Giovanni Balzarani: Capturing Reality
Giovanni Balzarani is a leading Italian artist in the field of contemporary hyperrealism, valued for his extraordinary ability to reproduce reality with exceptional detail and precision.
Born in 1979, he graduated from Liceo Artistico in Latina and continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, earning a degree in Painting in 2003. Since then, he has combined restoration work in major Italian cities with his passion for art, experimenting with the painting techniques of the great masters.
His artistic production is strongly influenced by Pop Art and Photorealism movements, with a particular focus on still life. His works are characterized by meticulous attention to detail and light, challenging the viewer's perception.
Balzarani’s approach to hyperrealism goes beyond technical skill, incorporating deep symbolic meanings that invite viewers to uncover hidden stories behind each composition.
Giovanni Balzarani: The Artist
Giovanni Balzarani has deeply explored the technique of hyperrealism.
Specializing in the use of watercolor, Balzarani has mastered this technique, even designing custom brushes to suit his needs.
His works not only represent reality but reimagine it in surprising ways. In 2015, he gained visibility on the international watercolor scene, taking part in solo exhibitions and major industry festivals.
He is also a member of prestigious associations such as the National Watercolor Society and the NorthWest Watercolor Society, as well as the Italian association InArte.
The subjects of his works include still life, especially metal and glass objects and contemporary urban landscapes, which he personally photographs, always drawing inspiration from the hyperrealist style. His art reflects influences from iconic figures such as Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, and Ralph Goings.
Since 2017, Balzarani has been named Brand Ambassador for DANIEL SMITH (USA), collaborating both on technical aspects and social media management, promoting watercolor, water-soluble oil, and gouache paints.
In December 2023, he exhibited his latest watercolors in a solo show at Spazio COMEL Contemporary Art in Latina. Additionally, as part of the FabrianoInAcquarello USA Texas event, to be held from October 14 to 16, 2024, Balzarani will participate as Country Leader and give a hyperrealist watercolour demonstration on October 15 at 3:30 pm at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center.
In 2024, he was selected to participate in the "2024 Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition" organized by the NorthWest Watercolor Society and the international exhibition of the Society of Watercolor Artists in Fort Worth, where he received the Judge's Award.
The artist is a professional watercolorist and is also:
- National Watercolor Society Signature Member
- NorthWest Watercolor Society Member
- InArte Member
- FabrianoinAcquarello Country Leader – Italy
- BORCIANI E BONAZZI Hyperrealism set of 4 brushes - signature series
Hyperrealism: The Artistic Movement
Hyperrealism is an artistic movement that includes both painting and sculpture, where artists use photographic techniques and mechanical methodologies to reproduce reality, creating an illusionistic effect in their works.
The themes range from human figures to urban landscapes or inanimate objects, often represented in a style influenced by advertising aesthetics: intense and vivid colors, with compositions focused on the main subject.
To achieve a faithful and detailed reproduction of reality, hyperrealists commonly use enlarged photographs for paintings or live casts for sculptures, thus managing to capture every last detail, in a process that borders on the obsessive.
The term "hyperrealism" specifically refers to an indipendent artistic movement that emerged in the United States and Europe, seen as an evolution of photorealism.
Furthermore, the collaboration with the artist led to the creation of a set of highly precise and professional synthetic brushes, designed to accurately execute the main pictorial movements typical of hyperrealism.
Giovanni Balzarani: Innovations and Creations
Giovanni Balzarani worked with Borciani e Bonazzi to develop a set of synthetic brushes specifically designed for hyperrealism, featuring a patented ergonomic grip to improve comfort during long painting sessions.
In 2023, he collaborated with DANIEL SMITH to create the "Core Mixing Palette," a custom set of watercolor sticks consisting of five main colors: Hansa Yellow Medium, Quinacridone Coral, Lamp Black, Cobalt Blue, and Phthalo Green Yellow Shade.
