. This digital collage process allows him to create the perfect composition, optimizing proportions and ensuring that the final image is both harmonious and dynamic.
Once the composition is complete, Kunkel makes a control print to use as a reference during the painting process.
Transferring the Original Photo to Canvas
Transferring the optimum original photo to canvas is a critical step. Kunkel employs one of two methods depending on the subject and the level of detail required:
Projection and Sketching
In some cases, Kunkel projects the original photo onto the canvas using an episcope. He then sketches the motif in pencil, capturing the essential lines and shapes. This method allows for precise control over the composition and proportions.
Printing on Canvas
Alternatively, Kunkel might choose to have the image file of the original photo printed in black and white directly onto the canvas. This approach provides him with more detailed information about light and shadow, which is invaluable during the painting process.
Painting the Masterpiece
With the image transferred to the canvas, the real magic begins. Using oil paints, Kunkel meticulously recreates the scene, paying close attention to every detail. The print of the original photo serves as a guide, but Kunkel constantly controls and adjusts the look and feel of the painting. He layers colors, refines light and shade, and brings the water and model to life with each brushstroke.
Bringing the Pool to Life
The result of this painstaking process is a series of breathtakingly photorealistic oil paintings that capture the beauty and tranquility of the pool scenes. The anonymity of the girls, achieved by purposely not depicting their heads, adds a layer of intrigue and universality to the work, inviting viewers to project their own emotions and stories onto the scenes.
Jean-Pierre Kunkel’s Pool Series is a testament to the power of art to transcend reality and create new worlds. Through his meticulous process and unwavering dedication, Kunkel transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary masterpieces, inviting us all to dive into his enchanting world.
