Realistically painting the figure requires more skill and effort than almost any other subject because of the unique difficulties that it presents. An artist has more latitude to take liberties with their “artistic license” when painting such subjects as a still life or landscape.

Of course, an artist can paint the human figure or a portrait using different styles and techniques and still be realistic. But let us not forget that everyone viewing a painting where a figure is portrayed knows what a human looks like and knows whether or not the human anatomy is correct or not. Remember, although the Cubist’s enjoyed taking the figure apart and putting it back together again using different angles and views, in most cases they were anatomically accurate. It was always fun staring at Picasso and finding he had a very great knowledge of human anatomy.

Some artists have actually managed to paint people – portraits, figures, nudes – very creatively using colors, thickness of paint, brush strokes, styles, and more. I can’t help but think of Van Gogh and his many followers and imitators when I mention this. However, none of this necessarily diminishes the complexity of imitating nature when it comes to painting people. It is generally accepted that a well-painted figure is tour de force for any artist.