The same year, he worked with Borciani e Bonazzi to develop a set of synthetic brushes designed specifically for hyperrealism, equipped with a special patented ergonomic grip to enhance comfort during long painting sessions.
The kit designed with Borciani e Bonazzi includes:
- 1 Masking brush, round size 4
- 1 Glazing brush, round size 5
- 1 Fine detail brush, round size 0
- 1 Flat micro brush, flat size 0
- 1 ergonomic over-grip, exclusive Borciani e Bonazzi patent, with texture to improve grip and reduce hand strain during long painting sessions. It can be positioned on all 4 brushes, allowing the painter to slide it along the handle for greater comfort.
The artist Giovanni Balzarani describes the creation of the set as follows: "In my opinion, the design and realization of this set were tailored for me, for the artist and their stylistic and painting needs.
The company did an excellent job, from the selection of the filament – the new synthetic sable positively impressed me, as I have always preferred natural sable, especially for glazing – to the shape of the grip, the color, and the overall concept of the final packaging.
In hyperrealism, one often paints for many consecutive hours in the same position, so the focus was primarily on having a tool that wouldn’t strain the hand in its natural posture."
The piece "Under the Seven" was chosen for the set’s packaging design. Regarding this, Balzarani explains: "It's an urban landscape depicting a passage under the New York subway bridge. I painted it while walking towards MoMA PS1, inspired by the perspective of the lights shining through the holes in the metal structure."
Brushes Created by Giovanni Balzarani
Which filament was chosen? How were the brushes designed? Here are all the details of the brushes created by Giovanni Balzarani:
Focus on the Over-Grip
Patented, ergonomic over-grip with a texture that improves grip and reduces hand strain during long painting sessions.
The shape of the over-grip, which fits onto the handle, fills the gap that forms between the thumb and index finger, ensuring a much more secure hold.
When painting in this style, the artist applies a lot of pressure, which can sometimes cause tendon pain. This tool ensures that the hand is not stressed.
Masking Brush – Round Size 4
Used for applying masking fluid, common in most paintings, especially in the early stages.
The fiber
The green filament is characterized by good elasticity and softness and a medium water release. Perfect for watercolor, acrylic, gouache, and oil for grain detailing, but also for decoration. The tip is perfect for flexible, full, and defined strokes. For details, however, it is recommended to use the brush at the tip.
Glazing Brush – Round Size 5
Mainly used for glazing.
The fiber
This brush features the new synthetic fibre patented by Borciani and Bonazzi that has the same characteristics as the natural Kolinsky Sable but with better performance in terms of elasticity and endurance. A perfect blend of wavy fibers with different diameters and tapering to ensure:
- Tip hold
- Excellent absorbency
- Shape recovery
Fine Detail Brush – Round Size 0
Mainly used for painting small details.
The fiber
The plum filament is extremely elastic, ideal for precision work with diluted mediums such as watercolor, inks, and gouache. It provides a precise and defined stroke thanks to the strong elasticity of the fiber.
Micro Brush – Flat Size 0
Especially used for painting small details in urban landscapes.
The fiber
This brush features the new synthetic fibre patented by Borciani and Bonazzi that has the same characteristics as the natural Kolinsky Sable but with better performance in terms of elasticity and endurance. A perfect blend of wavy fibers with different diameters and tapering to ensure:
- Tip hold
- Excellent absorbency
- Shape recovery
Words from Giovanni: What Do You Love About Borciani e Bonazzi Brushes?
Being an enthusiast of natural sable hair, I was pleasantly surprised by their synthetic sable brush, which matches the characteristics of softness, especially in glazing.
My favorite series is the "Masterpiece 107," from number 00 to 6, and lately the "Masterpiece 107/S" and the new "Il Perfetto" series, which I can use for both watercolor and gouache. Its name is absolutely fitting, as it is perfect in every way.
I found a fantastic team in this Italian company, that is able to support the artist step by step in their needs, from the bristle to the handle and the many different technical tips.
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